Damariscotta Police Chief Steve Drake resigned May 31, ending nearly eight weeks of public speculation following Town Manager Greg Zinser’s April 6 decision to place Drake on paid administrative leave.
Drake, in his May 31 letter to Zinser wrote, “I have enjoyed my time serving the citizens of this great community, and look back with pride on the great strides we have made in providing first-class public safety to the Town.
“It is with regret that I resign, but I need to take this time to focus on my family.”
Drake’s wife has been undergoing treatment for cancer.
The Damariscotta Board of Selectmen issued a statement June 1.
“Under Chief Drake’s leadership over the past eight years, the Department has played a key role in making the Town one of the most livable places in Maine,” the statement said. “Chief Drake will be missed, and the Town wishes him well in his future endeavors.”
The town “expects to interview qualified candidates in the near future,” the statement said. Meanwhile, Sgt. Chad Andrews will continue as acting chief, a position he has held since April 6.
Zinser’s decision to place Drake on leave – with the unanimous concurrence of the selectmen – followed a confrontational exchange between Drake, town officials and citizens during discussion of the Damariscotta Police Dept. budget at the April 6 selectmen’s meeting.
The following weeks saw an outpouring of public support for Drake and, among some supporters, derision for critics of the department. At public meetings, indignant speeches in favor of Drake’s reinstatement outnumbered scattered testimony calling the town’s reaction a reasonable response.
Reports of Drake’s imminent resignation began to surface May 24, although Zinser repeatedly denied the existence of any agreement until June 1.
