Incident Management Assistance Team

By Katy England

edge staff writer

kengland@themaineedge.com

Since Sept. 11, 2001, local agencies have recognized a need for better ways to manage critical incidents. Prior to 9/11, most incident management was handled by fire departments, often in response to large-scale wild fires. But the need for critical incident management has evolved, and The Maine State Police have developed a Incident Management Assistance Team (IMAT) to help agencies across the state manage these high-stress events.

(Lt. Christopher Grotton interacts with the Smart Screen. He or other incident commanders can draw on the maps,

save the files and then e-mail information to responding parties out in the field. (Edge Photo by Katy England)

Since the team was formed in 2007, Lt. Christopher Grotton estimates that they have responded to between 30 and 40 incidents across the state, including hazardous material train derailments, plane crashes, standoffs and manhunt situations.

Grotton explained that there are often large numbers of people responding to these critical incidents, between local law enforcement agencies, EMS and fire departments, and search and rescue.

“The scope, size and scale [of these operations] are much bigger,” he said. “When they’re that large there comes a need to organize the response in some way.… If we can respond with the team and the Mobile Command Post, we can work with the incident commander to establish objectives and move forward in a positive direction.”

Not every incident that police respond to requires the IMAT team. It’s when the situation has multiple layers of complexity that a team of people solely responsible for managing and planning becomes necessary.

“[In] a situation that is uncontained – searching a large area – or contains other pieces, such as road blocks, the investigation becomes more complex,” said Grotton. “The size, scale and complexity is how we evaluate whether to deploy [the IMAT team].”

This team’s purpose is not to take over the investigation, but to support agencies that are already out in the field by handling planning and logistics and organizing command staff.

The Mobile Command Post (a large truck that has dispatch, satellite mapping and various video capabilities) can combine radio frequencies, allowing multiple agencies to communicate by radio. The IMAT team can provide interactive maps for different teams working in the field. Grotton explained one team may need to identify roads for traffic control, while the tactical response team can identify a perimeter they need to establish, while search and rescue personnel with GPS units can provide coordinates for where they are searching – these maps can then be saved and e-mailed to law enforcement units standing by who can begin mobilizing as needed.

“This gives a lot of perspective [to responding agencies] and better situational awareness,” Grotton said.

The support provided allows the agencies that have already responded to focus on the work at hand, while the IMAT team provides planning and logistical support as well as focusing on the goals and objectives of the mission with the command staff (local law enforcement, EMS, fire and rescue). It also allows for vital information to be shared almost instantaneously to responders even before they have arrived on scene.

“We can brainstorm and develop a plan very rapidly, take a snapshot [of a map] and e-mail to responding troopers who can be in-briefed by the time they reach the scene,” he said. “Ultimately, we’re there to support them, not to take over the investigation.”

He notes that the team doesn’t simply manage the immediate incident on hand, but the aftermath as well.

The Mobile Response Post can essentially be split into two sections: a dispatch center with a planning and logistics area, and command central.

The dispatch center functions just as any dispatch center does, with the exception of 911 capability (which would be handled as normal by a local communications center). The logistics people support the operation on hand, from getting responders food and making sleeping arrangements to ensuring fuel accommodations are made for air support. The planning aspect includes looking beyond the immediate future to what will need to be addressed hours and days from now, as well as keeping track of events that have already taken place (who went where, did what, when and why).

This allows people in command central to focus on creating objectives and finding out what resources need to be tapped.

“We break down goals and work around objectives, working with other agencies as needed,” said Grotton. “We take something that may be chaotic and overwhelming and make it a little more objective.”

And not every incident the team deploys to is chaotic. They will often stand by at major events, including the governor’s inauguration or the University of Maine’s commencement. While they wait, the team develops a multitude of “what-if” plans. Then, in the event there is a security issue, they already have several actionable plans at the ready.

Despite the wonderful tools at their disposal, Grotton notes that the most important element of the IMAT is the team itself. Technology is ever changing, and there’s always a chance for it to fail in some way.

“We focus on providing a team,” said Grotton. “The technology is great, but we try not to overly rely on it. It’s people that are our strongest asset.”

For more information about the IMAT team, visit the website.

Biddeford double-homicide Update

BIDDEFORD - Maine State and Biddeford Police continue to investigate the double homicide that occurred June 5 in Biddeford. Police located the man and woman who were in the apartment during the shootings and will begin interviewing them

Additionally, police are seeking to locate two other men who also may have information on the shootings: Lance Palmer, 44, of Auburn and Christopher Dube, 28, of Dover, NH. Police said both men may have been in Biddeford on Sunday. Dube has an active arrest warrant issued for him for an unrelated probation violation. Although there are no arrest warrants issued for Palmer, he should be considered armed and dangerous.  Anyone with information on either man should call Maine State Police in Gray at 207-657-3030.

Evidence from the shooting scene will be analyzed at the State Police Crime Lab in Augusta. In addition, dozens of interviews have taken place with neighbors, friends and family of the dead men and those who live in the apartment house, where the shootings took place.

