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December 10, 2023 PausedPausedAction Center 
ROME — The Maine Association of Police recently bestowed three honors to U.S. Army Staff Sgt. (Ret.) Travis Mills and his wife, Kelsey Mills. The couple opened the Travis Mills Foundation Veterans Retreat in 2017 after Travis lost portions of all of his limbs in a 2012 IED explosion while serving this country in Afghanistan. Since then, thousands of recalibrated veterans and their families have learned to live life off the sidelines through adaptive sports, spending quality time together and meeting other veteran families, according to a news release from Molly Lovell-Keely at the foundation. Presenting the awards were Kevin Riordan, association president; Shane Stephenson, second vice president; Paul Gaspar, executive director; and Nancy Troubh, widow of William “Bill” Troubh, of whom one of the association’s top awards is in honor and memory.Special Announcements
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DATE: May 1st, 2023 CONTACT: Paul Gaspar (207) 767-2558; admin@maineassociationofpolice.com
New poll shows broad public support of local law enforcement in Maine.
The Fall 2022 Critical Insights survey finds that 84% of Mainers have a positive view of law enforcement.
Attached is the summary of findings of the Critical Insights survey.
Augusta, MAINE – The Maine Law Enforcement Coalition (MLEC) is pleased to share the results of a new poll that finds a large majority of Mainers hold a positive view of law enforcement in the State of Maine.
The survey included 620 respondents from across the state over the phone and online. All survey respondents were registered voters who live in Maine. The results show that 84% of Mainers have an overall positive view of law enforcement.
Additionally, over three quarters (77%) of surveyed voters believe law enforcement contributes to the moderate to high levels of safety in Maine, and a total of ninety-two percent (92%) of voters in Maine believe the state’s shortage of law enforcement officers should be a priority for lawmakers.
This indicates overall broad public support of Maine’s law enforcement community and shows that Maine people know law enforcement is a major factor in keeping their communities safe.
“A supermajority of Mainers say they have full faith in their local law enforcement officers,” said Kevin Anderson of the Maine Law Enforcement Association (MSLEA), “This shows that we have earned the trust of the communities in which our members are active. Maine law enforcement professionals should be proud that the Maine people have their back.”
“When just under 100 percent of voters are saying the legislature should be focusing on the law enforcement shortage here in Maine and more than half are saying it should be a major priority, our elected officials should be listening, said Joel Wilkinson of the Maine Lodge of the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP). “Lawmakers ought to be proposing ways in which we can recruit and encourage Mainers to enter a law enforcement profession.”
“We are proud that the people of Maine are able to separate their opinions about the national conversations surrounding policing from their own experiences with local, Maine law enforcement,” added Paul Gaspar of the Maine Association of Police (MAP). “It shows that they truly represent MAINE’S experience with the high caliber of men and women serving their communities, and NOT the national or political party narratives or representations used to engender dangerous and unnecessary policy.”
“This poll is a true representation of how Maine citizens view our Law Enforcement Officers,” said Joe Bureau, President of the Maine State Troopers Association. “Maine Troopers, alongside all Maine Law Enforcement Officers, rely on community support to be successful in our public safety mission. We need the same from our lawmakers as we receive from our citizens to collectively meet the challenges we are faced with daily. Staffing shortages and initiatives to address these needs have to continue to be a priority."
About the Maine Law Enforcement Coalition (MLEC): MLEC is made up of the four labor unions below representing a wide variety of Maine law enforcement professionals.
The Maine State Law Enforcement Association (MSLEA) acts as the bargaining agent for member agencies in the state of Maine Law Enforcement Bargaining Unit. MSLEA has a 16 member, all-volunteer, Board of Directors and Officers and approximately 400 officers from 12 state law enforcement groups including: Attorney General Detective; Adult Probation Officer; Capitol Police Officer; Department of Corrections Investigator; Game Warden; Fire Investigator; Forest Ranger; Juvenile Community Corrections Officer; Marine Patrol Officer; Motor Vehicle Detective; Military Security Police; and Judicial Marshals. The primary mission of MSLEA is to protect and preserve the collective bargaining rights, job related civil liberties and labor destiny of Association membership, to ensure fair and equitable treatment of the MSLEA membership in matters arising from administrative investigations and employment related disciplinary actions. Additional responsibilities are to draft and support legislation to benefit State law enforcement and member agencies, to anticipate trends and develop training opportunities to ensure that the State’s law enforcement agencies have the faith of the people they serve through ethical conduct commensurate with the Code of Ethics for modern law enforcement officers.
