FARMINGTON – Police Chief Richard E. Caton has selected Lt. Jack Peck as employee of the year for 2007 and Officer Darin Gilbert as the department’s employee of the quarter for the fall of 2007.

“Employee of the year is an annual award given to a full-time employee who stands well above other employees in the performance of their job and who contributes immensely to the mission of the Farmington Police Department,” Caton wrote in a letter to Peck.

Peck was noted for handling several, internal, difficult issues faced by the department during the year in a professional and compassionate manner. His leadership did not go unnoticed by his peers, Caton said.

Peck was also commended for handling the chief’s duties while he was absent for five weeks during the last quarter of the year and for taking patrol shifts due to the shortage of personnel, all while handling his regular duties as lieutenant.

Gilbert was selected employee of the quarter for his vigilance on patrol and his leadership as a field training officer.

Gilbert provided information to detectives on a vehicle involved in a vicious attack on a UMF student last fall. The information turned out to be a key that led to the identification and arrest of a suspect, Caton said.

Gilbert also served as a field training officer for one of Farmington’s new police officers, he said.