There’s another new face at the Boothbay Harbor Police Department but it’s a familiar one.

Ed Crocker, Boothbay Region YMCA Youth and Recreation Director, sports coach and referee, joined the police force as a reserve (part-time) officer on December 23.

Crocker, of Edgecomb, is a well-known local personality, particularly to sports fans, children, teens and their parents.

Before his current position at the Y, Crocker was a social worker for many years, but his education is in law enforcement. He has an associate degree in law enforcement and a bachelor’s degree in criminology.

Chief Bob Hasch said he and Crocker have spoken on and off over the years about the possibility of Crocker joining the local PD.

The recent vacancies created by Officer Rich Mirabile’s retirement and Officer Jared Mitkus’s move to Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office (both Mirabile and MItkus continue to serve as reserve officers) presented an opportunity Crocker was ready to take.

“I felt like this was a good time in my life to try this,” Crocker said. “I’m very excited to serve our community in a different capacity. We have a great community and a great police department.”

Hasch said for the moment the focus is on training. “We’re working with him now to bring him up to snuff,” Hasch said. “He is not in uniform yet and and will be working directly with another officer when on duty. There’s lots of training to do.”

Crocker also has to be certified by the Police Academy to carry a firearm. All of this is part of the normal process of training a new recruit, Hasch said.

Hasch said Crocker brings a lot of positives to the position, including his familiarity with the community and his experience working with families and youth. “He’ll do a good job,” Hasch said.

Crocker will continue in his position at the YMCA.