Ronald Wood was named police sergeant by the Dixfield Board of Selectmen Monday, marking the first time in two years the four-person department has been fully staffed. (Bruce Farrin/Rumford Falls Times)

DIXFIELD — Selectmen on Monday unanimously approved Ronald Wood as sergeant for the Police Department.

Police Chief Jeff Howe said this will be the first time in two years the four-person department has been fully staffed. This will also provide additional time for the chief to conduct investigative work.

In recommending Wood for the position, Howe said Wood came to the Dixfield Police Department about 18 months ago with prior experience, including serving in a full-time position with the Rangeley Police Department from 2005 to 2016.

He said that on Feb. 1, Wood became part of the department’s full-time rotation. “He was our top pick for the position of sergeant.”

Wood said he graduated from Cape Elizabeth, traveled extensively while in the military, got into aviation and eventually obtained his pilot’s license.

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“I flew for Continental Express for 18 months, got on with Delta Airlines, then developed an eye issue, so I could no longer fly commercially,” he said.

Wood decided to try real estate, but “in 2005, real estate wasn’t doing so good up in Rangeley, so I became a reserve police officer.”

Rangeley Police Chief Dennis Leahy asked if Wood wanted to attend the Maine Criminal Justice Academy.

“I hadn’t really thought about being a police officer, but kind of fell in love with it, and here I am,” Wood said.

About Dixfield, Wood said, “This is a nice community. It’s near everything, but it’s still in the country, too. I think it’s a good fit for me and hope it’s a good fit for you all.”

“Welcome aboard,” Selectman Gene Skibitsky said.

Howe said Wood will be paid $22 per hour.

Asked about the impact of the hire on the remaining part of his budget, he said, “We’ll be fine. This will alleviate a lot of the overtime.”


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