The Maine Association of Police (MAP) MAP was established in 1975 by a small group of local police associations. The mission of this group of individual associations was to self-govern and on the local and state level, advocate for the safety and working conditions of Maine full time municipal police officers and public safety dispatchers. MAP now represents 47 local associations in their respective municipalities spanning a membership of approximately 950 members in addition to a dedicated association of law enforcement retirees. MAP works cooperatively with our municipalities to represent our members in many facets of their profession, including collective bargaining, legal and legislative representation, and training in state, as well as federal labor law. It has, and will continue to be, our goal to work proactively and professionally in forwarding the cause of our members and the protection of the citizens and communities they serve.
The Maine State Troopers Association (MSTA) was established in 1971 and since then has been the sole registered bargaining agent for its members. Any sworn member of the Maine State Police below the rank of lieutenant can be a member. MSTA currently has 250 members comprised of Troopers, Corporals, Sergeants, Detectives, Polygraph Examiners, Pilots, and Specialists. The purpose for which this Association is formed is the following: 1) To represent and act as bargaining agent in matters of wages, hours and other working conditions and to engage in other concerted activities for the purpose of collective bargaining or other mutual aid or protection of and for the members of the Maine State Troopers Association; 2) To promote and develop a friendly and fraternal spirit among all of the members of the Bureau of State Police (hereinafter called the “State Police”); 3) To mitigate the hazards of our work; 4)To preserve and foster good will with the citizens of and all people in the State of Maine and to encourage cooperative understandings and agreements with all organizations, agencies and officers of the government concerned with the State Police in the State of Maine for the mutual benefit of its members and the improvement of the public service.
The Maine Lodge of the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) proudly represents over 850 sworn municipal and county law enforcement officers from York County to Aroostook County. Our primary role is to provide professional labor services regarding negotiating collective bargaining agreements and providing legal support for its members. We are committed to improving the safety and working conditions of law enforcement officers and the profession through all legal and ethical means in an effort to further build upon the confidence of the public in the service dedicated to the protection of life and property. We are part of the National Fraternal Order of Police which represents more than 330,000 sworn law enforcement officers across the country in more than 2,200 lodges.
This morning we at MAP need to take the time to recognize the incredible response, actions, professionalism and concern that Maine Law Enforcement exhibited yesterday in the wake of such a heart stopping acts of violence in our state yesterday.
We recognize our members in Yarmouth, Cumberland, Falmouth, Freeport and Wiscasset for their incredible work in coming together as one Maine law enforcement unit in both protecting all citizens of Maine as well as capturing the suspected individual who has brought such horror to our doors.
We also recognize and thank ALL our brother and sister law enforcement officers from all segments of state, county and local jurisdictions. In the wake of tragedy you ALL embodied the incredible professionalism and restraint that rarely goes recognized by politicians and pundits in Augusta and Washington.
You have shown that a national narrative does not encapsulate the men and women who go forth everyday in spite of the constant derision and vitriol, to serve with compassion, concern and the duty that comes with this calling.
Yesterday's events encapsulated these character traits and answers the question "....whom shall I send and who will go for us?" And I said, "Here am I; send me!"
The board and our fellow members share their concern and pride in the heroism and fortitude that was shown by you all and our fellow first responders.
On a personal note, I have always been proud to have served alongside you as not only a cop, but now as MAP's executive director. You upheld all I know to be true, and only feel more of a bond and a pride in doing so.
Stay safe, check in and watch out for each other! - PG
Awards Conferred at the 22nd Annual Maine Association of Police Awards Dinner
The Board of Directors of the Maine Association of Police is proud to announce the following individuals as those being conferred with awards at the 22nd Annual Maine Association of Police Awards Banquet on January 28th, 2023.
We would also like to extend our special thanks to the following for helping make the MAP Awards Banquet a success;
Chris Gower and Admiral Fire and Safety
Ron Doucette, Anchor Engraving
Michael Lundin
The Portland Elks ClubJim Fahey
Our Members and Retirees
Please join us in celebrating the incredible service of these officers, civilians, and businesses as well as all of Maine's First Responders. Congratulations and Incredible Service on Behalf of the Citizens and State of Maine!
Business Recognition Award:
Sebago Brewing CompanyCheryl’s Sandwich Shoppe
Sanford Flooring
Windham Rental Center
James Durant Civilian Recognition Award:
Hannah Longley, NAMI Maine
Mr. & Mrs. David Ferris
Jack Lowe
Diane Bishop
David W. Pickering Chiefs Award:
Chief Paul Fenton, Cape Elizabeth PDChief Elliot Moya, Eliot PD
President’s Recognition Award:
Portland Police Patrol Teams B&C
Lifetime Achievement Award:
Chief Janine Roberts, Ret.
