Rockland Police Department Welcomes Officer Ken Smith

Rockland, Maine - According to Rockland Police Department, Officer Ken Smith joined the Rockland Police Department earlier this year.

Ken grew up in the southern tier of New York State. Given the number of Red Sox fans at the PD, we were a little cautious of a New Yorker, but, so far, so good.

Ken joined the Army after graduating high school; he was stationed at Fort Bragg, NC with the 82d Airborne Division as a Fire Support Specialist and deployed to Iraq twice.

After separating from the Army, Ken moved back to NY and studied Veterinary Technology at SUNY Delhi, where he met his wife, Patricia. After graduating from college, Ken and Patricia decided they were up for a change, and moved to Alaska, working as Vet Techs. Ken had an interest in trying law enforcement, applied and was hired by the Juneau Police Department.

Ken had vacationed in Maine in earlier years. After a few years of Alaskan winters and remembering the balmy warmth we have in February, Ken and Patricia decided to look into moving here. They found that Rockland Police Department was hiring, and it looked to be a nice fit for them.

We do have some daylight in winter. We don’t have grizzly bears. Win / win. And we’re closer to their families. That’s good, too, but we think the lack of bears was a big selling point.

Ken flew to Rockland to see the area and ultimately decided to move to the area.

Ken and Patricia live locally, with their young son, Cameron.

Please join us in welcoming Ken and his family to Rockland!

Rockland Police Request Stay Off Roads As Blizzard Intensifies.

"Well Rockland, looks like we are in the middle of a Blizzard for Christmas day. I just took a ride around the city and the roads are getting bad. Public Works is trying to keep up with it but when mother nature decides to blow it all around it is difficult to keep up. So, if you have no serious reason to go out, please stay home. Pour yourself some hot chocolate, put on the Christmas music and lets wait it out. Merry Christmas to all and to all.........STAY HOME!"  Rockland PD

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Zero Tolerance for Speeding on Main Street, Rockland

The Rockland Police Department has been given a directive for speed enforcement details on Main Street, specifically in the Downtown District. Based on community feedback the Police Department will take a more aggressive approach to enforcing speed limits in the Downtown portion of Main Street. Starting this week anyone found to be exceeding the posted speed limit will be summonsed for a violation.

The Police Department has conducted 46 traffic details from the intersection of Park and Main Street to the Rockland Ferry Terminal since late May of 2017.  This particular segment of Main Street has been identified as the major problem area, in relation to speeding, by members of the community.

The City of Rockland understands the concerns which have been expressed by residents and businesses about speeding on Main Street.  We also understand that many who expressed concerns would ideally like to have 24/7 Police coverage on Main Street.  Unfortunately, the Police Department has limited resources and 24/7 traffic details on Main Street are not possible.  However, the Police Department is committed to doing as much as they possibly can with the resources available in the City to make Main Street safer.

We can't make this stuff up!

Rockland Maine Police Department
We can't make this stuff up.

Last week, our raccoon whisperer, Officer Addison Cox, wrangled a baby raccoon back into the woods.

The call last night was for a skunk, wandering around the parking lot of an apartment complex, with a jar of peanut butter stuck on his head.

We can't blame the skunk; peanut butter is awesome. If there were a jar of peanut butter big enough that we could get our head in, we probably would, too. But, we have the advantage of possessing hands to remove said jar, while Mr. Skunk does not.

So, Officer Cox to the rescue. Confident that Addison would be compensated for his kind deed with a healthy dose of skunk spray, this was the best pic we were willing to get.

But, apparently Mr. Raccoon had told Mr. Skunk about what a nice guy Addison is. Addison was able to pull the peanut butter jar off Mr. Skunk's head, and Mr. Skunk scampered away without unleashing a drop of spray.

We're a little on pins and needles, waiting for Addison's next animal adventure.

Have a great day all; we'll be out there.

Rockland's Resident Raccoon Whisperer

Rockland Maine Police Department
We got a call from a resident, concerned about a raccoon in a yard. Of course, with recent incidents, our first concern is rabies, or some other similar issue. Public safety is priority one.
We're happy to report that our shift tonight included our resident Raccoon Whisperer, Officer Addison Cox. Officer Cox is an avid outdoorsman, and was able to assess that this little fella showed no signs of disease - he appeared to be looking for his mother. Officer Cox was able to collect him by the scruff and move him to the treeline, where he scampered off, away from homes and people.
If you see an animal behaving strangely, please call 9-1-1. Do NOT attempt to touch or move them. (You probably don't have bite-resistant gloves. Or speak raccoon, like Officer Cox).