Fatal collision with moose

HOWLAND - Maine State Police said a Brewer man died early this morning when his van struck a moose on Interstate 95 in Howland. This is the state’s first fatal moose-vehicle collision this year. Troopers said the 60-year-old man died at the scene. The Brewer man was traveling alone and heading south on I-95 around 1 a.m. when crash took place

Police said drivers should exercise caution when driving at night because moose, despite their size, are virtually invisible due to their dark coloring and their height. Unlike deer, drivers can’t see the animal’s eyes reflecting light. Moose will suddenly dart into the road during the summer months to escape insects and are especially active at night.

Maine records over 500 moose-vehicle crashes annually, many resulting in serious injury. There were no fatal moose collisions in 2013 and in 2011, but two people died in separate moose crashes in 2012, and there were three fatal moose collisions in 2010.

Man charged with murder in Oakfield deaths

OAKFIELD, Maine -  Maine State Police have charged a Houlton man with two counts of murder  in connection with the deaths of an Oakfield couple on Sept. 23, inside their home.  Detectives informed Matthew Davis, 32, on Sept. 24 at the State Police barracks in Houlton, where he had been transported for questioning from the Aroostook County Jail. The decision to file murder charges was made by the Attorney General’s Office.

At this point in the investigation, there is no known connection between the couple and Davis, who works as a carpenter.  The State Fire Marshal’s Office also says Davis is the suspect in the three fires that are being  investigated, at the Oakfield home of Pratt, at the Katahdin Forest Products facility in Oakfield, and a pickup truck lit on fire near a boat launching ramp in nearby Island Falls.

Davis will appear in Aroostook Superior Court in Houlton at 11:30 on Sept. 25.

Bob Bishop promoted to lieutenant

Lt. Bob Bishop (Courtesy of Bangor Police Department)

BANGOR, Maine –  Bob Bishop was promoted from sergeant to the rank of lieutenant effective Sunday, September 22, 2013. Bishop is a long-time resident of Orrington, Maine and graduated from the University of Maine in Criminal Justice.
Bishop entered the National Park Service as a Ranger at Acadia National Park for three years. He then worked as a patrol officer from 1980 to 1984 for City of Ellsworth and joined the Bangor Police Department in September 1984.
Bishop served as the departments training officer from 1988 to 1992, and promoted to Sergeant in January 1992. He was assigned to the departments Training Division and as the primary firearms instructor, both at Bangor Police Department and the Maine Criminal Justice Academy (MCJA).  Bishop is Chairman of all firearm activity for the law enforcement community in Maine law enforcement and for MCJA.

(Bangor Police have an active arrest warrant for Alan Trickett)

BANGOR - The Maine Superior Court has issued an arrest warrant for Jason Alan Trickett, 41, charging the crime of manslaughter, for the slaying of a man on First Street, May 22.

The Bangor Police Department is currently looking to arrest Jason Trickett on this warrant.  He is described as 5-foot 10-inches tall and 170 pounds.  He has brown hair and blue eyes. If anyone has information as to the location of Jason Trickett, please contact your local police department or the Bangor Police Department at 947-7382 or if you wish to remain anonymous press 6 to utilize the Tip Line.

Rite Aid on Union Street robbed

BANGOR – On May 21 around 4:25 p.m., Rite Aid on Union Street called to report that the store had been robbed. A pharmacist technician told a co-worker that a man was standing at the drive thru window and passed a note through the drawer demanding drugs and that he had a bomb. An undisclosed amount of prescription drugs was given to the man and he walked away. A search of the area yielded nothing at that time.

The man is described as about 6-feet tall, wearing a black ski mask and a blue/gray sweatshirt backwards with the hood up over his face, two slits cut out where his eyes are and wearing sunglasses. The suspect also was described as having salt and pepper hair.

Anyone with information about this incident or the identity of the suspect should call Detective Tim Cotton at 947-7382 or if you wish to remain anonymous press 6 to utilize the Tip Line.

Men arrested for felony robbery

(Scott Macomber, photo courtesy of Bangor Police)

(Adam Freeman, photo courtesy of Bangor Police)

BANGOR – Two men are facing felony charges after allegedly choking a man into unconsciousness and robbing him.

On May 13, at about 1:15 a.m., Officer Taylor Bagley responded to the area of Hammond and Webster Streets where a man had reportedly been robbed. Bagley met the victim, who told him that he was at a local bar in downtown Bangor when he met an acquaintance he only knew as “Scott.” When the bar closed, Scott offered to give the victim a ride home. The victim got into a silver van with Scott and noticed another younger man and three women were also inside. The victim stated that the younger man choked him out from behind, that he went unconscious and woke up in the parking lot of Angelo’s Pizzeria on Hammond Street as the van took off out Hammond Street. The victim quickly flagged down a passing motorist and used her phone to call police. He reported missing an undisclosed amount of cash and his cell phone.

After minutes after receiving a description of the suspect vehicle and occupants, Officer Dick Polk located them at the On The Run Mobil gas station at the corner of Union and Griffin roads. Detectives James Carr and Erik Tall brought all occupants to the police station and each were interviewed. As a result of those interviews, Adam Freeman, 25, of Bangor, and Scott Macomber, 44, of Lagrange were arrested and charged each with one count of Class B Felony Robbery. They both remain at the Penobscot County Jail.

Bangor Police seek to identify shoplifter

(Bangor Police detetives are attempting to identify the man pictured.
Photos courtesy of Bangor Police)

BANGOR – Bangor Police are attempting to identify a man suspected of stealing from Best Buy.

