If not for Maine Warden Service pilot Charles Later, a student named Peter Birch probably wouldn’t be walking the halls of Colby College today.

In November 2001, Later responded to a call that a kayaker was lost in the frigid waters of Great Pond in Belgrade. Despite the gusting 40-degree wind and coming dusk, the Augusta resident flew a detailed search pattern over the lake.

Later finally spotted Birch clinging to his overturned blue kayak, landed his plan on the lake’s choppy surface, and pulled the hypothermic man from the water.

“Simply put, Chief Warden pilot Charles Later saved Peter Birch’s life on November 3,” Warden Service Maj. Thomas Santaguida said Friday.

For his actions, Later was among the members of the Maine Warden Service honored Friday with a Meritorious Service Medal at the annual Maine Warden Service Awards Banquet in Bangor.

Other local award winners were:

Sgt. Brian Gray of Presque Isle earned the Distinguished Supervisor’s Award, an honor given by his fellow officers in recognition of his leadership and community involvement.

Warden Sgt. Roger Guay of Greenville and his working dog, Reba, were given the Law Enforcement Canine Case of the Year award for their work tracking illegal fishing in Enchanted Pond Township.

Warden Daniel Scott of Hampden and his working dog, Baker, were given the Search and Rescue Canine Case of the Year award for their work tracking an elderly man suffering from Alzheimer’s disease who had become lost in a wooded area near his home.

Exemplary Service awards, marking outstanding service in the past year, were given to: Warden R. Wayde Carter for his work in the Machias area; Sgt. Terry Hunter and Investigator Albert St. Saviour of Ashland for the assistance they provided to a Vermont Fish and Game Department investigation of deer poaching; Lt. Mike Marshall for his 24 years of work, particularly his contributions to the educational mission of the warden service; Warden David Milligan of Ashland for his apprehension of fish and deer violators; and Warden Jeff Spencer for his investigation of several moose illegally killed in the Clayton Lake area by a Tennessee man..

St. Saviour, the most decorated member of the Maine Warden Service, was honored individually for his investigation of an illegal hunting ring in the Starks area. The case has resulted in the prosecution of 22 people, with fines exceeding $20,000.

Charlie Davis of Shirley received the Legendary Game Warden Award from the Maine Warden Service Association, for his contributions during a 28-year career.

Rick Stone of Portland was named Warden of the Year for 2001, the service’s most prestigious award, for his 16 years of service in the field of conservation law enforcement.