Veteran state police leader dies

AUGUSTA – A former leader of the Maine State Police, Col. Allan Weeks, died Friday after being stricken at his home in Wiscasset. He died upon arrival at a Damariscotta hospital, according to Stephen McCausland, spokesman for the state police.

Weeks, 86, served the state police for 37 years, from 1950 to 1987. He served as colonel for 11 years, being appointed in 1976 by Gov. James Longley and continuing in that position during the administration of Gov. Joseph Brennan, McCausland said.

He served most of his state police career in Troop D in Thomaston, as a trooper, sergeant and lieutenant. He served as deputy chief under Col. Donald Nichols from 1974 to 1976. From 1976 to 1979, he served in the dual role as commissioner of public safety.

Gov. John Baldacci said in a statement that Weeks “set the highest standard for the state police. He embodied the state police’s core values: integrity, fairness, compassion and excellence.”

The current chief of the state police, Col. Patrick J. Fleming, said Weeks “dedicated his life to the state police and was a decisive, no-nonsense administrator who had deep loyalty from the hundreds of troopers who served under him.”

“Among the many improvements he established during his years as colonel was the state police tactical team, canine program, hostage negotiator team, the internal affairs unit and the crime laboratory.”

Weeks is survived by his wife, Jen, and a son, Floyston “Bud” Weeks.