On May 5, Officer Dennis Townsend received a complaint from Best Buy at the Bangor Mall for the report of a theft of two laptop computers. Security footage captured the two attached photographs of a male suspect that apparently took two laptop computers on two different occasions into the men’s room still in the box, and then left the store apparently concealing them inside of his clothing and driving away.

(Photos courtesy of Bangor Police)

Anyone with information as to the identity of this person and/or the vehicle he left in, should call Detective Erik Tall at 947-7382 or if you wish to remain anonymous, press 6 to utilize the Tip Line.

History in blue

90 years of Maine State Police

By Tpr. Tom Fiske 
and Katy England
edge staff writer
kengland@themaineedge.com

For approximately 90 years the Maine State Police have been patrolling the highways and byways of Maine. Tpr. Tom Fiske a patrol trooper from Troop E has been updating and maintaining the history of the Maine State Police, as well as teaching it to would-be troopers attending the Regional Trooper Training at the Maine Criminal Justice Academy.
“I can’t take complete credit. [The history] was started long before I came along, and I took it and made it my own,” he said. He was hooked after he attended the Maine State Police Academy’s class on the agency’s history.
“I’ve always been interested in history, and that [class] turned me on to it,” he said.
Fiske noted that the history was pieced together from various sources, from newspaper stories from around the state to interviews with family members of former Troopers and Inspectors.
What follows is a brief history of the Maine State Police compiled by Tpr. Fiske, Sgt. Percy Turner and Major Randall Nichols.
Due to space constraints, I’ve boiled down some of the information and given it a narrative format. Any errors or omissions are most likely mine.

In the beginning
In July 1921, the Maine State Highway Patrol was formed with 34 members, known as inspectors, under the State Highway Commission. The organization would add another 35 officers in August. The inspectors were responsible for enforcing motor vehicle laws and collect fees for driver’s licenses and registrations. They drove Harley Davidson or Indian motorcycles, and were outfitted in green Army surplus uniforms. In 1922, the State Highway Police were placed under the supervision of the Secretary of State.

It wouldn’t be until 1925 that the Highway Police received more leeway to enforce the law in a broader sense. The governor created a separate department and appointed Arthur H. Field as the first Chief of the State Police. All of the members could now enforce all of the laws in Maine in addition to motor vehicle law, and were issued a motorcycle, pistol and a law book. And they did this for a whopping $28 per week (actually a decent salary back in the ‘20s).
In 1935 the State Highway Police became known as the Maine State Police, formalizing their changing duties and responsibilities. That same year, the department expanded once again, bringing the number of sworn troopers to 100. The next year, automobiles were introduced and a fleet of 47 sedans were purchased at $515 apiece (more like a monthly payment these days). The patrol cars were black and the highway safety vehicles were painted white.
It was also in 1936 that the department was divided into five distinct patrol sections in Wells, Fairfield, Thomaston, Bangor and Presque Isle, with the headquarters located in Augusta.
When the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941, many State Police begin statewide training programs with county and municipal law enforcement agencies. Before the end of the war, more than 25 percent of the agency would take a leave of absence to serve in the armed forces. In the meantime, troopers were issued Thompson submachine guns for the duration of the war.
During this time, troopers were given new duties that included setting up road blocks to ensure that civilians weren’t pleasure driving (i.e. wasting gas, which was being rationed at the time). Police found that most of the violators were workers using government vehicles.
Troopers also monitored traffic along the Route 1 corridor to ensure that drivers were using headlight covers or blackout lights, and troopers were also stationed at bridges and other areas deemed important.

Big moments in MSP history

Investigative work has changed over time, but murder, crime and mayhem remain constants.  The Maine State Police have investigated countless crimes throughout the years, but some make bigger headlines than others.
In October 1937, New Jersey State Troopers arrested Paul Dwyer for the murder of Dr. James Littlefield and his wife Lydia. Captain Leon Shepherd processed the crime scene, utilizing emerging technologies in the field.
Throughout the strange course of the trial, both Dwyer and Deputy Sheriff Francis Carroll were convicted of murder. But 11 years later, Carroll was released on a writ of habeas corpus, due in part to evidence that was discovered by Shepherd but excluded at the original trial.

(Dwyer points out evidence at the scene of the crime)

In October of 1947, the Maine State Police radio system became integral in relaying information to firefighters who were battling a forest fire that was sparked in Oxford County and ravaged York, not stopping until it hit the ocean in Kennebunk. The fire reportedly burned over 200,000 acres and killed 15 people.
In 1956, a Limerick man shot and killed his wife and Westbrook Police Chief Pierre Harnois and wounded two state troopers. More than 100 police officers responded to the scene. The gun battle lasted more than five hours before the man took his own life.
Seventy troopers respond to Madawaska to maintain order during the 1971 labor strike at Fraser Paper Co. A confrontation between troopers and strikers and their families resulted in six police vehicles being damaged.
In 1980, 90 troopers were assigned to the Maine State Prison in Thomaston for a six-week prison lockdown. Later that year, two convicts escaped from the Maine State Prison, sparking the longest manhunt in MSP history, which lasted for 22 days. Hundreds of troopers, deputies, wardens and canines participated in the search that ended when Trooper Dennis Hayden of China and his canine located the pair.
When George H.W. Bush was sworn in as Vice President of the United States, troopers became involved with security at his home in Kennebunkport that continues to the present.
In 1983, 150 troopers and detectives provided security for the National Governor’s Conference in Portland, the largest call for troopers in the agency’s history.
In 1997, New England State Police Administrators Conference (NESPAC) was invoked to assist the New Hampshire State Police with investigating an incident where Carl Drega shot and killed two New Hampshire State Troopers, a judge and a news reporter before fleeing in a stolen cruiser. They tracked the gunman to northern Vermont, where two Vermont Troopers were wounded in the final shootout; Drega was also killed. Troopers from the traffic division and criminal investigation division also responded to investigate various crime scenes.
On September 11, 2001, all Maine State Troopers were activated after the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center in case of further incidents.
In 2002, troopers investigated the deadliest crash in Maine history, where a van with 15 occupants drove off the John’s Bridge in Northern Piscataquis County into the river, drowning 14.
In 2007, President George W. Bush met with Russian President Vladimir Putin at George H.W. Bush’s residence on Walker’s Point in Kennebunkport. Troopers were deployed for the gathering, which took place without incident.