Officer Andrew Redden Rockland PD Officer Of The Year

Rockland PD Announce Their Officer Of The Year...

"Please join us in congratulating Officer Andrew Redden, the unanimous selection for Officer of the Year! Chief Boucher's letter to Andrew is below:

I am proud to announce that you have been selected by the nominating committee as “Police Officer/Employee of the Year” for 2016. Selection criteria for this notable award are based on your performance of duties that demonstrate the highest standards of professionalism and commitment to the principles of the mission of the Rockland Police Department. The nominating committee consists of the Deputy Chief, one supervisor, one officer and one civilian employee. You are the unanimous choice of the committee this year.

During your nine year tenure with the Department, you have developed into a Patrol Officer for all to admire. It is evident that your dedication to the Department and its goals is second to none.
As just one example of your service, on 12/1/2016 at about 12:15 am you along with other officers responded to 28 Crescent Street for a report of a suicide attempt. You are credited with cutting down the male who had attempted to hang himself. If it were not for your quick actions, the male would have probably died.

You are very concerned with the safety of the general public. Your proactive traffic enforcement efforts for the Department during 2016 are exemplary. Over the past year Officer Redden has been listed as the primary officer on 796 calls, has 83 cleared adult arrest cases including 20 for OUI (second most in the department).

Officer Redden has done a herculean job as a field training officer this past year. You have conducted FTO programs on the last three new hires. All three had little or no prior law enforcement experience. Your oversight of this accomplishment with the Department FTO program resulted in the success of the three officers who have completed this program this year. This activity took up most of your time and energy this year.

Your peers have stated that you are often their go to source of information. This is due to Officer Reddens demeanor and ability to both lead by example and instruct. You are someone who is often sought for professional advice. Particularly on driving while impaired and drug cases.

Many times you are contacted while off duty with questions regarding your expertise because of your understanding and knowledge of the RPD policy and procedure manual. Officer Redden, your ability to lead by example is also a motivator to many. You possess that intangible quality of leadership sought by a majority in the Patrol Division regardless of their seniority or experience.

Officer Redden leads by example day in and day out. Not only by the amount and quality of work he performs but by the manner in which he performs it, always putting the agency first.

Your commitment to the Department and our community is exemplary and consistently exhibits professionalism and a positive attitude.

You have distinguished yourself in every possible way and I can think of no one more worthy of the honor of Police Officer/Employee of the Year 2016"

Rockland Police "...if you don't absolutely HAVE to be travelling during this storm, please stay home."

We know that we'll be at work, as will many others. But, if you don't absolutely HAVE to be travelling during this storm, please stay home. It's not just the snow; the winds are expected to be fierce, producing near white-out visibility conditions. If there are widespread power outages, which will necessitate warming shelters, we'll post that info as it comes in. Additionally, you can call 2-1-1 at any time for information on available assistance.

Rockland Police Department Presents Three Officers with Meritorious Service Award For Actions Taken During Attempted Kidnapping

Rockland Police Department Presents Three Officers with Meritorious Service Award For Actions Taken During Attempted Kidnapping.

According to Rockland PD, On today’s date Rockland Sergeant Matthew Lindahl, Officer Alexander Gaylor and Officer Addison Cox were honored by being the recipients of the Police Department’s “Meritorious Service Award”. The Rockland Police Department awards committee recognized the officers for their action on September 29, 2016 during an attempted kidnapping.

This award is one which recognizes Rockland officers who perform acts of bravery, heroism and/or make significant contributions to the law enforcement profession.

On the night of September 29, 2016, Sergeant Matthew Lindahl and the rest of his shift were patrolling the City of Rockland. At approximately 12:34 AM, Sgt. Lindahl observed a vehicle that appeared to be stopped in the southbound travel lane of Main St. near the intersection of Main St. and Warren St. As Sgt. Lindahl got closer to the vehicle, the vehicle traveled forward and then pulled over to the side of the road, parking at an odd (45 degree) angle. Sgt. Lindahl could see people moving around inside the vehicle. As Sgt. Lindahl drove closer to the vehicle he decided to check the well-being of the occupants inside the vehicle. As Sgt. Lindahl got to within 30 feet of the vehicle, the vehicle backed-up into the roadway directly toward Sgt. Lindahl’s cruiser. The vehicle accelerated away from Sgt. Lindahl at a high rate of speed. Sgt. Lindahl then observed the vehicle operating erratically and at excessive speeds on Union St.

