Hiring of out-of-state police chief draws mixed reviews
A personal reference for new chief
To the editor:
I am writing regarding comments about your new Police Chief Matt Irwin. I am fortunate to have lived in Presque Isle and to have so many family and friends still in Maine.
And my wife and I still have our camp in The County. I am also fortunate to have lived in Orlando, Florida the past 22 years and had the opportunity to work with Detective Irwin, as we know him here. I knew him while he was doing undercover work with Drug Enforcement and while he was with the Major Crimes Unit in Orange County investigating everything from sex crimes, to child homicides and abuse. I was in my capacity as a defense attorney and, in the past five years, as a judge.
Matt has the calmness of a thinking man, the abilities of an action man and the wisdom of one who has experienced much in his life. Believe me, as an attorney and as a judge, one looks for credibility issues with witnesses and law enforcement all the time. In the 22 years I’ve known Matt, I have known him to be ethical, honest and hard working. Never has his credibility been at issue. And that is important for our judicial and law enforcement systems.
He and his wife, Nicole, are looking forward to meeting folks and learning to embrace the community of Presque Isle. It will be a big change for them. He is not taking the job to ruffle any feathers. They are not a ruffle-your-feathers kind of couple. Nicole has worked with our local Victim Service Center in Orange County helping many, many people over the years. And they embrace the great outdoors and are looking forward to all The County has to offer.
I know there were grumblings of the job not going to a local officer, but I know the people of Presque Isle and The County as friendly, welcoming, hardworking and generous people. I also know the qualifications Matt Irwin has to be Chief of Police. I ask that you give the Irwins a welcome as only County people can and a chance to show themselves to be the people I have known them to be.
Bobby LeBlanc
Orlando, Fla.
