LIVERMORE FALLS — Selectmen have granted the Police Department permission to utilize statewide arrest powers.

This will allow the town’s police do more than just stand by when they are called to the Livermore Elementary School by another law enforcement agency that has jurisdiction to assist.

Livermore’s police coverage is provided by the Androscoggin County Sheriff’s Department and the Maine State Police.

There is a state law that provides for statewide arrest powers, police Chief Ernest Steward Jr. told selectmen.

Board of Selectmen Chairman Bill Demaray said that Livermore was asked years ago, before the addition to the Elementary School was built, if the town would participate in funding the Livermore Falls Police Department, and the answer was no.

“Nothing is going to change as far as policy goes,” Steward said.

The town’s policy allows police to go over and stand by if requested by another agency to do so until it can arrive.

The new powers would allow police to make an arrest if something serious happens, Steward said.

“I have no problem with it myself as long as it is an emergency situation or life-threatening situation, as long as we keep it in control and as long as it has strict guidelines,” Demaray said.

“It is good for the safety of those kids,” he said.

Livermore, Livermore Falls and some Jay students attend the school.

Selectman Ken Pelletier said he agrees with Demaray that he doesn’t want police running all over the place all the time.

In other police business, Steward updated selectmen on the grants the department has received and an award that was issued to Lt. Thomas Gould.

Gould was recognized by the Androscoggin Children’s Advocate Center for outstanding participation and support, Steward said.

Gould is the Department’s sexual assault and child abuse investigator.

A Homeland Security Grant was received for $3,231, which, with the department paying $95, was used to replace cruiser laptops with three secondhand laptops that were recycled from other police agencies, Steward said.

The department also received an Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant for $1,946. That was used to upgrade Tasers.

Steward also announced that officer Joe Sage of Jay has returned to the Police Department. He worked for Livermore Falls previously and then went to the Rumford Police Department. He started his duties in Livermore Falls on Dec. 5.

In other business, Town Manager Kristal Flagg said Tuesday that a new fire chief will be named at the selectmen’s next meeting at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 7, at the Town Office.

Twelve applications were received for the position, and four were chosen to be interviewed.

The board met in executive session, and she gave selectmen her recommendation, she said.

Flagg said selectmen agreed by consensus to go along with her recommendation but wanted her to see if the candidate is still interested in the job and do a background check.

Current fire Chief Gerry Pineau’s last day on the job is Dec. 31. He is going to further his education.

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