RUMFORD – A 20-year veteran of the Rumford Police Department was suspended for two weeks without pay, demoted from lieutenant to patrolman, and placed on probation within the department for one year.
Town Manager Steve Eldridge, who made the decision on the punishment, said it was the first reprimand George C. Cayer has received.
Cayer is the recipient of more than 20 commendations while with the department, said Eldridge.
“He is one of the best investigators I have,” said Eldridge, “and he didn’t break the law.”
Cayer was suspended at the end of June for using town property, specifically a cruiser and a computer, for personal use, and for engaging in a personal relationship while on duty.
The suspension was the result of an investigation following the May incident.
Cayer returned to work Friday night.
According to the letter sent to Cayer by Eldridge regarding disciplinary action, Eldridge said he took into consideration that Cayer had immediately admitted to allegations in a complaint without trying to “sugar coat” the situation.
Cayer couldn’t be reached for comment Sunday evening.
Patrolman Mark Cayer, no relation, is the interim investigator until a decision is made on who will replace George Cayer as a detective, according to Sgt. David Bean. Mark Cayer is a former Franklin County Sheriff’s Office detective.
“Chief (Stacy) Carter handled this extremely professionally,” said Eldridge.
Carter was on vacation and could not be reached for comment.
George Cayer is the second Rumford police officer to be disciplined in less than seven months. Officer Tracey Higley was suspended for seven days without pay and demoted from sergeant to patrolman late last year for conduct unbecoming an officer following a department investigation.
“Our police officers are human and we hold them to a higher standard,” said Eldridge. “I don’t tolerate inappropriate behavior for anyone who works here. I expect all my employees to be courteous and to be held to higher standards.”
He said in both cases no one was harmed and the infractions were not severe enough to warrant dismissal.
“We looked at their track record,” he said.
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