Sgt. Lindahl activated his emergency lights to stop the vehicle. The vehicle operator refused to stop the vehicle. Based on Sgt. Lindahl’ s observations, hour of the day, weather and traffic conditions, he elected to engage in a pursuit. As Sgt. Lindahl was pursuing the vehicle, Officers Gaylor and Cox (together in a separate cruiser) joined the pursuit as the secondary pursuit vehicle.

Sgt. Lindahl, Officers Gaylor and Cox, pursued the vehicle south on Union St., west on Pleasant St., across Broadway before the vehicle crashed on Pleasant St. around Luce Ave. As the operator of the vehicle attempted to flee the scene on foot, he was apprehended by Officers Gaylor and Cox. Sgt. Lindahl checked on the female passenger to determine her condition.

Now, it was determined that the female passenger had been a victim of kidnapping by the male operator. The victim sustained physical injuries during the kidnapping as well as inflicting physical injuries on the assailant. It was also determined that during the police pursuit, the victim called 911 and reported to dispatch that she had been kidnapped.

The Committee’s review of the incident determined the officers demonstrated an extremely high degree of professionalism. From the moment, the pursuit was initiated until the time the vehicle crashed, these officers performed flawlessly. The entire shift worked as a team to bring this situation to a successful resolution.

This Meritorious Service Award is given for “service rendered beyond the course of duty where a member, because of their diligence and perseverance, performs an exemplary duty in which a crime is prevented, life saved, property protected, or a dangerous criminal is apprehended."
It is bestowed upon these officers for service above and beyond the call of ordinary duty.

Sergeant Matthew Lindahl has been with the Rockland Police Department since 1997. He graduated from the Maine Criminal Justice Academy in 1998. Sergeant Lindahl has held a variety of positions within the Department since he was hired, including Field Training Officer, Drug Recognition Expert, CIT Member, and a Certified MCJA Instructor. He has been a member of the Department's Bicycle Patrol Team since 1998 and Harbor Patrol Unit since 2007.

Patrol Officer Alex Gaylor started his career with the Rockland Police Department on April 7, 2014. Officer Gaylor is a May 2011 graduate of the Vermont Police Academy. Prior to joining the Rockland Police Department, he was a police officer for the Town of Brandon Vermont Police Department from February 2011 to his hiring with Rockland. Officer Gaylor has an associate’s degree in criminal justice from River Valley Community College, New Hampshire.

Patrol Officer Addison Cox has been with the Rockland Police Department since April 19,2016. He will be attending the Maine Criminal Justice Academy Basic Law Enforcement Training Program beginning on January 17,2017. Prior to joining the Rockland Police Department, Officer Cox, a veteran, was on active duty with the United State Marine Corps from 2012 to 2016.

Rockland Police Department Welcomes New Officer Jacob Labo

Photo is courtesy of the Rockland PD

According to Rockland Police Department posting on their Facebook Wednesday, December 14th, 2016, 'The Rockland Police Department is proud to announce the hiring of our newest patrol officer; Officer Jacob Labo joined the Department last month.

Jake comes from a military family; he was born in Bath, Maine, while his father was stationed at Naval Air Station Brunswick. Growing up at different military bases around the country, Jake graduated high school in Massachusetts, and enlisted in the National Guard. During his time in the National Guard, Jake was deployed to the southwest United States / Mexico border, assisting Border Patrol, and in combat operations in Afghanistan. Jacob was awarded the Army Good Conduct medal and Combat Infantry Badge.

Following his honorable discharge after 8 years in the National Guard, Jake completed the Maine Criminal Justice Academy law enforcement pre-service training, and was employed as a summer reserve officer with the York, Maine Police Department.

In his off time, Jake enjoys spending time with his wife and their daughter, working on cars and camping. Please join us in welcoming Jake and his family to Rockland!'

We at RCN America Network welcomes Rockland Police Deparment's newest office and hope he has a successful career in Rockland

