New trooper assigned to Troop F

HOULTON, Maine — Five new troopers have joined the state police following their swearing in ceremonies Dec. 4 afternoon at the criminal justice academy in Vassalboro.  Colonel Patrick Fleming, chief of the state police, administered the oath of office which followed an address by Governor John Baldacci.
The new troopers have completed nine weeks of specialized training in State Police procedures and policies, and all previously had graduated from the Maine Criminal Justice Academy. The new troopers will patrol with a senior trooper for 45 days before patrolling out on their own.
Ryan Short grew up in Eliot and South Berwick and is a 2004 graduate of Marshwood High School and a 2008 graduate of The Citadel. Trooper Short is a second lieutenant in the Army National Guard and has served as a reserve officer with Kennebunkport Police. He will patrol the southern Aroostook County as a member of Troop F. Short also is a third generation trooper — his grandfather was Colonel Donald Nichols who served as chief in the mid-1970s, and his father is retired Lt. Theodor Short, who is now the police chief in Eliot.