By Nicholas Brown
Staff Writer

Scott Lane said he’s more prepared for his promotion to Pembroke police chief than he’s been for any other in his 22 years since joining the department.

“Our whole goal for this transition is to make it seamless,” he said. “I’d put this department up against any other similar size department in the state.”

On Sept. 1, Lane officially replaces Chief Wayne Cheney, who’s retiring after 27 years with the department.

For the last eight years, Lane has worked as Cheney’s right-hand man, and has led the department’s criminal division.

Lane, 46, joined the department as a part-time officer in 1984, was hired full-time a year later, became a sergeant in 1996, and was promoted by Cheney to lieutenant in 1998.

Lane suggested his career longevity may be attributed to his father, who worked for the New Hampshire state parks for 33 years and was manage of Bear Brook State Park.

Lane said he initially wanted to follow his father’s footsteps and become a game warden, but an eyesight injury prevented him from that path.

An Allenstown native who grew up attending church and going to high school in Pembroke, Lane said his decision to enter police work was based on his “strong sense of community.”

“I know it sounds cliché,” said Lane. “But you ask new recruits why they want to be a cop, and most of them are going to tell you it’s to help people.”

Lane said he still feels that today, even though he said it can be easy to become jaded doing years of police work.

Lane suggested Pembroke is dealing with issues, like drug use and drug-related crimes, common to departments throughout New Hampshire.

Another challenge facing all police departments, said Lane, is attracting and retaining quality officers. Still Lane said Pembroke’s department, which is fully staffed, is in much better shape than most.

“It’s never been bad and it just keeps getting better,” he said. “We’ve never lowered the bar for hiring people.”

Lane’s lieutenant position, heading the criminal division, will be filled by current Detective Sgt. Dwayne Gilman.

“If you commit a crime, you don’t want him tracking you down,” said Lane.

Lane, who still lives in Allenstown, said he’s not going anywhere.

“I’m here for a while,” he said. “They don’t have to worry about replacing me for a bit.”

A reception to honor Cheney will take place at the Pembroke Safety Center on Saturday, Sept. 9, from 1 to 3 p.m.