We have the technology

The equipment used by troopers has evolved over the years. Here’s a brief overview of some of their gear from the early days to the present.
1921 – Inspectors are issued Harley Davidson or Indian motorcycles to patrol the highway.
1936 – Automobiles replace the motorcycles, though there are still some motorcycles in use.
1937 – The State Bureau of Identification is created to keep all criminal records in the state.
1940 – Roger that; the first two-way radios are being used, and communication centers are established in August, Scarborough and Wells.
1950 – Captain Roger Doyle collaborates with Ford Motor Company to develop the first domestic vehicles specifically upgraded for police patrol.
1956 – Roof lights are installed on patrol vehicles, and the department gets its first polygraph machine.
1976 – The MSP begin using citizen band radios for patrol. The underwater recovery team (i.e. the dive team) is formed as is the State Police Emergency Response Unit (more recently known as the Tactical Team). The Emergency Response Unit is called to Greenwood City that August to deal with a man who had opened fire on two troopers responding to the report of a disturbance. The man is arrested after an all-night standoff.
1978 – The aircraft enforcement unit becomes a permanent part of the agency.
1980 – The first mobile breath alcohol testing device is put into use for rural alcohol enforcement.
1984 – The hostage negotiation team is established.
1986 – The Maine State Crime Laboratory is built.
1988 – The 357 Smith & Wesson revolvers are replaced by 9mm Beretta semiautomatic pistols.
1994 – The bomb disposal team is created.
1995 – Video cameras are installed in cruisers for the first time.
1997 – The State Police Crime Lab is expanded to house a new DNA section.
2003 – Sworn troopers are issued laptop computers, and the agency makes the move to computer-based reporting.

Officer down
It’s no secret that being a Maine State Trooper is a dangerous job, and 10 troopers have made the ultimate sacrifice while serving in Maine.

1924, Patrolman Emery O. Gooch was killed when he lost control of his motorcycle in Mattawamkeag after joining the Highway Patrol a month prior.

1925, Trooper Fred Foster was killed when his motorcycle struck a horse hauling a load of hay in Belfast.

In 1928, Trooper Frank Wing was killed when his motorcycle collided with an oil truck in Millinocket. Wing had joined the Maine State Police two months earlier.

In 1964, Trooper Charles Black was shot to death responding to an armed robbery at the Maine National Bank in South Berwick.

In 1980, Trooper Thomas Merry was killed after he was struck by a car involved in a high-speed pursuit. Merry had positioned his cruiser as part of a roadblock and was seeking cover when he was hit.

In 1986, Trooper Michael Veilleux was killed when he lost control of his cruiser in Dayton. He had graduated from the State Police Academy the month prior.

In 1989, Detective Giles Landry was shot to death while investigating a report of child abuse in Leeds. The gunman also killed the woman that Landry was speaking with before committing suicide.

In 1994, Trooper Jeffrey Parola was killed when his cruiser crashed in Sidney while he was responding to a domestic violence call as a member of the Tactical Team.

In 1996, Trooper James Griffith was killed when a vehicle collided with his cruiser as he attempted to make a U-turn to pursue a speeding vehicle in Warren.

In 1997, Detective Glenn Strange succumbed to heart problems days after arresting a drunk driver who kicked and punched him in the chest in Linneus. Strange had been promoted to detective weeks before his death.

If you have pieces of Maine State Police history that you would like to share, you can email Tpr. Fiske at Thomas.D.Fiske@Maine.gov.

Funeral for SFC Jason R. Sargent

ELLSWORTH - SFC Jason R. Sargent, 39, died in Georgia, June 25, 2011 after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born in Bar Harbor, July 9, 1971 the son of Mark T. and Pamela A. (Frost) Sargent. 

His remains will be arriving back in Maine this afternoon (June 30) between 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. at the Maine Air National Guard Base in Bangor.  Jason will be escorted by an Army Honor Guard and Maine State Troopers.  A motorcade from Bangor to the Jordan-Fernald Funeral Home in Ellsworth will then occur.  Below is the obituary for Jason.  The family has express that the public is welcome to observe.  More information with reference to visiting hours and services are available at the Jordan-Fernald website
http://www.jordanfernald.com.

