New warden pilot named
The Maine Warden Service has announced the hiring of a new game warden pilot for the Eagle Lake patrol.
Alex Candlin Barry, an Old Town native, was selected to fill a vacancy left after the death of Warden Pilot Daryl R. Gordon, who was killed in the line of duty when his plane crashed on Clear Lake last March.
Alex Candlin Barry 
was born in Bangor and spent his youth in Yarmouth. After high school, he attended the University of Maine Orono and graduated with a bachelor of science degree in forestry. In 2003, he joined the Maine Air National Guard and attended Air Force pilot training at Laughlin, Texas. From Laughlin he attended KC-135 tanker training at Altus Air Force Base in Oklahoma. He has been a full-time aircraft commander in KC-135 tankers stationed from Bangor since April 2005.
Barry gained civilian flight experience with a family owned Cessna 180 and 185. He is an avid outdoors person who enjoys snowmobiles, hunting, fishing, and his canoe and kayak.
“I am very excited to have this position and I am looking forward to getting out and working with department employees,” said Barry.
The selection process for warden pilot is very intense and identical to that of a game warden. In addition, an applicant must possess a commercial pilot’s license and have prior experience in the operation of aircraft in “bush” type conditions. Pilots from across the country applied for this position.
Chief Pilot Charles Later said, “Alex worked his way through the hiring process which consisted, among other requirements, of two interviews. One before a panel made up of Warden Service and State Police supervisors, a Warden Service Colonel’s interview, an extensive background investigation and the standard Game Warden physical agility requirements. I am very pleased that we were able to bring Alex aboard. His flight experience in the same type of Cessna’s that we operate all four seasons across the State of Maine is crucial to the position. As an Aircraft Commander for the Maine Air Guard, he has demonstrated the ability to make critical decisions that not only affect the safety of a multi-million dollar aircraft, but more importantly that of his crew.”
Barry is currently working out of the Greenville Air Base to become familiar with Warden Service air operations. He will assume the Eagle Lake Patrol during the second week of February.
