CAMDEN, Maine — Camden police Chief Randy Gagne said he will be honored to also serve as neighboring Rockport’s chief for the next six months.
Gagne spoke before the Camden Select Board Tuesday evening, and they gave unanimous backing to an agreement to have its chief serve in the same capacity with Rockport. The previous evening, the Rockport Select Board also gave unanimous support to the agreement.
Gagne officially will take the helm of Rockport’s department Friday.
Gagne has been with the Camden department for 27 years, the last 5½ years as chief.
The chief said there have been discussions of sharing a chief when the time is right, and he said the retirement of longtime Rockport police Chief Mark Kelley is that opportunity. Kelley announced his retirement last month, which formally takes effect Friday.
Gagne grew up in Rockport and said he was honored with the opportunity to serve the town.
Rockport has adopted the same policies used by Camden, and officers from both departments have been sworn in so they can respond to calls in either community.
Gagne said the two departments have worked closely together over the years and routinely back each other up on calls. He said as the planning has been done to develop this agreement, every officer has said, “whatever you need, chief.”
Camden has 11 officers, and Rockport has seven full-time positions budgeted, including a chief, a sergeant, four patrol officers and one position, which is half-administrative and half patrol.
The agreement calls for Rockport to pay 37 percent of the pay and benefits of the chief.
Gagne said he is also hoping to reach an agreement with the Knox County Sheriff’s Office so officers could respond to emergencies in other communities if they are needed. He said other departments have responded to Camden, and he would like to reciprocate.
The two towns also share assessing services.