The Weare Police Department recently rewarded two of its veteran officers, giving promotions to Lt. James Carney and Sgt. Robert Peterson.

Carney, who was a sergeant, has been a member of the department for 15 years, while Peterson has been on board for five of his own. Peterson credits much of his success in the department to the close work he has gotten with Carney over their years in Weare.

“I consider him a personal friend as well as a mentor. I wouldn’t have been prepared for this position if it weren’t for him,” Peterson said. “He has gone above and beyond his role here to show us more than the basic functions. He’s one of the most compassionate and caring officers I’ve ever worked with.”

Carney said his and Peterson’s passion for law enforcement has been one reason they have grown so close.

“Bob and I have the same philosophies about what the department is looking for and what we want to see in the community,” said Carney. “We’re working in a positive direction for the things we’re trying to implement, which is why we get along so well.”

Peterson, formerly the school resource officer, has been able to connect well with the community, spending a great deal of time out in town speaking with residents.

“His ability to get along so well with members of the community is what has made him successful,” said Carney. “He’s always there to lend an ear, and people like and respect him for that. He listens a lot instead of talking a lot.

He is able to work things out with people a lot better than many people can. That’s what makes him so approachable.”

Carney’s new role will mean less time patrolling the streets and more administrative work with the department, as well as a greater workload.

“My responsibilities have increased,” said Carney. “But I’m not going to let that affect the main reason I got into this field, which is to help people.”

Peterson’s new role will have him out in the Weare community the majority of the time, something he looks forward to.

“We can be familiar with the personalities. People can feel less treated like a number and more like a human being,” said Peterson. “I like small-town law enforcement because it gives you a chance to do a little of everything.”