Class of seven graduates as Maine game wardens

    VASSALBORO — The Maine Warden Service is proud to introduce seven new Maine game wardens who graduated on Aug. 23. The ceremony took place at the Maine Criminal Justice Academy (MCJA) in and marks the completion of an intensive 30-week training program. The first 18-weeks include completing the Basic Law Enforcement Training Program (BLETP – also known as the police academy) where the wardens become certified state law enforcement officers. The BLETP is attended by all other new law enforcement officers such as state troopers, sheriff’s deputies and municipal police officers.

Photo courtesy of Caroline Hailey/
Maine DIF&W Information & Education Division

NOW ON PATROL — The newest Maine Game Wardens (and cadre wardens) are, from left, Game Warden William Shuman (from Waldoboro) – assigned to the Rockwood district, Game Warden Evan Ackley (Marshfield) – Clayton Lake, Game Warden Christopher Roy (Fort Kent) – Fort Kent, Cadre Game Warden Jeremy Judd – Mechanic Falls, Cadre Game Warden Aaron Cross – Morrill, Cadre Game Warden Dave Ross – China, Cadre Game Warden Josh Smith – Hartford, Game Warden Lucas Bellanceau (Woodstock, Conn.) – Fryeburg, Game Warden Christopher Sargent (Ellsworth) – Bucksport, Game Warden Carleton Richardson (Waterboro) – Sanford and Game Warden Timothy Coombs (Wilton) – Strong.

    Upon graduating the BLETP, game wardens then attend the 12-week Advanced Warden Academy, most of which is held at the MCJA. This structure based academy includes practical scenarios, physical fitness training, search and rescue, defensive tactics, and title 12 statutory laws and many other topics critically important to their new role in State law enforcement officers.
    “Both the bureau (of Warden Service) and Maine citizens can be very proud of these seven men who have endured and successfully completed 30-weeks of training in preparation for their futures as Maine game wardens. One of our most important responsibilities as managers is to hire and promote the very best people; you are among the finest to be found and we wish you and your families a safe, productive, and rewarding career,” said Col. Joel Wilkinson, Maine’s Chief Game Warden.