Former police Sergeant William Chamberlain logged one day of retirement before the highly respected officer was called back to duty.

“He came back begging for work,” Police Chief Paul Magee joked.

“We’re asking you to let him come out of retirement and come back to the department as a reserve officer,” Magee told Selectmen on Monday night.

Magee, who was joined by a contingent of officers, praised Chamberlain for more than 20 years of service to the town.

“He’s an outstanding supervisor,” Magee said. “He’s got integrity, trust – he’s extremely dependable. If you have a task that needs to be done, he’s the one you go to.”

Chamberlain joined the force as a part-time officer in 1994. Two years later, he was appointed as a full-time officer. In 2003 he earned the title of sergeant.

Magee listed Chamberlain’s accomplishments through the years, including his roles as dispatch liaison, scheduling officer, breath test equipment supervisor and SWAT officer. Chamberlain has also overseen drug take back programs and the town’s house numbering initiative. Also, Magee said he’s done programs for the school and area daycares.

“He’s left behind some very big shoes to fill,” Magee said. “Needless to say, we had to push some of those duties to nine other individuals to take over some of the responsibilities he’s had.”

Chamberlain received plaques from Magee and Selectmen Chair Brad Morse for his service. A representative from the Police Brotherhood handed Chamberlain a token of the group’s appreciation, too.

Magee said he was pleased Chamberlain will be able to serve the town, even after his official retirement.

“He is everything Rochester,” Magee said.

“If you want to know who’s who and what’s what, [Chamberlain] is such a wealth of knowledge about everything Rochester. In his capacity as reserve officer he will serve us very well.”