HPD holds awards ceremony

10 years ago

HOULTON, Maine — The Houlton Police Department held its fourth annual Employee Recognition Awards ceremony Nov. 19 to recognize both those in their department, as well as community members for their remarkable contributions over the past year.

Lt. Dan Pelletier welcomed those in attendance and thanked the staff for their tireless work ethic and attention to detail over the past year.
“In preparing for this night I wondered what I needed to say, that would not only recognize these employees, but also make them aware how important they are to the Houlton community,” Pelletier said. “Yes it’s their job, and it is for a paycheck, but you know these people wouldn’t be here unless they were honest, hardworking, and they cared about serving the Houlton community. Men and women of the Houlton Police, I salute your extraordinary abilities doing what you do best.”
“I also would like to mention what Chief (Butch) Asselin said last year, about the employees of this department, when he said ‘I couldn’t possibly count the number of instances over the course of the year where the people of this department have all performed above and beyond the call of duty.’” he continued. “This was well said, and very true.”
Detective Stewart Kennedy received the “Employee of the Year” award, while officer Ben Drew and dispatcher Jessica King each received the “Chief’s Award.”
Drew was selected based on the work that he does with solving drug related crimes in Houlton, while King was chosen for her outstanding ability to remain calm and professional while dealing with a potential suicidal person, who was being sought after by police as he was suspect in an assault case.
Service pins were presented to Cpl. Dana Duff, dispatcher Thomas Milton and Sgt. Eric Crouse.
Cpl. Duff was hired on Sept. 1, 1974, giving him 40 years with the Houlton Police Department. Cpl. Duff has seen many people come and go from the police department, and has fought the forces of evil for many years.
Milton was hired on Sept. 27, 1999, giving him 15 years with the department. Prior to his employment with HPD, Milton had retired from the Maine State Police, were he served as a Maine State Trooper. Milton was last year’s employee of the year.
Crouse was hired on Feb 9, 2004, giving him 10 years with the department. Sgt. Crouse has served the Department well and since being hired has risen to the rank of sergeant, and heads up the night shift. He has lived in Houlton since joining the department.
James Lougee of Houlton received the “Community Service” award.
“The definition of dedication is described as being wholly committed to something, as to ideal, political cause, or a personal goal,” Pelletier said. “The Houlton Police Dept. this year has selected a man who has given of himself, by offering his abilities, and long hours of time, and service to helping the police department and other Town oriented services to make jobs easier and the community a better place. This man has volunteered with search and rescue, to help find missing people, as well as given his time to work at the Houlton Fair to help them out.
“For the last several years, this man could be seen every Halloween working with me directing traffic in front of Dow’s Market on High Street,” Pelletier said.