Top brass inspect County’s state police

PRESQUE ISLE – Aroostook County’s contingent of the Maine State Police presented shiny blue cruisers and spotless uniforms on Tuesday for its annual inspection.

Standing military-style in the cold and damp weather, about 35 troopers and detectives participated in the inspection conducted by MSP Col. Michael Sperry.

The review “is a chance for management to meet the people who are out there beating the bushes,” Lt. Barry Smith, commander of Troop F, said before the annual examination began.

In addition, the colonel met in a private session with the troopers to discuss any changes in policies, laws or work-related issues.

During the meeting, Trooper Dan Marquis was recognized as the state’s Trooper of the Year. In addition, Trooper Brian Harris was named as the Outstanding Officer for Troop F for the year.

Included in the inspection were 15 detectives and supervisors in the northern Criminal Investigation Division, which is composed of Aroostook, Piscataquis, Somerset, Washington and Hancock counties.

The inspection was conducted at the Presque Isle Armory with troopers’ cruisers lined up in the driveway. Detectives’ unmarked cars also were parked and ready to be scrutinized.

To expedite the review, the cruisers’ trunks and driver’s-side doors remained open.

According to Smith, the inspection is held annually for every Maine State Police troop in the state. Traditionally, the event is held during the warmer summer months. However, because of the construction of the new police barracks in Houlton and the colonel’s schedule, the inspection was pushed back until now, Smith said.

It also was hoped that the inspection could have been held at the recently completed barracks, Smith said. Police are continuing to move equipment into the building and paving was not complete in the driveway, according to the lieutenant.

Aroostook’s troopers were the last to be inspected this year, according to Smith.

During the inspection, the troopers, both in uniform and plainclothes, stood in formation. Sperry, along with Lt. Col. Jeff Harmon, Maj. Charles Love and Lt. J. Darrell Ouellette, talked with each officer during the inspection.

The inspecting officers also examined the vehicles to ensure that each cruiser contained the correct equipment, including weapons and ammunition. Most cars also included a teddy bear in the event that a child, who may have been injured in an accident or other event, could be offered comfort.

Three police dogs, standing at attention beside their handlers, also participated in the inspection.