Woman Kidnapped Off Main Street in Rockland

Rockland, Maine- On 09/28/16, shortly after 11:30PM Rockland Police Officers arrested Shane Hall (29 years of age) of Portland for Kidnapping (Class A) and Eluding an Officer (Class C). Hall was taken to the Knox County Jail where he is awaiting his initial appearance in Knox County Court.
Details:
On 09/28/16 at approximately 11:30PM Rockland Police Sergeant Matthew Lindahl was on patrol and had stopped at the intersection of Front St., and Main St. Sgt. Lindahl observed a vehicle operating in an erratic manner traveling southbound on Main St.
At this time Sgt. Lindahl activated his blue lights and attempted to stop the vehicle. The vehicle refused to stop and a short chase ensued. During the pursuit Sgt. Lindahl was assisted by Rockland Police Officer’s Alex Gaylor and Addison Cox. Rockland Police Officer Jacob Shirey had positioned himself in a location to deploy a pursuit termination device should the vehicle continue to flee.
While traveling westbound on Pleasant St., the operator of the vehicle lost control and the suspect vehicle crashed. As the male operator (later identified as Shane Hall) tried to flee the scene; he was apprehended by Officer’s Gaylor and Cox. A female, who was a passenger in the vehicle was attended to by Sgt. Lindahl. While talking with the female Sgt. Lindahl learned the following:
The female was walking home from work when Hall jumped from his vehicle wearing a ski-mask, Hall attacked the woman, choking her unconscious. When the woman regained consciousness she was in Hall’s vehicle. The woman stated that she did not know Hall prior to this incident. As Officer’s were pursuing Hall’s vehicle, the victim called 911 and told dispatchers that she had been kidnapped. Because the events unfolded so rapidly this information had not been provided to the officers prior to the crash. The victim’s wallet and keys were later located at the scene of the abduction. Det/Sgt. Russell Thompson responded to the scene to continue the investigation. The victim was transported to Penobscot Bay Medical Center as a precautionary measure.

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Rockland Police Department Officers Lent A Hand To Help Pack Kids Backpacks

Rockland, Maine - Officers of the Rockland Police Department lent a hand to a local program that supports kids returning to school.

Stephanie Williams founded Backpacks for Kids in 2013. Now in its third year, Backpacks for Kids delivers a backpack filled with school supplies to local students in need.

“This is an excellent example of a community member seeing a need, and stepping forward to do something about it”, said Chief of Police Bruce Boucher of Williams.

The backpacks are organized by grade level, and contain supplies appropriate for that age group.
Rockland PD Officers donate money from their paychecks each week to a scholarship program, to assist local high school graduates who are pursuing a college education. When they heard that Backpacks for Kids were short on supplies this year, Officers used some money from the scholarship fund to purchase 20 backpacks, and filled them with school supplies.

The backpacks were picked up by Williams today, and will be distributed locally. Anyone who would like to assist with the program may contact Williams at stephhillerpt4@hotmail.com.

Photos are credited to Rockland Police Department.

Rockland Police and Fire Rescue Two Dogs From Quarry

Rockland Police posted via their Facebook page on Friday, April 3rd, 2015; A couple of local dogs were reported missing by their owner earlier tonight, and were later seen stuck on the ice in one of the quarries off Old County Road. We teamed up with the owner and Rockland Fire Department, and we're happy to say that both dogs are home, safe and sound.

UPDATE Rockland Police & City of Rockland Public Notice To Residents Regarding Upcoming Blizzard

The following is a public notice from Rockland Police Department and City of Rockland regarding the blizzard expected to impact the area tonight and through the day, Sunday.

***BLIZZARD WARNING FROM NOON TODAY UNTIL 7am MONDAY***

Some general recommendations for Blizzard preps for this storm from Emergency Management:
• Plan any travel for this weekend to be completed late Saturday afternoon- earlier if you are travelling into this storm which will approach us generally from the south
• DO NOT TRAVEL DURING BLIZZARD CONDITIONS EXPECTED SUNDAY! - for resident safety and to make snow clearance a bit easier for road crews- this also keeps emergency runs by public safety personnel to a minimum, protecting them.
• If you absolutely must drive, be aware travel in blizzards is dangerous! Visibility often will be zero! Carry a survival kit, use your headlights at all times and go slow!
• This storm will be accompanied by high winds which may gust upwards of 60 mph at times. Make sure doors and any other items which could be blown around are secured.
• Consider drawing enough water and food for three days in case power goes out- rule of thumb for water is 1 gal/person/day (at our home, we fill the bath tub so we can also have water for “non-drinking” purposes)
• Have some groceries on the shelf
• Where possible, remove snow load on roofs
• Keep home exits clear- you should always have at least two ways out!
• If you have to use a generator, keep it away from open doors or windows…do not operate in confined places such as garages or the wood shed. Know the symptoms of CO poisoning (headache, dizziness, fatigue, nausea, shortness of breath, vomiting…). If you think you might have CO poisoning, get to fresh air immediately-call 911!
• If you see a downed utility line, do not touch it, even if you think is dead!
• Know phone numbers for neighbors and check on those who might need extra assistance
• Call 911 for Emergencies, but have local numbers for your local Public Safety folks for non-emergencies (207)593-9132