Jason was a graduate of Ellsworth High School. He served in the US Army from 1993 until 2000. After returning to Maine he became a Maine State Trooper and then a Maine State Motor Carrier Inspector. In 2003 the Army sent him to Afghanistan for 12 months in Support of Operation Enduring Freedom. When he returned from Afghanistan he returned to work for the State of Maine until 2008 when the Army called again. Jason rejoined the Army Marksmanship Unit located in Fort Benning, GA and served there until now. Jason loved to compete in pistol competitions and teach others to shoot a pistol. He loved to fly airplanes, hunt and spend time with his family and friends.

Jason is survived by his wife of 16 years, Cindi and their three sons, Nicholas, Andrew and William; parents, Mark and Pamela Sargent of Otis; brother Ben Sargent of Otis; father and mother-in-law, Ed and Cindy Foss of Hancock; grandparents, Roger and Jeannine Sargent of Trenton, and Barbara Frost of Ft. Myers, FL. Jason also leaves behind many aunts, uncles, cousins, and a sister-in-law, two brothers-in-law, two nephews and many, many friends who loved him dearly and will miss him every day. He was predeceased by his grandfather, Harold Frost.

Calling hours will be held 4 to 6 p.m., Saturday, July 2, 2011 at Jordan-Fernald, 113 Franklin St., Ellsworth. A funeral service will be held 2 p.m., Sunday, July 3rd at the Maine Coast Baptist Church, Bangor Road, Ellsworth. Following the interment at Frost Cemetery, Mariaville, family and friends are invited to a celebration of Jason’s life at Beech Hill School in Otis.

Contributions in Jason’s memory may be Mary Dow Center for Cancer Care, 50 Union St. Ellsworth 04605 or to Caring Bridge.

2011 Maine State Police awards

Courtesy of Maine Public Safety

AUGUSTA - The Maine State Police held awards on June 9 to honor troopers.

Thomas Pappas was awarded the Trooper of the Year Award. Pappas has been a trooper since 2008, following two years with Portland Police. He patrols in Androscoggin County and is one of the department's top drug investigators.

Col. Williams called Pappas "a one-man drug task force."

In the past year, Pappas has investigated several drug cases, all started from a traffic stop. A large quantity of illegal drugs, weapons and almost $30,000 has been seized from those efforts. Pappas grew up in Queens, New York, graduated from high school in Harrington, Maine and worked as a lobster fisherman prior to his law enforcement career. He is the 46th trooper to be honored as Trooper of the Year. The award started in 1965 to honor Trooper Charles Black, who was shot to death at a South Berwick bank robbery in 1964. Pappas lives in the town of Bowdoin with his wife Gina and two young children.

Others nominated for trooper of the year were Doug Cropper, Troop A; Peter Michaud, Troop C; Chris Rogers, Troop D; Jarod Stedman, Troop E; Dan Dechaine, Troop F; Greg Roy, Troop J; Josh D'Angelo, Troop K; Mark Holmquist, CID I; and Joshua Haines, CID II.

Also honored at the annual State Police Awards Ceremony on June 9:

Special Awards of Commendation to Trooper James Leonard, Sagadahoc Deputy Sheriff Matthew Shiers and Bath Police Corporal Marc Brunelle for saving a man threatening to jump off the Sagadahoc Bridge between Bath and Woolwich.

Meritorious Service Awards to Sgt. Tom Ballard, Troopers Corey Smith, Jason Madore and Adam McNaughton, and Detective Jason Richards for their role in apprehending a man charged with murder in the town of Brooks.

Trooper Jonathan Leach received a meritorious award for single-handedly taking into custody an impaired driver who pulled a knife on him in Manchester in February.

Meritorious awards also presented to Trooper Patrick Munzing, Kennebec County Sheriff's Deputy Aaron Moody, Gardiner Police Officer Nate McNally and Pittston resident William Stover for pulling a woman from her wrecked burning vehicle in Chelsea in April. Office of Information Technology staffer Shawn Hoyle from Public Safety received a Colonel's Award for developing two computer programs used by troopers.

Litchfield resident Matthew Smith received a Special Award of Commendation for reporting a dangerous driver on Route 202 in Manchester in May and then taking the keys from the car to prevent the driver from leaving. It was later determined the woman driver was having a diabetic reaction.

South Portland police officer Kevin Webster was honored for his 14 years of service to the State Police Canine Training Unit. Since 1997, Webster has been involved in 24 training classes for police officers and their dogs.

A number of agencies were singled out for their help in last June's triple homicide investigation in the town of Amity, where two men and a young boy were stabbed to death. Honored were the Maine Warden Service, Aroostook Sheriff's Office, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Amity Town Manager Margaret Frye, United States Border Patrol, Dover, New Hampshire Police, the local office of the Maine Department of Transportation, Maine Drug Enforcement Agency and three staffers from the State Police Crime Lab, Cynthia Homer, Christine Waterhouse and Michelle Fleury.

Also honored were two civilians who are being credited with helping police identify Camden Hughes, the young boy whose body was found in South Berwick. Steve Scipione was the truck driver who found the pickup driven by the boy's mother and Lisa Gove was the woman who gave police a detailed description of the vehicle.

Maine State Police Pipe and Drum Unit

(From left, Detective Scott Gosselin, Trooper Kyle Willette, Trooper Trevor Snow, and Trooper William Plourde. The Maine State Police Pipe and Drum Unit performs at various functions around the state, including the 20th BLETP Graduation on May 13. Members also performed at the Law Enforcement Memorial in Augusta on May 12.)

