Wells names Brian Pellerin police chief

Wells Welcomes New Police Chief, Brian Pellerin, to Take the Helm on Nov. 10

WELL, Maine – The town of Wells announced today that Brian Pellerin, the former chief deputy of the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office, will assume the position of police chief on Nov. 10, 2026. The appointment follows the retirement of long‑serving Chief Jo‑Ann Putnam and the interim leadership of Town Manager Michael Pardue.

A Transition in Town Leadership

Chief Putnam stepped down in June after nearly two decades of service, a tenure that spanned the town’s growth from a small coastal community to the vibrant municipality it is today. Her departure left a vacancy that the town’s Board of Selectmen filled with an interim appointment of Town Manager Pardue, who has overseen the department’s day‑to‑day operations since Putnam’s retirement.

“We are grateful for Chief Putnam’s decades of dedication,” the town said in a statement. “Her leadership helped shape the Wells Police Department into the professional, community‑focused agency it is now.” The statement also emphasized that the department’s “long‑standing commitment to public safety and community service” would be continued under Pellerin.

Pellerin’s Law‑Enforcement Credentials

Pellerin brings 34 years of policing experience to Wells, having spent the majority of his career with the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office, where he rose to the rank of chief deputy. He has also served on the board of trustees for the Maine Criminal Justice Academy for 12 years, a role that has involved oversight of the state’s law‑enforcement training programs.

In a written comment, Pellerin said, “The Town of Wells’ vision for a collaborative, community‑centered police chief aligns closely with my leadership philosophy and the experience I have gained throughout my career.” He added, “Wells is especially meaningful to me. Wells is a respected coastal community that values professionalism, community engagement and thoughtful leadership.”

Pellerin’s statement underscores the town’s intent to maintain a police force that works hand‑in‑hand with residents, a goal the town’s release framed as a “collaborative, community‑centered” approach.

A Brief Political Foray

Earlier this year, Pellerin entered the political arena by launching an independent campaign for York County Sheriff. He announced his candidacy in early September but withdrew from the race last month, citing a desire to pursue a “different professional path that better aligns with where I believe I can make the greatest contribution.” His decision to step away from the race was made publicly via a social‑media post that highlighted his focus on public safety and his long-standing commitment to the community.

The town’s release did not mention the campaign, but the fact that Pellerin had recently run for a county‑wide law‑enforcement position may signal his continued interest in public service beyond the municipal level.

What the Appointment Means for Wells

With the appointment set for Nov. 10, Pellerin will be the first chief to be selected through a town appointment rather than through an internal promotion or election. The selection process involved a review of his experience, community engagement, and the town’s vision for the department.

“Brian’s extensive background in law enforcement and his experience in educational oversight through the Maine Criminal Justice Academy make him uniquely qualified to lead the Wells Police Department,” the town said. “We are confident that he will build upon the department’s established culture of professionalism and community service.”

For Wells residents, the transition presents an opportunity to reinforce the partnership between the police department and the community. Pellerin’s emphasis on collaboration and community engagement aligns with the town’s long‑standing emphasis on resident input and transparent policing practices.

Looking Ahead

As Pellerin prepares to take office, the department will continue to serve the town’s needs while also implementing new initiatives that reflect the town’s vision for modern policing. The town’s Board of Selectmen plans to hold a welcome event for Pellerin in the coming weeks, giving residents an opportunity to meet the new chief and discuss their priorities for public safety.

The Wells Police Department has historically maintained a reputation for responsiveness and community involvement, and the town’s choice of Pellerin signals a continued commitment to those values. Whether or not the former sheriff’s deputy will implement new policies or initiatives remains to be seen, but the community’s trust in his experience and philosophy has already laid a solid foundation for his tenure.

For now, Wells can look forward to a new chapter in its police history, one that promises to uphold the town’s dedication to safety, professionalism, and community partnership.