Heroism Award:
Sergeant David Bruni, Gorham PD
Officer Mark Sanborn Gorham PD
Officer Robert Pearce, Lewiston PD
Officer Aaron Webster, Westbrook PD
Officer Zachary Theriault, Portland PD
Officer Alexander Joyce, Portland PD
Officer Patrick Duddy, Portland PD
Officer Chris Proto, Portland PD
Sergeant Ted Hatch, Gorham PD
Sergeant Michael Coffin, Gorham PD
Officer Alisha Smith, Gorham PD
Officer Todd Meslin, Gorham PD
Officer Chelsea Kiger, Gorham PD
Officer of the Year Awards:Sergeant Jim Fearon, Old Town PD, Ret.
Sergeant Sears Edwards, Gorham PD, Ret.
Communications Officer of the Year Award:
Larry Gross Cop’s Cop Awards:
Officer Les Smith, Portland PDSergeant Andrew Flynn, Scarborough PD
Meritorious Service Awards:Sergeant Chris St. Pierre, Falmouth PD
Sergeant Jon Rogers and K-9 Gunther
Lifesaving Awards:
Officer Alex Beaton, Falmouth PD
Officer Spencer Simoneau, Lewiston PD
Officer Travys Fecteau, Lewiston PD
Sergeant Rory Benjamin, Cape Elizabeth PD (Awarded Twice)
Detective Mat Yeaton, Falmouth PD
Wayne “Pooch” Drown School Resource Officer Awards:
In Memory and Gratitude to the Drown Family
Officer Michael McManus, Freeport PD Ret.
Officer Dave Galvan, Cape Elizabeth PD
William B. Troubh Leadership Award:
Travis & Kelsey Mills
Daniel Tourtelotte
Special Recognition/Donation from MAP Charities:
The Maine Military Museum & Learning Center, South Portland; $500.00Larry Gross Cops' Cop Award
2022 – Andrew Flynn, (Scarborough PD)
2021 – Les Smith (Portland PD)
2020 - Robert Susi (Falmouth PD, Ret.)
2017 - Jeff Hawkins (Portland PD)
2016 - John Desjardins (Westbrook PD)
2015 - Robert Morin (Lewiston PD)
2014 - Paul Fenton (Cape Elizabeth PD)
2013 - Steve Webster (South Portland PD)
2012 - Christopher St. Pierre (Old Orchard Beach PD)
2011 - Jeffrey Bearce (Waterville PD)
2010 - Richard Vogel (Portland PD)
2009 - Kevin Riordan (Old Orchard Beach PD)
2008 - Bangor Police Department
2007 - Larry Gross (Posthumously)
2006 - Sean Lally (Westbrook PD)
2005 - Dana Thompson (Gorham PD)
2004 - Kevin Haley (Portland PD)
2003 - Steve Lyons (Westbrook PD)
2002 - Jeff McCue/Jim Fahey (So. Portland PD)
2001 - Dan Young (Portland PD)
2000 - Don Goulet (Brunswick PD)
Officer of the Year Award
2022 – Les Smith (Portland PD)
2021 – Jim Fearon (Old Town PD, Ret.)
2020 - The Men and Women of the Farmington Police Department
2017 - Brad Gallant (Rumford PD)
2016 - William Bonney (Waterville Police Department)
2015 - Jason Joiner (Buxton Police Department)
2014 - Gino Bianchini (Freeport Police Department)
2013 - Tracey Higley (Rumford Police Department)
2012 - Jason Burke (Windham PD)
2011 - Ken Cronin (South Portland PD)
2010 - Terry Goan (Brunswick PD)
2009 - Larry Morrill (Bangor PD)
2008 - Randall Parsons (Bangor PD, Posthumously)
2007 - Tom Donahue (Houlton PD)
2006 - Robert Libby (South Portland PD)
2005 - Paul Gaspar (Cape Elizabeth PD)
2004 - Amy Gagne (Sanford PD)
2003 - Kevin Riordan (OOB PD)
2002 - New York PD/Port Authority PD
2001 - Mark Day (Lewiston PD, Posthumously)
2000 - Jim Sweatt (Portland PD)
Lifetime Achievement
2022 – Janine Roberts
2020 - Robert Libby (South Portland PD, Ret.)
2017 - Brad Paul (Saco PD, Ret.)
2016 - Steven Webster (South Portland Police Department)
2015 - Ronald Shepard (Gorham PD, Ret.)