By Katy England
edge staff writer
kengland@themaineedge.com

When you think of all the specialized units that come under the purview of the Maine State Police, musical talent may not be the first thing that leaps to mind. However, for the past 15 years, there has been a group of dedicated souls that make up the Maine State Police Pipe and Drum Unit. The ensemble consists of bagpipers and snare, tenor, and bass drummers.
The unit was formed back in 1996 by Scott Nichols, Jim Jones, Lance McCleish and Rick McAlister with the first performance being held in 1998. Nichols and Jones spent undertook the considerable challenge of learning how to play the bagpipes from scratch.
“I’ve always been a drummer, and I played in bands even when I wasn’t working as a trooper,” said McAlister in a phone interview. “I happened to be teaching a class, and there was a student from the New Hampshire in a pipe and drum unit who invited me down to the graduation. I saw them perform and decided we could put something together.”
McAlister said the group purchased all of their own equipment – which, when you consider that the instruments were between $600 to $800 and the kilt and accessories cost around $300 to $500, is no small investment – and began recruiting people to come and play.
The members of the Pipe and Drum Unit are spread all over the state, making rehearsal time a premium.
But the unit dedicates a lot of time to mastering a small repertoire of music, so when they do perform, they sound great.
And unlike other specializations, not all of the members of the unit are sworn troopers. But there is a tie to public safety, be it the director of Maine Emergency Services or the Maine Department of Environmental Protection.
Currently the unit is made up of Trooper Trevor Snow, Trooper Kyle Willette, Retired Lieutenant Gerard “Red” Therian, DEP/Senior Environmental Engineer Tim MacMillan, EMS Director Jay Bradshaw, Retired Sergeant Rick McAlister, Trooper William Plourde and Detective Scott Gosselin. There are a few newcomers who are also learning the ropes, but McAlister said it might be a little while before they’re ready for a live performance.
Finding musicians to dedicate the necessary time can be challenging, but that didn’t stop the two sworn troopers who currently play in the unit from picking up the bagpipes – from scratch. Bagpipes are notorious for being a difficult instrument to master, but Troopers Trevor Snow and Kyle Willette, like some of the founding members, met that challenge.
“When I worked at the academy, I was involved in some of the training classes. The pipe and drum unit has historically played for the graduating classes. The pipe and drum unit always interested me and I thought I’d like to learn to play the bagpipes,” said Snow in a phone interview. “I contacted Sgt. Nichols and Director Jay Bradshaw, who has functioned as Pipe Major, and he taught me how to play the bagpipes so I could join the unit.”
That makes it sound incredibly simple, but Snow noted it took him a year of dedicated practice before he played his first event with the Pipe and Drum Unit.
“If you’re starting from scratch it’s going to take a lot of work and a lot of practice,” said McAlister. “Maybe it’s just that thing that troopers have; for these guys to pick up an instrument – the bagpipes – and stay committed to it.
“I like it because it’s a unique representation for our agency. I’m able to represent the state police in a unique manner and it affords a nice opportunity to represent law enforcement as a whole,” said Snow.
The Pipe and Drum Unit performs at various functions across state and New England, including all of the Basic Law Enforcement graduations at the Maine Criminal Justice Academy since they combined the school 10 years ago. The unit also performs at memorial services, including the Law Enforcement Memorial that was held on May 19.

Col. Robert Williams names command staff

AUGUSTA – Colonel Robert Williams has selected the members of his central command staff for the State Police. Raymond Bessette will serve as the new deputy chief. The two majors will be Lt. Gary Wright, who will oversee the field troops and criminal investigation divisions, and Lt. Christopher Grotton, who will oversee everything else as head of support services.
Bessette is a 25-year State Police veteran who lives in Dedham and will serve as Lt. Colonel. For the past four years he has served as major in charge of support services, which includes the State Police crime lab, computer unit, the traffic division, the State Bureau of Identification, licensing and all the specialty response teams. He served as a lieutenant for six years, overseeing communications and special projects. As a trooper, he patrolled in Washington and Hancock counties as a member of Troop J. He also is a former commander of the State Police Dive Team.
Wright is a 23-year veteran who lives in Vassalboro. For the past six years, he has headed the Criminal Investigation Division in central Maine, investigating homicides and suspicious deaths. As a sergeant, he patrolled in Troop C (Skowhegan) and also served with the department’s internal affairs division. He is a former member of the State Police Tactical Team and also led the department’s Critical Incident Debriefing Team
Grotton is a 21-year veteran who lives in Glenburn. For the past nine years as a lieutenant, he has overseen the training and special services units and also the Traffic Safety Division. He is a graduate of the FBI National Academy and patrolled in Penobscot and Piscataquis counties as a trooper and sergeant for 12 years as a member of Troop E (Orono). Grotton also has served as the commander of the Incident Management Assistance Team (IMAT).

