Maine
Maine’s State Police Merit and Citation Awards Ceremony
Vassalboro, Maine (WABI) – Most say it’s just part of the job.
“All of these things that we do daily, help an elderly person stack firewood or any type of the multiple mental health crises that we are responding to every day, that we don’t get recognized for and we don’t want to be recognized for, because that’s what we are, that’s what we do, that’s what a trooper is,” said Colonel William Ross, the keynote speaker for the ceremony. “Someone that doesn’t look for the pat on the back. It’s great when you get one, but that’s not what we are here, We are here to serve.”
Police around the state cherished the recognition they received. They thought of it as a privilege to be among the other award winners. Corporal Blaine Silk of the Northern Field Troop earned the Bravery Award for actions to stop a violent domestic assault. He says any officer in the state would have acted as he did.
“It’s absolutely an honor to get an award any time in your career. For me, it was just the place and time. Anybody else put in those same exact situations in this agency would perform the exact same functions, so I don’t consider myself more brave than anyone else,” said Silk.
Scholarships were given to family of Maine State Police as well as awards to first responders and citizens for their actions in situations to save Mainers in need. Jonathan Maynard and Jessica Deleon were honored for their efforts in stopping a person with a knife in a post office.
“What an honor to be recognized with all of these amazing officers and citizens, and I feel very grateful for that for sure,” said Limerick’s Deleon.
The Legendary Trooper of the Year award, the highest award that can be given to a Maine state trooper, went to Sergeant Frank “Joe” Poirier.
“Joe was and is to this day, one of the most professional and dedicated law enforcement officers to ever serve the citizens of this state. He always treated everyone with the upmost respect. With that, please join me in recognizing retired Sergeant Joe Poirier as this year’s legendary trooper,” announced award presenter retired Major Gary Wright.
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The Maine Immigrants’ Rights Coalition says over the past two weeks its immigrant defense hotline has seen an uptick in reported ICE detentions.
They say this corresponds with a national shift in ICE activity, including bids for local businesses to cooperate with ICE.
In Maine, the arrests follow a broader trend of targeting Black and brown immigrants, including people navigating immigration proceedings.
The coalition, which represents more than 100 organizations, says it’s ready to protect civil and human rights and is urging immigrants to prepare themselves and their families.
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They suggest having the defense hotline ready in case you witness ICE activity, making sure you have important personal documents in case of detention, and reviewing rights around judicial warrants in private spaces, like your home or workplace.
It wouldn’t be Mother’s Day without a stop at the florist.
According to Fox Business, about 154 million flowers are sold during the week of Mother’s Day. So it’s safe to say it was a busy day for stores like Estabrook’s Maine Garden Center and Nursery.
Plenty of families stopped by to pick out flowers on Sunday, looking to choose the perfect bouquet for their moms.
“I think Mother’s Day is tradition, you know, and so it’s great to see families here. We have a lot of new families that have come today for the first time with their young children and their mother. Watching the young kids and seeing how excited they are—their eyes light up at all the beautiful flowers,” Tom Estabrook, president of Estabrook’s, said.
Estabrook says Mother’s Day tends to be a great kickoff to the spring season.
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