Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE – When it comes to public safety and law enforcement, it’s all in a day’s work for officers of the Presque Isle Police Department. To honor their efforts, several were recognized for their 2007 accomplishments, with awards presented earlier this year.
“Several officers were recognized for their extra efforts that were put forth in the area of traffic law enforcement during the last year. Departments with vigorous traffic enforcement programs are known to have fewer fatal motor vehicle collisions than those departments that do not aggressively enforce motor vehicle laws,” said Chief Naldo Gagnon, of the PIPD.
The direct result of an aggressive traffic enforcement program, according to Gagnon, is a reduction in motor vehicle collisions and as a result leads to a safer community. The PIPD regularly participates in programs designed to make area roads and streets safer for all who traverse them.
“The PIPD participates in yearly programs supported by the Maine Bureau of Highway Safety to help reduce the costs associated with running such traffic programs. Last year the department participated in highway safety programs in the area of impaired motorist detection, speed and seatbelt enforcement. These programs allow officers the opportunity to patrol the streets of Presque Isle looking specifically for operators who disobey the traffic laws of the state of Maine,” said Gagnon.
Officers awarded certificates of recognition for their efforts in traffic enforcement for the year 2007 include: Officer Larry Fickett – OUI, speed and seatbelt enforcement; Officer Brian McQuarrie – speed enforcement; Officer Shawn Newell – OUI enforcement; Officer Kevin Reed – OUI and speed enforcement; and Sgt. Joey Seeley – speed enforcement.
The PIPD is working again this year with officials through the MBHS to secure funds to continue to aggressively enforce the traffic laws of Maine.
“In addition to officers being recognized for their efforts in traffic enforcement, several officers were presented with individual awards for going above and beyond the call of duty, some of which were life-saving events,” said Gagnon.
Officer Kevin Schumacher was awarded a certificate of commendation for his efforts in saving a man’s life in Washburn. A neighbor had fallen off a ladder and was severely injured as a result of the fall. Schumacher, who was off duty at the time, administered immediate first aid and assistance until ambulance personnel arrived and took over.
“Officer Schumacher’s actions undoubtedly contributed in saving the man’s life. In addition to the certificate, Officer Schumacher was awarded the Maine Chiefs of Police Association Outstanding Contribution to Law Enforcement Award,” explained Gagnon.
Reed was awarded the Presque Isle Police Life-Saving Award for his efforts in attempting to save a man’s life. The man was dining at a local restaurant when he began to choke and subsequently suffered a heart attack. Reed was on duty and inside the restaurant with Warden Ed Cristie when the incident occurred. Reed and Cristie administered first aid and CPR to the man until ambulance personnel arrived.
“Officer Reed continued to provide lifesaving measures, assisting the ambulance crew while transporting the man to the hospital. Though the individual passed away a few days later, Officer Reed’s actions allowed family members time to gather at the hospital prior to his passing,” said Gagnon.
Officer Jeff Mechalko was awarded the Presque Isle Police Commendation Award for his actions after responding to a motor vehicle burglary complaint in Presque Isle.
“Officer Mechalko spoke with a woman who had returned to her vehicle to learn recently purchased birthday presents for her son had been stolen while she visited another store. The woman had the young boy with her and was explaining to him she could not afford to replace the gifts that had been stolen,” said Gagnon. “Without hesitation, Officer Mechalko took the young boy by the hand and into the store where he told him to pick out whatever he wanted for toys. Officer Mechalko walked the young boy to the counter and purchased the items selected out of his own pocket.”
Rounding out the award recipients was Det. Sgt. Wayne Selfridge.
Selfridge was awarded a Letter of Commendation for his efforts put forth in an 18-month missing person investigation.
“Sgt. Selfridge spent many hours following leads and working closely with family members to ensure they were always well-informed on what was taking place,” Gagnon said. “Sgt. Selfridge was the lead investigator and planned and organized searches utilizing personnel from several outside agencies.”
Outside agencies assisting Selfridge included the Maine Warden Service and Maine State Police.
“Though the disappearance ended tragically, Sgt. Selfridge followed the case from start to finish, at the same time making sure the family was comforted and cared for during this difficult time,” said Gagnon.
SEVERAL PRESQUE ISLE Police Department officers were recognized this year for their service to the community, in some cases going above and beyond the call of duty. Honorees included, from left: Officer Kevin Schumacher, Officer Kevin Reed, Det. Sgt. Wayne Selfridge and Officer Jeff Mechalko.
Photo courtesy of PIPD