Into the cold dark waters

(A warden submerges in the frigid waters of Sebago Lake. Photo by Katy England)

Warden dive team trains for ice dive

By Katy England
edge staff writer
kengland@themaineedge.com

In a state that is locked in snow and ice for a good six months out of the year, patrolling the wilderness takes on new meaning. Especially when you consider that the Maine Warden Service dive team has to brave frigid waters in Maine year round.
The 10-person specialty team is composed of Cpl. Mike Joy (commander), Warden Bruce Loring (asst. commander), Warden Phil Richter, Warden Tony Gray, Warden Rick Stone, Warden Rick Ouellette, Sgt. Scott Thrasher, Sgt. Terry Hughes, Warden Robert Johansen and Warden Mike Pierre. There are three instructors and four dive masters.
“You need to have a knowledge of basic dive skills and the desire to be a part of the team,” said Loring. “We don’t dive alone; it’s definitely a team effort.”
He said that members should also have a willingness to learn more and further their dive skills.
Unfortunately, the dive team is usually activated not as part of search as rescue operation, but as a recovery effort in the event that someone has drowned or gone missing for a period of time in water.
In addition to recovery operations, the dive team also assists with other tasks, including inspecting state hatcheries and ensuring the intake pipes are clear and performing searches for endangered species in waterways.
The dive training is incredibly important, especially since the conditions for a dive can be extremely hostile. In addition to the cold, divers need to be aware of various concerns including air supply, depth and low visibility even in decent conditions.
“Safety is our number one concern. There are places we will not operate due to safety concerns,” said Loring.

(The Wardens' ice boat and travel over open water and ice and snow. Photo by Katy England)

In order to keep these skills strong, the wardens conduct an annual ice dive training. This past years was conducted out on Sebago Lake on March 21 through 23. During the training, one of the simulations they performed was a “rescue the rescuer” scenario. The idea is that one of the divers encountered a problem during the dive and another diver had to locate him and bring him back to the hole in the ice. Once under the water, visibility is limited and divers are instructed to use the angle of their rope as a guide.
“We’ve conducted a search by feel only,” said Loring. “That’s why I feel that this training is extremely important. You can’t go eight to 12 months and then put them in conditions like this and expect them to perform well.”

(Wardens also practiced entering open water and swimming under the ice pack. Photo by Katy England)

Warden Johansen has always had an interest in diving, since high school, but wasn’t able to join the dive team on the warden service until 2010 when he moved to Millinocket.
“I took a class, and that first breath of air you take when you’re under water I’ll never forget,” he said. “Being on this team is more than diving. Doing what we do is unique. It’s a challenge, but it’s fun too.”
Warden Richter has been a member of the team for 10 years and credits the fellowship on the team with getting through tough searches.
“We’re often involved in someone’s tragedy. The camaraderie helps get you through the tough times,” he said.
Throughout the training, another diver in full gear is standing by in case there is an actual problem with the simulation.

(A diver is removed from the cold waters. Photo by Katy England)

Training the trainers

(Students practice various control techniques)

Eleven become certified MARCs instructors at MCJA


By Katy England
edge staff writer
kengland@themaineedge.com

VASSALBORO – Eleven law enforcement officers from around Maine became certified instructors in the mechanics of arrest control and restraint (MARC) at the Maine Criminal Justice Academy (MCJA). The people taking the course were from various agencies, including municipal police departments, the Maine State Police, The Maine Warden Service and State Judicial Martial Service. For an in-depth look at the MCJA's MARC course read Hands-on Learning.
In order to become certified as instructors, the students not only have to be proficient with the techniques and able to execute them well, they also need to be able to articulate how certain maneuvers are made and be able to explain it in various ways.

(Blocks for knife attacks)

“We go over the whole curriculum,” said Dep. Arthur Smith, co-lead instructor for the course. “We instruct it to them and have them instruct it to us to make sure they understand it and understand the concepts behind it.”
The class is four days, eight hours per day. Once they have completed the course, they are certified to instruct other people in MARC. Officers can take it back to their department to instruct other officers and hold refresher courses. But they can also assist in the instruction for the MARC course at the MCJA for new cadets going through the Basic Law Enforcement Training Program (BLETP).
“It’s crucial to have the most properly-trained instructors throughout the state to ensure proper training for new and senior officers,” said Smith.
The instructors are encouraged to return to the academy to assist with training the cadets during the BLETPs.
Andrew Weatherbee of Ellsworth Police Department and Eben Richardson, deputy marshal with the judicial branch, both have plans to assist with instruction at the academy in the future.
“This was my favorite part of the BLETP,” said Weatherbee. “I wanted to give back to the cadets.”

(The participants go over baton strikes)

Richardson studied at Tracy’s Karate with Sgt. Scott Hamilton, co-lead instructor for the course, back in 1998. When Hamilton began instructing at the academy, Richardson asked if he could help, but learned he needed to be law enforcement certified to do so. After taking the 100 hour law enforcement pre-service course and getting hired as deputy marshal, he was able to take the course. Richardson self-sponsored himself to take the course.

“I was able to fulfill a dream,” he said. “I was very fortunate to be accepted into such a program as a self sponsor. It was a dream that started 12 to 13 years ago.”

Law enforcement officers who completed the program are as follows:

Chad Allen, Sanford Police Department;
Justin Dolci, Brunswick Police Department;
Haley Fleming, Winslow Police Department;
Justin Fowlie, Maine Warden Service;
Donald Laflin, Scarborough Police Department and Cadre at the Maine Criminal Justice Academy;
Jededia Malcore, Maine State Police;
Eben Richardson, State Judicial Marshal Service;
Jason Scott, Maine Warden Service;
Steven Stubbs, Windham Police Department;
Andrew Weatherbee, Ellsworth Police Department; and
Timothy Williams, Skowhegan Police Department.

