Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE — The Presque Isle Police Department has a new graduate on the force.
Officer Peter “Pete” Johnson attended classes at the Police Academy in Vassalboro last fall, where he took a variety of courses designed to better prepare him for his role as patrolman. Graduating in December, he returned to the PIPD with a better understanding of his duties on the force.
“Peter actually joined us earlier last year — March 3, 2008. He’s been with us a little over a year and has been busy patrolling with the other officers since his graduation,” said Chief Naldo Gagnon.
Gagnon said he’s pleased to have Johnson as a member of the department.
“It’s a pleasure to have him on the force,” said Gagnon. “Peter comes with some maturity. He’s a nice fit with our staff.”
For Johnson, the idea of being anything but an officer never crossed his mind.
“I cannot ever remember not wanting to get into law enforcement. I find the law fascinating and like interacting with new people. I like that every day is different and that you are always confronted with new situations,” said Johnson.
Johnson said there’s no one particular aspect of being an officer that he likes best.
“I really can’t say I like a specific aspect more than any other. The variety in the work is what I like most,” he said.
When it comes to patrolling, evening work suits Johnson best.
“I like working the night shift. There area a variety of things that occur on that shift. This shift also allows me to spend the most time with my family,” said Johnson.
When at the Academy, Johnson found the crash investigation course the most appealing class.
“The most interesting class that I attended was crash investigations. I have an interest in going back for further education in this area, with the goal of being able to do forensic mapping,” said Johnson.
Being around others with similar interests proved to be another element Johnson enjoyed while attending classes downstate.
“The most interesting aspect of the Academy was being around other individuals that were as passionate about law enforcement as I am,” Johnson said.
Johnson said his biggest inspiration in life has been his family.
“I don’t think I could pick specifically one individual (who’s inspired me most). I have had multiple individuals that have inspired me in life, including my parents, wife and two daughters. They’ve been the most inspirational to me,” said Johnson.
Johnson looks forward to serving and meeting the public as a patrol officer with the PIPD.
Staff photo/Kathy McCarty
OFFICER PETER JOHNSON, of the PIPD, graduated this winter from the Police Academy in Vassalboro. He looks forward to serving the community and its citizens.
