PRESQUE ISLE, Maine – Another new face has joined the force at the Presque Isle Police Department.
Brad Fitzgerald was hired as a patrol officer on Jan. 27. Since that time, he has been busy learning the daily routine at the station, working dispatch at first, then working his way up to patrol duties. A native of Millinocket, Fitzgerald attended high school there and got his first taste of law enforcement serving as a part-time member of the local force.
“I started part-time on the Millinocket force and still am a member of their reserve,” said Fitzgerald.
Fitzgerald recently finished classes at the University of Maine at Presque Isle, majoring in criminal justice.
“I received my degree in criminal justice after completing classes last semester,” he said.
Before coming to Presque Isle, Fitzgerald worked as an officer with the Caribou Police Department.
“I worked from October through January in Caribou – about four months,” he continued. “I still reside in Caribou and travel to work each day.”
Fitzgerald is pleased to be a member of the PIPD.
“I love working with the department. I like the fact that it’s so pro-active. It’s a real good group to work with,” said Fitzgerald.
Chief Naldo Gagnon said when an opening came up, he thought Fitzgerald would fit the position well.
“When he first came to our area, he presented himself to me, saying he’d worked part-time for Millinocket and asked if there was anything he could do. He did custodial work for us at first, while attending college. Then he asked if he could do some ride-alongs. He’s a perfect fit with our department,” said Gagnon.
Fitzgerald is scheduled to attend the Police Academy downstate later this year.
