Michaud to seek money for HPD program

 By Elna Seabrooks
Staff Writer
    LINNEUS — The Houlton Police Department got a morale boost and a vote of support from Rep. Mike Michaud (D-Maine) over the weekend when he showed up at their annual barbecue and praised the job they do, especially the successful Citizens Police Academy that graduated 26 residents from the greater Houlton area.
    After hearing so many positive reactions, Michaud said he wanted to talk to the officers. “It’s a great academy and it’s important for citizens to really see what law enforcement people really do.” At the urging of Littleton resident Virginia Manuel, who graduated from the program, he said he wanted to take the opportunity to talk with the officers and congratulate them. Manuel said she “was bowled over by the level of professionalism of the officers and their preparation for the program.”
Pioneer Times photo/Elna Seabrooks
JOB WELL DONE — Rep. Mike Michaud (D-Maine) congratulated Houlton Police Chief Butch Asselin, second from left, on the department’s work in the community and the Citizens Police Academy. