FARMINGTON — Police Chief Jack Peck has named Sgt. Edward Hastings IV as the 2012 employee of the year for the Farmington Police Department.

He also selected officer William Tanner as the department’s employee of the quarter for the fall of 2012.

Hastings returned to the department in February after several years of employment with the Maine Fire Marshal’s Office.

He became a first-line supervisor and immediately showed his work ethic and leadership skills, Peck said. Along with his new responsibilities he led the department in overall arrests, operating under the influence arrests and drug summonses.

Hastings was also noted for enlisting the community’s help in the apprehension of three young men who entered vehicles at Franklin Memorial Hospital and stole personal items. A similar public appeal and investigative skills helped a victim who had two firearms stolen from his home. The firearms were returned to the victim, and the suspect arrested.

“Your overall dedication, professionalism, determination and supervision skills help the Farmington Police Department meet its mission statement, which is “to create a feeling of safety for the people within the town of Farmington,” Peck said of Hastings selection.

Tanner was acknowledged for responding to a hit-and-run car crash Dec. 18 involving multiple vehicles and an erratic driver.

After locating the suspect vehicle, Tanner processed the driver for possibly driving under the influence but recognized a possible medical issue. The driver was taken to Franklin Memorial Hospital and was immediately transferred to undergo emergency surgery for a brain bleed.

“Your actions on this day probably saved that driver’s life. Your knowledge, training and foresight helps the Farmington Police Department meet its mission,” Peck said of Tanner’s selection.