Former Wayne County Road Patrol Officer Thomas Baker, a 15 year veteran of the force, has been appointed by the Palmyra Village Board to the position of Sergeant in the Palmyra Village Police, effective July 9th.

Baker resigned his position with the Sheriff’s Office and the appointment became official at a special Palmyra Village Board meeting held on Wednesday (6/18).

Baker, who was raised in Palmyra and graduated from the Palmyra-Macedon School District in 1990, had been with the Sheriff’s Office since 1999. He is a graduate of the Finger Lakes Police Academy.

Besides his road patrol duties, Baker served as an FTO (Field Training Officer) for the past three years. He will fill the position left vacant when Palmyra Sergeant James Showman retired several months ago.

Baker was earning a base salary of  about $54,000 as a deputy and will start with the Village of Palmyra Department with a base salary of $ 61,000.

“He did a wonderful job for us and I wish him the very best. We look forward to working with him and (Palmyra) Chief Sherman Yates in any collaborative projects we may do,” said Wayne County Sheriff, Barry Virts.

Palmyra mayor, Chris Piccola said Baker is a great candidate for the job, especially being a local resident. “He will help with local community policing.”

Chief Yates said he considered Baker a  great asset to the community. “I feel he is more than qualified to take on the duties of sergeant and will be an integral part of the community and school system.” Yates said he was also pleased that, with the appointment and return of Officer Brian Parkison from military duty, the Department will be at full strength - comprised of five full-time officers

Sergeant Baker said his move to Palmyra, the place he was born and raised, is an effort to help out his community. He resides in Palmyra with his wife, Shelly, stepson Tom, age 21, daughter Nicole, age 15 and son Zachary, age 11.