CAMDEN — Police in Camden have a new sergeant, Dan Brown, to help lead the 10-member department. Chief Randy Gagne appointed Brown to his new tasks in October, and told the Camden Select Board Dec. 3: “We’re very lucky. He is a good leader and mentor with a wealth of knowledge and ability.”

Gagne also introduced new patrol officers to the board, providing personal background about each of them.

Gagne reported that outgoing Sgt. Patrick Polky had left the department to pursue his bachelor’s degree. That left an open position for four eligible officers to seek; Brown was the sole applicant for the role of sergeant, the responsibilities of which include directing and supervising patrol officers, as well as mentoring them. According to Gagne, all Camden officers eligible to post for the position endorsed Brown as sergeant.

“Detective Curt Andrick decided to stay in his capacity as detective to continue great work he has done in creating the department’s detective division,” said Gagne. “Officers Brook Hartshorn and Allen Weaver were both happy with their current work assignments and were not interested in the position at this time.”

Gagne told the board that Brown, who lives in Owls Head, has 33 years of police experience, 28 of them in Rockland as deputy chief assigned to the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency, and 20 years as a patrol sergeant.

Besides presenting Brown to the board, Gagne also introduced three other patrol officers: Wes Butler, Tim Davis and Jeff Boudreau.

With his new position, Brown’s hourly wage is $23.07, or an annual base salary of $47,985; Butler, Davis and Boudreau have been hired at $16.51 an hour, or an annual base salary of $34,340. Officers also earn overtime at various events that take place throughout the year in Camden.

Butler, of Camden, was hired in July, after five years with the Rockport Police Department. He has a bachelor’s degree is conservation law enforcement from Unity College and graduated the Maine Criminal Justice Academy. He teaches defensive tactics, interactive use of force and methods of instruction.

Davis, of Appleton, worked previous at the Knox County Jail, and was a missionary in the Czech Republic and the Ukraine, 2002-2004. He has worked as a carpenter and is a certified reserve officer, said Gagne. He will attend the training course at the justice academy in August.

Boudreau, of Unity, is working in a temporary full-time position. He received a bachelor’s degree from Unity College. He previously worked at the Waldo County Sheriff’s Office and is a certified reserve officer. He is currently in Camden’s field training program, and will be considered for full-time employment with the town following completion of the program.

“We hope to be fully staffed [11-member department] by January,” said Gagne. “I hope these are the future leaders of the department. We don’t like turnover.”

Gagne said Camden PD was anticipating a busy schedule, with Christmas by the Sea this coming weekend, a parade that winds through the downtown, and during the fireworks that follow.

There will be extra patrol downtown, he said, and with Christmas parties, “we'll be out enforcing motor vehicle laws, as well.”

Gagne said the department is working with area schools on safety and drug issues, and continues to investigate scams that prey especially on the elderly.

“I don't know anyone who has ever won the Jamiaican or Canadian lottery,” said Gagne. He advised the public to call the police if there are doubts about phone calls and other solicitations or warnings.

“Call us first,” said Gagne. “We can help on that front.”

Town Manager Patricia Finnigan told the new officers: “I am so pleased that you joined us. You can tell just by looking at you that you are here to serve. Our police officers have a real great sense of community. That’s what distinguishes the police department from many other municipal departments. Our officers have a great sense of community. I want the community to understand that you are here to serve. You bring great backgrounds here.”

“Congratulations and welcome to the new folks,” said Camden Select Board Chairman Martin Cates.

Reach Editorial Director Lynda Clancy at lyndaclancy@penbaypilot.com; 207-706-6657.