Monster pot-hole causes problems on I-95

AUGUSTA - State Police say a large pothole on Interstate 95 in Augusta this afternoon has caused significant traffic tie-ups.

The large pothole has forced the closure of the passing lane on I-95 southbound near Mile 109 in Augusta just north of the Exit 109B off-ramp. MaineDOT crews are currently patching the pothole that is approximately 15-feet long, 2-feet wide and 6- to 8- inches deep. Maine State Police are on scene directing traffic. Crews expect to have the lane reopened in time for the evening commute.
The trouble spot is in the southbound lanes near the Old Winthrop Road overpass in Augusta.

At  least five vehicles have been damaged, including an SUV that overturned.  Two others collided with each other, sending one person to the hospital with minor injuries.   At least two other vehicles have sustained flat tires.

At 3:30 p.m. traffic was backed up about three miles in the southbound lanes.

Update on kerosene, gasoline mix in Gorham

Statement from Little Mart, courtesy of Maine Public Safety

GORHAM - Since the contaminated kerosene was identified on Thursday, Little Mart has taken action to inform the public, pump out contaminated product from customer locations, perform inspections by qualified technicians and provide refunds or replacement fuel to customers.   Upon further review of inventory and delivery records, it has been determined the kerosene product was contaminated at approximately 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 25.  Little Mart personnel placed the kerosene pump out of service approximately 12 noon on Thursday, Jan. 27 once the contamination was realized.  The local fire department was notified at that time and warnings were posted at the Little Mart immediately.  The contaminated kerosene was removed from the storage tank and the tank has been replenished with new kerosene fuel that is safe for use.

The overall volume of contaminated kerosene sold was less than 300 gallons, not 400 gallons as originally estimated.  There were less than 50 purchases of contaminated kerosene between Jan. 25 and Jan 27.   Numerous potential customers have called or visited the store and Little Mart personnel are responding to all of their claims.

Little Mart considers the safety of its customers and the general public as its top priority and will continue working with the local fire department to ensure appropriate actions are taken to resolve this situation.  Little Mart would like to thank the Gorham Fire Department, the State Fire Marshal and the local news media for getting word out to the general public regarding this situation.  Little Mart encourages any customers that may have concerns or questions to contact the store or the Gorham Fire Department.

Fire Marshall warns of kerosene mixed with gasoline in Gorham

Courtesy of Maine Public Safety

GORHAM - The State Fire Marshal's Office is warning the public that kerosene sold at a Gorham convenience store within the past two days was mistakenly contaminated with gasoline.  Fire Marshal John Dean said the mixture could cause an explosion and urged anyone who purchased kerosene from the "Little Mart" at the intersection of Routes 202 and 237 in Gorham since Tuesday at noontime should stop using the product immediately.

The Fire Marshal's Office was notified this afternoon by Gorham Fire Chief Robert Lefebvre and Gorham was using its reverse 911 calling system to notify residents.   Dean said a delivery of gasoline was mistakenly pumped into the kerosene tank on Tuesday and that some 400 gallons  of the kerosene-gasoline mixture have been purchased in the 48 hour period before the mistake was discovered this afternoon .

Dean urged anyone who had purchased kerosene from the "Little Mart" in the past two days to stop using the product .  Dean said any heating devices fueled by the contaminated mixture should be removed from any enclosed living space immediately.

Those who have purchased the contaminated kerosene can return it to the "Little Mart" for a full refund.

The store's phone number is 892-4153.

Anyone with any concerns can also contact Chief Lefebvre at the Gorham Fire Department at 839-5581.

Funeral for Maine State Police lieutenant to be held Monday

Lt. Charles "Chip" Howe

Courtesy of Maine Public Safety

VASSALBORO - Adjacent to a room that bears his name, funeral services for retired State Police Lieutenant Charles Howe will take place Monday at 10 a.m. at the Maine Criminal Justice Academy in Vassalboro.  Howe, better known as “Chip,” died early Wednesday morning at his home in Vassalboro after declining health from a rare neurological disease.  He was 59.

He served the State Police for 31 years – the last 18 of those years in the training division – and he played a hand in the training of every police officer and state trooper in Maine from 1987 to his retirement in 2005.  The academy was located on Silver Street in Waterville for most of those years, but Howe also helped oversee the relocation of the academy in 2001 to the former Oak Grove Coburn School in Vassalboro, where his services will take place Monday.

Chip joined the State Police in 1974 and initially patrolled in Troop F (Aroostook County) and Troop J (Washington & Hancock counties). He was named Trooper of the Year in 1983 and transferred to the academy in 1987 as a sergeant and was promoted to lieutenant in charge of training in 1995.  During those 18 years he served at the academy, close to 2,000 Maine police officers were trained there.  The weight room in the training center is named in his honor.

Following his retirement, Chip served as an analyst for the State Police Computer Crimes Unit. Prior to joining the State Police, Chip was a watchman for the Maine Forest Service on top of Bigelow Mountain and he also served as a forest ranger. In all he had 37 years of state service. Always physically fit – he was an avid skier, runner, bicyclist and hiker.

He is survived by his wife, Jane, and four grown children.