ROCKPORT/ROCKLAND — In the ongoing law enforcement shuffle in Knox County, a patrol officer’s recent departure from the Rockport police department to return to the Rockland police department where she had previously worked has resulted in a former Rockland police chief being hired by the Town of Rockport to fill one of its vacant positions.   

The Rockland Police Department announced Nov. 12 on its Facebook page that Celjeta 'Jeta' Bixhaku had rejoined its department.

“Officer Celjeta 'Jeta' Bixhaku has been a dedicated member of the law enforcement community since 2020, following her move to Maine in 2015.

"Jeta began her career with the Rockland Police Department before joining the Rockport Police Department, where she graduated the Maine Criminal Justice Academy and made significant contributions as a certified Field Training Officer, Drug Recognition Expert, and Bola Wrap Instructor.

"Committed to continuous professional development, Jeta has participated in several advanced training programs, including the FBI LEEDA Supervisor Leadership Institute, which has enhanced her leadership skills and prepared her for greater responsibilities within the department.

"Currently, she is working towards her associate degree, furthering her education to better serve her community. Fluent in four languages, Jeta is able to connect with a diverse range of individuals, bringing a unique perspective to her role in law enforcement,” said the department in its announcement."

Rockport Town Manager Jon Duke announced in his manager’s report released before the Nov. 12 select board meeting that Bixhaku had left her position with Rockport police.

Duke said: “I’m sad to note the departure from our department of patrol officer Celjeta Bixhaku, whose last day was November 1. ‘Jeta’ was a real cornerstone of the Town’s police department for the last four years, and we are sad to see her move on to Rockland Police Department. Thank you Jeta!”

Duke also welcomed Christopher Young as Rockport’s new lieutenant in his report:

“Chris began his law enforcement career in Rockport in the mid-1990s before moving on to a long career with the Rockland Police Department, eventually rising through the ranks to the position of chief.

"More recently, Chris worked at the Bureau of Motor Vehicle’s Division of Enforcement. Chris will begin work on December 2 and will work during the days both on the road and also as a primary point of contact for our schools, service organizations, and other entities.

"The lieutenant will be the Town’s patrol supervisor as well as handle investigations. Chief Gagne and I are enthusiastic in our support of Chris and we’re looking forward to his arrival on the beat."

Duke confirmed by email that Young’s position was included in the annual budget, but the town had expected to hire a patrol officer.

“With Jeta’s departure and an injury to another officer, we took on a longer look into the needs of the department and it became apparent to Chief Gagne and I that the department could use an additional officer with leadership experience," said Duke. "Chris’s role will largely be a four-day schedule during the work week and he’ll be a primary contact for our schools, businesses, and other notable service organizations not to mention serving as a patrol supervisor and having a consistent presence on the road around town."

Young started his career at the Rockland Police Department in January 1996 as a patrolman and was assigned to the bike patrol, harbor patrol and walking the beat downtown.

In April 2001, Young was promoted to detective where he served for six years, some of that time assigned to a multi-county drug task force.

In 2007, Young was promoted to detective sergeant, where he lead the Rockland Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division (CID). During his tenure in CID. In 2015, Young was promoted to Deputy Chief under then Chief Boucher and in 2018, Young was promoted to Chief of Police until his retirement from the position in November 2021.

With Young’s hire, Rockport still has two officer positions that are vacant. Duke said he is waiting on word from one individual who will soon put in their notice before their name can be released. The town is also talking with another applicant to fill the final spot.

Duke is hoping that the department is fully staffed by December.

Reach Sarah Shepherd at news@penbaypilot.com