BREWER – Lt. Perry Antone didn’t cry – what burly police officer would? – but when outgoing Police Chief Steven Barker symbolically handed him the reins to the Brewer Police Department, his pride was unmistakable.

“This is my badge,” Barker said to Antone as he placed his slightly worn but very shiny gold police medallion in his replacement’s hand during Tuesday’s City Council meeting. “I know you will do a wonderful job.”

Barker, hired by the department in 1977, has worn the badge since becoming chief 12 years ago, and had it with him during his two one-year tours in the Middle East as a police adviser.

The moment was so moving that some in attendance at the City Council meeting were brought nearly to tears, a stark contrast to the earlier laughter from jokes and stories that were told as part of the recognition of Barker’s 29 years with the department.

Barker’s last day on the job is April 30. Antone’s appointment to chief was confirmed by city councilors during the meeting.

Councilor Larry Doughty, who questioned hiring Barker as chief back in 1994, was given a real turnip decorated with Mr. Potato Head parts, as part of a long-running joke between the two.

“It looks like you, Larry,” Mayor Gail Kelly joked, adding to the laughter.

Doughty admitted that he was wary of hiring Barker as chief, but now that the department is one of the best in the state, he is extremely proud of the city’s choice.

After the meeting, Doughty was seen having his picture taken with “Mr. Turnip Head,” Barker and Antone.

Words such as legacy, integrity and dedication were used by city councilors to describe Barker as they each took a minute to thank him for his service to the city.

“I think Steve has been one of the greatest assets for the city of Brewer,” Kelly said. “He’s a wonderful guy.”

“It’s pretty clear he’s done a great job,” Councilor Joseph Ferris said.

City Manager Steve Bost said he will miss Barker’s sense of humor around the office and his friendship.

“The best analogy I can use is family,” he said.

Bost went on to say that Barker was very supportive of his officers and always stressed education and additional training, which made it easy to hire his replacement and a new captain to replace retiring Danny Green from within the ranks of the department. Sgt. Jason Moffitt has been named captain, it was announced Tuesday.

During the meeting, the council also:

. Honored the life of Larry K. Mahaney, community leader and benefactor, who died Feb. 12.

. Recognized the Brewer High School hockey team for earning the 2006 Eastern Maine Class B title.

. Changed the May meeting date from May 9 to May 16.

. Renewed the public-private partnership contract with Capital Ambulance, with only minor changes, for another three years.