2014 Harold Trask (Saco PD, Ret.)
2013 - Jim Fahey (South Portland PD)
2012 - Kevin Schofield (Brunswick PD, Ret.)
2011 Wayne Coffin (Gorham PD)
2010 - Deputy Chief (Ret.) Gordon L. Littlefield (Sanford PD)
2009 - James Rioux (Lewiston PD, Posthumously)
2008 - Linda Barker (South Portland PD)
2007 - Michael Sanphy (Westbrook PD)
2006 - Donald Goulet (Brunswick PD, ret.)
2005 - Bill Troubh (Troubh/Heisler, PA)
2004 - Ron Damon (South Portland PD)
2003 - John Reed (Gorham PD, Posthumously)
2002 - Billy Hogan (Portland PD)
2001 - Mike Walsh (Cape Elizabeth PD)
2000 - Gerard "Butch" Guimond (South Portland PD)
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William B. Troubh Leadership
2022 – Daniel Tourtelotte (Maine State Law Enforcement Assoc.)
2021 – Travis and Kelsey Mills (Travis Mills Foundation)
All Maine Heroes Remembered
During the 2022 National Police Week, National Peace Officers' Day and every day, we remember all those here and throughout the nation who have laid down their lives in service to their communities and families. Godspeed heroes.
"Always Remembered, Never Forgotten"
- The men and women of the Maine Association of Police
"Always Remembered, Never Forgotten"
SCSO Cpl. Eugene Cole MSP Det.Sgt. Ben Campbell HCSO Dep. Luke Gross
Officer Wellness and Mental Health
Don't wait until the crisis unfolds; see the everyday signs in the everyday things we do in this job and take action - for ourselves, each other, and our families!
Stay safe, check in, and watch out for each other.
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Law enforcement is incredibly stressful and the current health culture is, in some cases, non-existent. Additionally, the tests offered to LEOs too often do not have the diagnostic capabilities to isolate high-risk individuals or provide a quality system of cardiac screening for low-risk individuals before they become critical.
Watch this webinar, sponsored by Sigma, where experts will discuss how critical screening and wellness is in policing.
ACCESS NOW
LAW ENFORCEMENT IN MAINE IN 2020
Maine Chiefs of Police - Maine Sheriffs - Maine Department of Public Safety
The Maine Chiefs of Police Association, along with the Maine Sheriffs Association and the Maine Department of Public Safety have put together a joint informational document outlining the many how Maine has and continues to outpace the national effort to address the challenges in addressing police, public, and race relations.You can read the report HERE
Maine Warmline for First Responders and Healthcare Workers
Free Peer to Peer Support App from the All Clear Foundation
Go To: https://responderrel8.com/We know First Responder wellbeing is important to you, so we want to be sure you are aware of ResponderRel8 – the peer-to-peer app for First Responders that enables them to connect, commiserate and celebrate anonymously (if they choose).
As you know, the complexities and stressors of response work are higher than ever due to the COVID-19 pandemic so, thanks to generous donations from All Clear Foundation’s supporters, we’re currently providing subscription-free access to ResponderRel8. First Responders can share information, stressors and experiences anonymously with their colleagues – without fear, stigma or politics getting in the way.
First Responders can access the app directly and chat with peers who have “been there, done that” – no association or organizational commitments required. It’s great for rural and volunteer responders who have very little access to resources as well as those in metro areas where it can complement in-person resources.
DOJ announces how benefits will be determined when officers die from Coronavirus
Written by Dianne Bernhard from our partners at Concerns Of Police Survivors.—Dear Members of Law Enforcement,
Stay home. Socially distance yourself. Work remotely.
All of these are necessary advice given to all of us by our government and health leaders in an attempt to slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus. But you as a law enforcement officer likely can’t take that advice.
You have to go to work to answer the calls to keep us safe. You may or may not have adequate protective equipment, and you certainly don’t know who you may encounter or who may be a carrier of the virus.
But we all know if a citizen with the virus calls 911 with an emergency, you will respond. Our safety and national security depends on it.
At the time this article is being written, at least 41 police officers have died as a result of COVID-19. Unfortunately, there will likely be others. Right now the highest priority is to keep those death toll numbers as low as possible.
Please take steps to limit your exposure at work whenever possible. While reactive policing is not ideal, in times like this, it is unfortunately recommended.
As a retired officer myself, I know our communities will eventually pay the price of having reactive versus proactive policing, but the steps to keep yourself and your families safe should now take priority.
The question is being asked at the local, state, and national level whether officer deaths from COVID-19 will be considered in the line of duty for the purpose of line-of-duty death benefits.
