The Wiscasset Police Department’s school resource officer, Perry Hatch, confirmed June 15 that he has decided to resign. If he had continued in the position, he wouldn’t have been able to take vacation time while school was in session, Hatch said.

Police Chief Troy Cline praised Hatch’s service this school year, the first year of the resource officer program.

“It’s with a broken heart,” Hatch said about the decision that he and his wife made regarding the job. In the fall of 2014 and for about the past two decades, Hatch has gone hunting out west, usually with his brothers; so it’s time spent doing what he likes to do, and getting to see them, he said. The hunting licenses can take years to obtain and can’t be used at another time of year.

He’s a firm believer that it’s important for people to take time away from work, whatever they do for a living, he said. And the time he has been taking, for about three weeks around October, is the only vacation he takes, he said.

He hadn’t yet put in his vacation request for this year, when Cline informed him that Town Manager Marian Anderson would not be granting a school-year vacation request, Hatch said.

While he would have thought a part-time officer could work some time in the schools while he was away, Hatch said he wishes the town well and knows that someone will be found for the position.

“No hard feelings,” he said.

Anderson on Tuesday noted that Hatch’s resignation letter does not refer to vacation time.

Hatch’s May 26 letter to Cline states that he is resigning effective August 4. “I am hoping the advanced notice will allow you ample opportunity to fill my position. Thank you for the support and opportunities that you have provided me ... I have enjoyed my tenure with the (department).” In the letter, Hatch offers his assistance during the transition.

“I will be glad to help however I can,” he writes.

The decision to resign had nothing to do with the narrow margin by which residents agreed to fund the position for its second year ,Hatch said in Monday’s interview.

“Absolutely not,” Hatch said.

The June 9 warrant article passed by just two votes. The program, nearing completion of its first year, has drawn praise from students, parents and staff of Wiscasset schools; however, selectmen at one point were not planning on including it in next year’s proposed budget. The source of funding, whether under the town or school department budgets, had been a sticking point.

The retired Maine State Police trooper has been on the Wiscasset force about four years. Hatch has no immediate plans to look for another job in law enforcement.

“For now I’m going to be a full-time husband and a full-time dad,” he said.

Hatch’s shoes will be hard for someone else to fill, Cline said. The program got off to a smooth start thanks to Hatch’s demeanor and other qualities he brought to the position, the chief said, noting that Hatch had volunteered to move into the position and take advanced coursework.

“He’s been incredibly valuable,” Cline said.

Cline said he intends to advertise for a full-time officer, with preference given to someone with school resource officer experience.