OfficerVASSALBORO — Maine’s 63 newest police officers recently graduated from the Maine Criminal Justice Academy in Vassalboro.
The officers spent 18 weeks in study and training, and most will begin patrolling immediately, in time for Memorial Day weekend enforcement efforts.
Among the graduates are some who will serve the local area, including the following: Kegan G. McPherson, Washburn Police Department; Ricky J. Pelletier, Caribou Police Department; Benjamin Boutilier, Houlton Police Department; and Ryan Albert, Madawaska Police Department; and Soldier Pond native Kale O’Leary, Maine Warden Service.
The graduation speaker was Governor Paul LePage, who told the new officers, “Always know that as governor, I support you and your leadership and know that you will make us all proud. With your help, we will make this state safer and an even better place for the future.
“Your road ahead will not be easy,” said LePage, “but whatever challenges tomorrow may bring, I know that you are ready to meet the challenge.”
Among the many topics the officers studied were crime scene processing, emergency vehicle operation, first aid, traffic and criminal law, domestic violence and sexual assault.
Among the graduates were 13 Maine State Police Trooper recruits, game and marine patrol wardens, who will continue training with their departments before patrolling on their own.
