MADAWASKA — Town officials have appointed Jamie Pelletier as Madawaska’s new police chief, according to a municipal press release.
Pelletier has more than 20 years of law enforcement experience in Madawaska, and his community rapport makes him the right man for the job, according to a press release Town Manager Gary Picard issued on Monday.
Pelletier graduated from Madawaska High School and received a criminal justice degree from the University of Maine at Fort Kent, according to the press release. His career with the town’s police department began 22 years ago when he started as a reserve officer. From there, he moved on to a full-time patrol officer, then worked his way up to sergeant and lieutenant officer before becoming the chief.
County Administrator Ryan Pelletier, who formerly served as Madawaska’s town manager, said he’s known Pelletier throughout his career and that he was a great choice for the job.
“He was promoted to lieutenant while I was there,” said the county administrator. “He’s been a great asset for that community. He was born and raised there. The community knows him well, and I’m sure he’ll serve the community as chief exceptionally.”
Pelletier has been acting as interim chief since April 9, and said on Tuesday afternoon that it has been a pretty smooth transition.
Before this, Ross DuBois served as the town’s police chief. He retired earlier this year to start his own business.
“I’m just looking forward to continuing in the right direction,” he said. “I’m pretty big about community policing.”
He said the department has been short-staffed by two officers for the past couple months. But during this time, he said all the officers have all stepped up and gone above and beyond.
“I look forward to working with them for as many years as I have left before I get to enjoy retirement,” he said.
