As customary, I want to thank all of the department's full-time and auxiliary staff for a job well done in 2010. The officers and dispatchers of this department exhibit a high degree of professionalism and integrity in the performance of their duties for the citizens of this community.

I would also like to thank the town council, town manager, department heads, and all other municipal employees for their teamwork, cooperation, and support.

Backed by a strong effort from Sgt. Eric Crouse and Sgt. Frederick Parker, the police department held its second Citizens Police Academy in March. Sixteen residents from the greater Houlton area participated in several activities over a 10-week period that was designed to educate citizens about law enforcement. Instruction was provided on the budget process, hiring standards, use of force, crime scene processing, PaCT (Police and Community Together), Citizen Radar Patrol, drug investigations, dispatch operations, domestic violence and highway safety to name a few. Graduating students received an official diploma, a hat and tee-shirt. To keep costs down, officers volunteered their time to teach and participate in group discussions. Finally, students were given an opportunity to ride with a police officer for an eight hour period and wear authentic soft body armor. After graduation, some members of the group came forward and volunteered their time to assist the department with traffic control Halloween night on high St. Volunteers play a crucial role for the department and provide us feedback about our services. The advice they give us helps us build better partnerships with the community. We are grateful for their work and support.

D.A.R.E. was a huge success again this year. Nearly one-hundred fifth grade students from the Southside School participated in a two week program under the tutelage of Officer Steven Nason. This was Officer Nason's third year teaching the program. To fund D.A.R.E., the department relies strictly on donations from civic organizations, businesses and citizens. All proceeds received are firmly used to purchase diplomas, awards, tee shirts and fund the student's graduation function. I want to sincerely thank local businesses and everyone for their donations and continued support.

In August, the 185th Engineer Support Company of the Maine National Guard erected two ten foot berms approximately 50 yards in length at the department's firearms range. The Support Company also installed culverts and made improvements to a drainage ditch. Materials for the project were supplied by the town and the labor was provided by the National Guard at no expense. The project was needed to improve officer safety and expand usage of the range to include urban rifle qualification. Because the range is also utilized by various law enforcement entities in the area, an annual fee arrangement was negotiated to offset the costs of the prject and any future maintenance.

After a six month hiatus in Florida, Sgt. Frederick Parker rejoined the Houlton Police Department in November of 2010. Sgt. Parker retired from the Del Ray Beach Police Department in Florida with the rank of sergeant after 26 years of service. Officer Parker was promoted to the rank of sergeant at the Houlton Police Department in April of 2009.

Officer Richard York joined the department in March of 2010. Officer York is a nine year law enforcement veteran and the department's firearm's instructor. Officer York is originally from the Lincoln, Maine area.

Officer Theron Bickford became a full-time member of the department in July of 2010. Officer Bickford has been a law enforcement officer for 18 years. Officer Bickford spent a portion of his career as a detective with the Norway Police Department and a sergeant with the Oxford Police Department. Officer Bickford is a certified instructor in the following area; firearms, urban rifle, interactive use of force, Stinger Spike System, hazardous materials and liquor laws.

A native of Houlton, Corporal Dana Duff has been a member of the department since September of 1974. Cpl. Duff's dedication, humor and folksy mannerisms have been an asset to the department for 37 years. To date, Cpl. Duff is the longest serving full-time officer in the history of the police department.

In September, the department was awarded a grant from the U.S. Department of Justice in the amount of $166,581.00 to fund an additional full-time officer's position for three years. The department is required to fund the position for the fourth year or one budget cycle.

During the spring, summer and winter months, the department participated in the "Click It or Ticket" and "Holiday Enforcement" campaigns sponsored by the Bureau of highway Safety and NHSTA. The department received grant funds to provide additional patrols during peak times for seatbelt, speeding and OUI enforcement.

In a joint operation with US Customs and Border Protection, free screening of treats was offered Halloween night at the police department. Many parents took advantage of this program which has been offered for three successive years.

Members of the department encourage all citizens to become involved in crime prevention and community issues. You can assist us by reporting crime or suspicious activity to the department by calling 532-2287. In the event of an emergency, please dial 9-1-1. If you have information pertaining to criminal activity but wish to remain anonymous, please call or text the department's Tip line at 694-3545 or e-mail to tipline@houltonpolice.com .

Respectfully submitted,

Butch Asselin
Chief of Police