The search for the Police Department’s 12th officer is over, thanks to one of its longest serving officers, Jeffrey Pelkey, returning to a full-time role.
A 28-year veteran of the department, Pelkey, 57, has served both full- and part-time over the years with brief leaves, including recovery from broken ribs following an assault in May 2024 during a domestic disturbance call.
“I’m back full time, number 12 – it feels good,” Pelkey said
Deputy Chief Scott Stephens confirmed Pelkey filled the open spot in September.
“He is already full-time certified, so he started working immediately,” Stephens said.
The search for additional officers in South Berwick began in May 2024 after voters at Annual Town Meeting approved an allocation of $229,000 to add two new officers to the 10-member department.
One of the two positions was filled within a few months. A second candidate completed part of the process but in the end did not meet all requirements, Police Chief David Ruger said last December.
“We, like all other agencies in Maine and nationwide, are struggling to find candidates that want to become police officers,” said Ruger, acknowledging that the department’s challenge is attracting qualified recruits.
After graduating Marshwood High School in 1987, Pelkey joined the York County Sheriff’s Department, then moved on as a patrol officer in Eliot and Berwick before joining the South Berwick police force.
In addition to being a law enforcement officer, Pelkey is a Kittery firefighter, operates two funeral homes with his wife Julie and their son Justin, and is pastor of the First Congregational Church in North Berwick.
