PARIS, Maine — Paris Police Department is searching for a new chief. Former Chief Michael Dailey has resigned after five years in the position.
Paris is separating from Dailey and will pay him over $20,000 as part of a mutual agreement, according to police documents.
Paris will pay Dailey $11,033.60 worth of eight weeks' wages and an additional $9,654.40 for accrued and unused vacation time, the documents stated. Dailey will continue his medical insurance plan through the end of the month.
"The Town shall provide 'voluntary resignation' as the reason for Mr. Dailey's separation from employment and shall provide a neutral reference to any prospective employer," the agreement stated.
“I believe moving forward is in [the] best interest of the town," Paris Town Manager Natalie Andrews, said.
Andrews said she's optimistic as she begins the search for a new police chief. Paris PD Sgt. Alan Coffin is currently serving as interim chief until the position is filled. Coffin said he plans to apply for the job.
“It’s very hard to lose the chief. Anytime you lose a chief of police, it’s always hard within the department," Coffin said.
Dailey's resignation comes after an incident in May, in which he's been placed on administrative leave ever since.
On May 6, Dailey was transporting a man from a hospital to the Oxford County Jail when the man managed to slip his cuffs from behind his back and steal the Paris police cruiser. The chase involved multiple agencies and led to a shooting on Route 117 in Paris. Eleven officers from five different agencies opened fire, including Sgt. Coffin. Coffin was the only officer from Paris PD to open fire.
"Things happen fast and crazy at the time of an incident. When you’re afraid for your life, things happen fast," Coffin said.
Both, Dailey and Coffin, were placed on administrative leave. The Attorney General's Office released Coffin to return to work shortly after, Andrews said.
The AG's Office is still investigating the incident.
Dailey has not been at work since the incident and Andrews said moving forward is the best option.
"The PD needs to have stability and structure, and I believe having a permanent police chief will help with that," she said.