The Department of Justice Public Safety Officers’ Benefit (PSOB) program put out a release today. Quoting straight from the Bureau of Justice release:
“To establish eligibility for benefits under the PSOB Act in connection with a public safety officer’s death or disability due to COVID-19, the PSOB Act and regulations require that the evidence show that it is more likely than not that the disease resulted from the public safety officer’s exposure to the disease or the virus that causes the disease, SARS-CoV-2, while performing a line of duty activity or action.
In general, BJA will find that the evidence shows a public safety officer with COVID-19 contracted it in the line of duty, when:
(1) the officer had engaged in line of duty action or activity under circumstances that indicate that it was medically possible that the officer was exposed to the virus, SARS-CoV-2, while so engaged; and
(2) the officer did contract the disease, COVID-19, within a time-frame where it was medically possible to contract the disease from that exposure.
In addition, in the absence of evidence showing a different cause of death, BJA generally will find that the evidence shows a public safety officer who died while suffering from COVID-19 died as the direct and proximate result of COVID-19.”
So, what can you do now if you come down with COVID-19?
First, please follow all the advice of medical professionals. This virus seems to be unpredictable as to whom it affects the most. While those who are older or have underlying health issues seem to be the most at risk for bad outcomes, there are also perfectly healthy police officers who are dying from this virus.
Don’t underestimate it. If you are experiencing anxiety, please reach out to C.O.P.S. and we can put you in touch with someone for peer support.
Second, document your exposure. If you know that while you were working you came into contact with someone who was known to have the virus, document the date, time, and names of those who were there.
If your agency has a method to document exposure, you should utilize that process. If your agency does not have a process, you should document the exposure yourself and make sure your supervisors have a copy of it.
If you do not know where you contracted the disease, document the hours you were at work and were in contact with the general public during the date range when the general public was asked to stay home and exercise social distancing. Most agencies have an ability to produce call logs that will show when you responded to calls for service. This may be helpful in establishing the evidence needed for your family to qualify for benefits, if it unfortunately becomes necessary.
Third, consider making a claim through workers’ compensation. The documentation you will use to document your exposure may prove valuable if a death benefit claim has to be made later. Your workers’ comp claim can be updated later if you ultimately succumb to the virus.
Last, if you have not updated your personal information for your family to use to make decisions in the event of your death, now is the time to do so.
You can click on this link to access a PDF form you can fill out and then print and put in a safe place. None of your personal information is saved through the form. C.O.P.S. always recommends this information and life insurance beneficiaries are kept up to date, even during times we are not experiencing a pandemic. The peace of mind this provides to your family in the event of your death is invaluable.
At C.O.P.S. we know you do not have the luxury of social distancing. You should also know that C.O.P.S. is here as YOUR organization, committed to every law enforcement family that experiences the loss of their officer in the line of duty, due to this terrible virus. Every service available through C.O.P.S. will be available to these new families.
These are uncertain times. I personally would like to take just a minute to say thank you for what you are doing. There are many heroes during this pandemic event, and you are one of them. While I am no longer considered an “essential” worker, you most certainly are. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
God bless and stay healthy!
Selected PSA MAP Has "Your SIX" We are proud to invite our members and supporters to the inaugural Maine Association of Police Podcast; "YOUR SIX"! This is the culmination of a long process of planning, technical assistance and hard work to bring a new level of communication and access to our members throughout the state.Your SIX will provide our members with topical and current issues affecting our law enforcement profession, including; legal, labor, family and all things related to our fraternal concern. We will be using both audio and video casts with a myriad of guests and topics.
We are very honored to have Randy Sutton, a national speaker, subject expert, and former Las Vegas Metro PD Lieutenant as our first guest. We will be talking about Randy's new national initiative - "The Wounded Blue" and MAP being one of the first to partner and support the effort!
YOUR SIX debuted at NOON TODAY on our Facebook page as well as our website, with the first episode open for public viewing . After this first viewing, this will become a member only accessible service for our loyal members. You can also now view our first episode using the link below.
Stay safe and we have Your SIX!for more information about Rany Sutton & The Wounded Blue, go to;Blog Topics From The Bridge Bangor Daily News Storm approaching Maine: High winds, power outages, snow, and flooding likely UMaine hockey rallies for win over Bentley in Portland Joe Biden’s administration is doing too little to counter China’s military buildup At DC roast, Joe Manchin jokes he could be the slightly younger president America needs ‘Yellowstone’ series is creating demand for beaver pelts 
UnionActive Police Newswire Join the Newswire!
Updated: Dec. 10 (06:01)
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