FARMINGTON — Police officer Wayne Drake was recently selected as the department’s employee of the summer quarter.

Drake was chosen for his professionalism, compassion and dedication to his newly chosen career, police Chief  Jack Peck said in a letter acknowledging the selection.

Since graduating from the Maine Criminal Justice Academy on May 20, Drake was the first responder at the killing of Grace Burton in her Farmington apartment in June and the highway crash that took the life of 12-year-old Tess Meisel of Connecticut, Peck said.

“While investigating these incidents you demonstrated an untiring work ethic, compassion and professionalism to the families involved, fellow officers and the general public. Your contributions to the department do not go unnoticed by myself or your peers and you are to be commended for your work. You led by example and therefore, I wish to congratulate you as the Employee of the Quarter for the Summer 2011,” Peck said.

Drake started work at the department in October 2010 after deciding to make a change in his career path. Previously he spent eight years serving as an assistant manager at Bangor Savings Bank’s Main Street branch. During the last couple years of that time, he also served as a part-time officer for the town of Wilton.

Drake started at the Police Academy in January.