Midcoast drug officers honored for diligence

ROCKLAND – Midcoast law enforcement officers received recognition last week for their diligence in fighting the war on drugs.

A joint task force, made up of Rockland police and the Lincoln and Knox counties sheriff’s departments, was awarded the Francis A. Grondin Memorial Award for the group’s efforts in recent drug arrests and seizures.

The award was presented May 26 during a New England Narcotics Enforcement Officers’ Association ceremony in Hyannis, Mass.

In the past 21/2 years, the task force has made some 400 drug-related arrests for crimes ranging from possession to trafficking, Rockland police Detective Sgt. James Pease said.

The officers recognized were: Pease and Rockland police Detective Chris Young and Investigator Russell Thompson; Lincoln County sheriff’s Detective Jason Pease, Lt. Michael Murphy; Detective Sgt. Ken Hatch; Detective Ronnie “Bones” Rollins; and Knox County sheriff’s Detective Reginald Walker.