Local law enforcement honors those fallen in the line of duty

A color guard consisting of various law enforcement agencies carry the colors during the ceremonies in observance of National Police Week, in Augusta, on May 18. Photo by Mark Huard, owner Central Maine Photography

by Jessica Laliberte
Central Maine Photography staff

Law enforcement officers, family and friends gathered in Augusta on May 18 to honor the more than 80 police officers, wardens and troopers who have died in the line of duty in the state of Maine. The event, part of National Police Week, has been held annually for 26 years. It is sponsored by the Maine Chiefs of Police Association.

“We are a country built upon the foundation of law and rules. As a civilized society, it is imperative that all of us recognize these laws and understand the small and fragile line that separates us from chaos and lawlessness,” said Falmouth Police Chief Edward Tolan, who is also the president of the Maine Police Chiefs Association. Tolan and Attorney General Janet Mills addressed a crowd of more than 100 people including many state legislators and other state dignitaries.

Maine State Police Colonel Robert Williams, of China, left, and Maine Game Warden Service Colonel Joel T. Wilkinson, salute the fallen. The game warden service has suffered the most in-the-line-of-duty fatalities than any other Maine law enforcement agency. Photo by Mark Huard, owner Central Maine Photography

Both praised police officers for “accepting danger everyday.” Tolan continued by saying what cannot be tolerated is “lack of respect some people show police.” The ceremony featured many police honor guards, the Maine State Police Pipes and Drum Corps and dozens of police officers from all over the state. A roll call of the names of the 84 law enforcement officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice was read by retired chief Darrell Malone, Sr. No new names were added to the memorial this year. The most recent death was Game Warden pilot Daryl Gordon, who died in a plane crash in 2011. Gordon was the 15th game warden added to the wall, which is more than any other agency. The names of 10 troopers from the Maine State Police also appear on the wall. Nationally, 45 police officers have been killed in the line of duty so far in 2017;145 police officers were killed in 2016. Their names were etched into the National Police Memorial in Washington, D.C., earlier in the week.