Ward receives merit award
Photo courtesy of MWS
LT. TOM WARD, of Masardis, at center, was presented with a merit award during the Maine Warden Service’s annual awards ceremony in Winslow. Pictured from left are: Major Chris Cloutier, Warden Ethan Buuck, Lt. Tom Ward, Warden Dan Carroll (who was named Game Warden of the Year at the event) and Col. Joel Wilkinson.
By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
ASHLAND — A lieutenant with the Maine Warden Service headquarters in Ashland was one of several people recognized during the annual awards ceremony held downstate two weeks ago.
“The Maine Warden Service held its annual awards ceremony April 3 at the Winslow VFW. The Warden Service recognized both game wardens and other individuals for their work and dedication to the department and the state of Maine in 2012,” said Cpl. John MacDonald, MWS spokesperson.
Awards were presented by Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife Commissioner Chandler Woodcock.
Among those honored was Game Warden Lt. Tom Ward, of Masardis, who was presented with a merit award.
“A merit award is a special recognition award presented by the Maine Warden Service Association. Lt. Tom Ward received this award because of how he handled a tragic situation involving the loss of one of our officers, Pilot Daryl R. Gordon, on March 24, 2011,” said MacDonald.
MacDonald said Ward worked closely with Gordon’s family, following the tragedy, assisting with whatever the family needed.
“During this time, Lt. Ward was intricately involved with Daryl’s family and the arrangements and decisions that needed to be made during this very difficult time,” said MacDonald. “Lt. Ward is deserving of this award which recognizes his unselfish devotion to those he works with and their families.”
Earning the award for 2012 Maine Game Warden of the Year — Shikar Safari Club Wildlife Officer of the Year was Warden Daniel Carroll Jr. of Sebec.
Awards were also presented to several individuals from other areas of the state in various categories.
