New Berlin Police Officer Andrew Wheatley celebrates his retirement this week. He received a plaque from the community presented by New Berlin Police Department Officer-in-Charge David Kaminski Thursday morning in New Berlin. (Submitted photo)

NEW BERLIN – The Town of New Berlin Police Department and local officials are recognizing the hard work of Officer Andrew Wheatley as he celebrates his retirement this week.

Wheatley had a career in local law enforcement that spanned more than two decades, having served with the New Berlin PD and Chenango County Sheriff's Office.

He was honored in a ceremony Thursday for his service.

“Wheatley was a critical part of the department and his work ethic, expertise, and years of experience will be sorely missed. We wish him all the best in his retirement,” said Officer-in-Charge David Kaminski.

Kaminiski said Wheatley was, “very personable, easy to get along with” and had a knack for “keeping situations calm.”

“With Wheatley's retirement we have immediate full-time positions, and several part-time positions available. We are looking for lateral transfers, certified officers, and pre-employment graduates.”

Kaminski was selected to take over leadership of the police department in August 2021, replacing New Berlin Officer James T. Laplante.

According to Town Supervisor Robert Starr, since late last year the PD and the town board have been working diligently together to upgrade, remodel, and acquire new equipment for the department — much of which was obtained from grants and generous donations from area companies and organizations.

Star also said he wanted to refute rumors that there are any plans to close the department.

Residents from the Town of New Berlin voted to keep the department in January 2021 in a special meeting after board members raised potential funding concerns and asked the public to vote on dismantling the department.

In a public vote Town of New Berlin residents voted 171 in favor of keeping the police department and 48 against.

Since the vote, Star said the board was unanimously committed to providing the best police services possible, and they have supported a number of moves to achieve that.

After the decision was made to keep the department, Kaminski was hired with the goal of creating a more community originated department.

Anyone interested in employment with the Town of New Berlin Police should email a cover letter and resume to townofnewberlinpolice@gmail.com.