DIXFIELD — The Dixfield Police Department went from five officers to four on Sunday.

Officer Dustin Broughton completed his last shift Saturday, and Town Manager Carlo Puiia said Broughton and his admirable work and dedication will be missed.

A farewell gathering took place at noon Friday to honor Broughton for his service. He was presented with a Distinguished Service Award from the town as his family watched. Broughton had worked for the department since 2012.

His departure is because the four-year Community Oriented Policing Services grant expired and the Board of Selectmen voted not to renew the grant because of budget increases and the need for added health insurance packages.

To compensate for the lost officer, Police Chief Jeff Howe will take on a dual role as a patrol officer and an administrator.

Howe guarantees continued 24-hour coverage for the town. He said at a selectmen meeting in February, “The only concern may be how to split up some of the calls. There will be times where I’ll be busy with pressing administrative duties, and instead of being able to focus on cases, I’ll have to pass them off to the next officer on duty.”

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