By Tomi Henderson
Special to the Houlton Pioneer Times
BRIDGEWATER — On July 12-13, Maine State Police Sergeants Brian Harris, Josh Haines and Chad Fuller, along with Troopers Whalen and Quint as well as Deputy Sheriff Wheeler, attended Kicking Bear, a weekend long mentoring/camping event that is held in Bridgewater each year. The event is geared towards at risk children and families and is based on bow hunting and outdoor activities. Kicking Bear is a nonprofit organization that conducts these weekend events throughout the United States and several other countries.
On Friday evening, Wheeler and his K9 partner Max gave a demo on their ability to search for drugs, suspects or missing persons.
On Saturday, Sgt. Fuller conducted a K9 demo with his patrol K9 Gleni and the assistance of Tr. Quint. Tr. Whalen conducted a bomb team demo and also a K9 demo with his bomb K9 Bailey.
This year’s event was attended by approximately 200 children and their families with the demos being one of the most anticipated and popular events. This is the third year that Troopers have attended and helped out at the event activities and there are a lot of positive comments about the Troopers continued attendance at the event.
Friday began with participants arriving to set up camp before eating burgers and hotdogs. After dinner, kids enjoyed many games such as tug-of-war, water balloon toss, races, marshmallow fights and more.
Saturday began with a hearty breakfast before the mandatory safety meeting. The kids were divided into groups and introduced to their leader. Each group went out to one of the stations set up on the property. After each one shot at the target, they went on to the next station. At 1, a delicious dinner of turkey and roast pork was served up.
Awards and prizes were handed out following the meal. Cooper Foster of Monticello was presented with a Lifetime Hunting and Fishing License by Vicki McCrum, in memory of her husband Keith.
