Troop F holds inspection, promotes Haines

Members of Maine State Police Troop F, along with the family and friends of Trooper Joshua Haines were welcomed last Thursday to Haines’ promotion ceremony by Col. Robert Williams before the annual Troop inspection.
Haines was promoted from Trooper to Sergeant for Maine State Police Troop F.
    “It’s not often we get up here for promotions,” said Col. Williams. “It’s quite a rarity for us”
Haines joined the Maine State Police in 2000 and worked for four of those years in Troop J, Washington County before returning to Aroostook. He spent the last eight years with the Major Crimes Unit.
Raising his right hand, Haines repeated the words Col. Williams spoke as he read his oath. After Haines was sworn in, his wife, Misty, switched his badge from Trooper to Sergeant.
Haines, of Mars Hill, thanked Troop F for attending, even though they had no option and his old section for coming to support him.
“Most importantly, I want to thank my family for everything they have done to support me over the years,” he said. “It’s not easy being a Trooper’s wife, my wife has always been there for me. When the phone rings, it’s obvious someone needs my services more than she does at the moment. That is not always easy, but I appreciate that.”
Haines also thanked other family members for all they have done over the years to support him in his endeavors.
After a brief time, Troop F members then filed into line and the annual inspection began.
“Although it takes time and effort, many of us are reminded at these inspections just why it was we were attracted to the Maine State Police in the first place” wrote Lt. Mark Brooks, who is in Pennsylvania at the Army War College.
Sgt. John Cote read the letter to the Troopers and is filling in for Lt. Brooks while he is away.
“It feels good to belong to a law enforcement organization that holds us accountable to a high standard and sure feels good to get together as a Troop,” Lt. Brooks added.
Inspections, according to Lt. Brooks, is a time to “take stock in what we have and to be thankful for the special privilege we have been given to be granted the title of Trooper.”
In closing, Lt. Brooks reminded Troopers to enjoy the day “together and enjoy the fellowship,” he said. “Most of all, I want to thank you Troopers who answer the calls every day and night who serve unselfishly and will complete any mission.”