FARMINGTON – Sgt. Peter Barton of the Farmington Police Department was visibly surprised Thursday when co-workers and family gathered to honor his 25th anniversary with the department.

“I was totally shocked,” the 55-year-old officer said Thursday night from his home in Farmington. “I had no clue. I was out on patrol and the chief called me in” and asked, ‘Can you help me move some tables downstairs?’

“He opens the door to the conference room, and the whole room says, ‘Surprise! and my wife and son were there, and my aunt and uncle. Then it all hit” that it was his 25th year with the department. “I had totally forgotten about it.”

Starting with the force on Sept. 14, 1982, Barton has moved into third place on the longevity chain for time served with the department, police Chief Richard Caton said.

He said former Chief Sheridan Smith served 28 years and he has 27 years with the department.

“People tend to jump from job to job, so to spend 25 years here is pretty amazing,” he said.

The ability to enjoy what you do, have the right mindset to put up with the various stresses of the job and the environment of the agency that you work with are factors that help keep an officer working for extended years, Caton said later.

“Working together for 25 years,” Caton said, “has been a pleasure professionally as well as spending time with him as a friend.”

Memories of Barton catching a burglar in the act at the liquor store while he was on foot patrol was pretty good work and was pretty exciting, Caton told the colleagues, family and friends at the event. He also recalled Barton chasing a car around the Big Apple only to have the driver turn and head into the cruiser.

Caton described Barton as a consistent and well-respected officer of the department. He started on foot patrol, then cruiser patrol and worked up to corporal and sergeant, he said. He is one of two sergeants who serve as night supervisors, and he is the regional recertifier for the intoxilyzer, Caton said. Barton provides instruction as well as recertification on it.

He was the first bike officer and started the program that provides bicycle patrol around town and for special events. He has also been involved in procuring a couple of grants for the department, Caton said.

Barton said he thinks longtime employees in any profession should be recognized for their work and dedication to an organization.

In fact, “I arranged a little 25th anniversary for the chief when he had his 25 years,” he said.

Barton, who moved to Maine in 1971, was presented a plaque from the chief, a congratulatory letter from selectmen presented by Town Manager Richard Davis, and a legislative sentiment from state Sen. Walter Gooley of Farmington, he said.

There were also gifts and cards from others.

About 30 people attended the recognition ceremony, including Barton’s wife, Linda, and their son Keith, an 18-year-old senior at Mt. Blue High School. Their daughter, Amanda, 21, was attending classes at the University of New England in Biddeford and could not attend, he said.

Staff editor Mary Delamater contributed to this report.