****UPDATE**** - Governor LePage has declared a state of emergency due to the incoming blizzard..
SNOW EMERGENCY PARKING BAN (PLEASE SHARE TO GET THE WORD OUT!):
The city of Rockland is declaring a snow emergency parking ban, prohibiting parking of any vehicles upon all of the city streets, or municipal parking lots from 7:00 PM Saturday, February 14th until 5:00 AM Monday, February 16th. During this time frame, it shall be unlawful for any person to park or cause to be parked, or permit to remain parked, or to abandon or to leave unattended, any vehicle of any kind or description upon streets; provided, however, that vehicles may be parked for a period of no longer than ten minutes for actual loading or unloading of property, and provided further that no other ordinance restricting parking is thereby violated.
Vehicles found in non- compliance with this Snow Emergency parking ban, which interfere with the operation of any snow removal equipment or any emergency vehicle, will be towed. The City Manager or Director of Public Works shall effect such removal of vehicles through the Police Department of the city and the cost of removal and storage of any vehicle shall be paid by the owner or operator thereof.

Rockland Police Message To Residents Ahead Of Impending Major Nor'easter Tuesday

Rockland, Maine - The City of Rockland Police Department has shared this following message on their Facebook in regards to Tuesday's impending major Nor'easter.

We have severe weather coming Tuesday! Make your plans and preparations now so you can stay home and safe during the blizzard and heavy snow accumulations. Driving in this type of weather is very hazardous and unpredictable, if you can camp out at home and ride out the storm there, you will be safer and happier! Get some movies, some popcorn and make it a family fun day, at home! If you think you will have to venture out, (we recommend you don't) please use extreme caution, winter driving is dangerous! . We will be out there, so rest assure if you need us we will be there!

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE GRAY ME

...STRONG COASTAL STORM TO AFFECT THE AREA MONDAY NIGHT INTO TUESDAY

ROCKLAND POLICE DEPARTMENT "Roads are very slippery"

ROCKLAND POLICE DEPARTMENT

"Roads are very slippery this morning, due to icing. If you must drive, please allow for extra time to reach your destination."

ROCKLAND POLICE DEPARTMENT ON THE BOSTON BOMBINGS

Our thoughts are with the citizens and visitors of Boston tonight. While this terrorist attack was senseless and disgusting, as they all are, we also recognize the heroes who rose to the challenge. First responders, members of the military, and even ordinary citizens sprinted in to the danger zone to help the casualties. Marathon runners altered course to area hospitals to donate blood. The people of Boston opened their homes to those who’d been displaced. It is this human spirit, good people willing to help other good people, that will prevail. We outnumber the evil doers, and always will.

Rockland Parking Ban Extended into Sunday

ROCKLAND POLICE DEPARTMENT
‎***ATTENTION***ATTENTION***ATTENTION***

Hopefully the last notice on this particular storm. PW has caught up with the storm and is still working hard to clean Rockland up but there is still many hours of work left to do. For this and many other reasons, the Rockland Parking Ban is extended until Noon tomorrow (02/10). We ask that you still remain home if you can so PW can work without restrictions on our roads and get our City uncovered from all this snow. Thank you to all our citizens for your understanding and cooperation, WE MADE IT!

STAY HOME! ! !

Went out to the news van...looks like we are now going anywhere!


ROCKLAND POLICE DEPARTMENT

***WARNING***WARNING****WARNING****
Please, if you can stay off the roads this morning you will be doing yourself a favor. The roads in Rockland are treacherous and due to the amount of snow and driving winds we can not keep them clear for safe vehicle traffic. PW has been working around the clock to try and keep up with the storm but soon after a road is plowed the wind and snow fill it back in with several feet deep drifts. Stay home if you can, stay off the roads until the storm weakens. If you do have to venture out, make sure you have safety equipment with you, warm cloths and boots, and a cell phone because if you get stuck you may be there for some time until our local towing services can get to you and their list is growing and the roads are not making it easier for them either. We will update the general public as conditions improve. Police and Fire are prepared with the proper equipment and vehicles to respond to emergencies.

Rockland Police Blotter: February 26th-March 3rd

Rockland Police Blotter: February 26th-March 3rd
Editor: David Mills

Rockland, ME -  Rockland Officers conducted 34 traffic stops, and responded to 225 calls for services, including 6 motor vehicle crashes. Multiple arrests were made for different offenses, including warrants, operating after suspension, criminal trespass, criminal mischief, domestic violence assault, and traffic offenses, such as driving while distracted. Three minors were charged with illegal transportation of liquor by a minor (driving with alcohol in the vehicle).

This is a Police Blotter for Rockland Police Department starting February 26th and ending March 3rd. We want to keep the citizens of Rockland informed.

Rocky Coast News

Editor David Mills

Rockland, ME 04841

rockycoastnews@live.com

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