HOULTON, Maine — The newest addition to the Houlton Police Department has a long, rich family history in law enforcement.
Russell Socoby joined the department this month. A 2013 graduate of Greater Houlton Christian Academy, Socoby spent two years working at the Aroostook County Jail after high school before joining the military.
“I could not be more excited to have Russell join our team,” Houlton Police Chief Tim DeLuca said. “The only way we seem to be able to keep people here is to hire County people. Plus, they have a better work ethic.”
Socoby spent four years in the United States Marine Corps’ infantry division after experiencing a calling to the armed forces. During that time, he went through two deployments before deciding he wanted to return to the Shiretown.
“I always knew that I wanted to work in law enforcement in this community,” Socoby said. “I felt I could do more with my time and make a greater impact if I came home and worked in the law enforcement field.”
Socoby must go through a two-week, 80-hour course at the Maine Criminal Justice Academy, starting Jan. 6. Upon completion of that course, he will spend several weeks in field training with the department before eventually going to the six-week academy.
His father, David, is no stranger to law enforcement. He spent 23 years with the Maine State Police, including six years with the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency, before finishing his career as a detective. He currently is an instructor with the Region Two School of Applied Technology’s criminal justice program.
Dave Socoby also trained to be a police dog handler alongside DeLuca back in the 1980s and 1990s.
His grandfather, Joseph, was a long-time member of the Aroostook County Sheriff’s Office and former Houlton patrolman.
“I am excited to be back home doing something I love,” Socoby said.
Chief DeLuca said it was not uncommon to find a person who meets all of the criteria to become a police officer, but it was more difficult to find that candidate who is just the right fit for the town’s 13-member police force.
“We have to ask questions like ‘What is their personality like?’ and ‘How do they interact with people?’” the chief said. “For us the bigger question is ‘Are they a good mix for Houlton in our philosophy of being a community-oriented police force that is compassionate toward people?’”
