Ceremony honors fallen officers
AUGUSTA — Gov. Paul LePage honored Maine’s fallen heroes May 19 at the Augusta Armory during the annual Maine Law Enforcement Officers Service. The Governor delivered the keynote address which expressed his sincere appreciation of all Maine members of law enforcement, especially those who have died in the line of duty.
“Today, we honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice by putting their lives on the line for the safety and protection of others,” LePage stated. “Let us not forget our fallen officers’ sacrifice and their dedication to public service which has made Maine a better place for all of us.”
Family and friends of the fallen joined more than 100 officers, including members of the Maine Warden Service, Maine State Police and local police departments. The annual ceremony was relocated due to inclement weather conditions to the Augusta Armory from the Law Enforcement Memorial Wall on State Street, where it has traditionally been held.
The service featured the laying of a wreath, the reading of all 83 names etched on to the Memorial, and recognition of Game Warden Pilot Daryl Gordon who died on March 24 on Clear Lake in a plane crash. Colonel Joel Wilkinson, of the Maine Warden Service spoke of his fallen comrade with high regard to his commitment to public service and family.
“Daryl was respectful and kind, a devoted warden and a gentleman who served with purpose and commitment to not only his family and Rita, the love of his life, but to all of you present in uniform,” Wilkinson said. “He served his country as a Marine in Vietnam and served his state as a state law enforcement officer with honor, compassion, trust and loyalty — the four core values that best represent the finest traditions that the law enforcement profession is known for.”
LePage added, “During his 25 years of service, Daryl touched the lives of countless families as a search and rescue pilot, bringing lost loved ones back to safety. He will be remembered for his untiring dedication and service to our state. It is my sincere wish that we do not have to add any more names to this wall.”
Other speakers included Chief Robert Schwartz, (retired) executive director, Maine Chiefs of Police Association; South Portland Police Department Police Chief Edward Googins; and Maine Department of Public Safety Commissioner John Morris.
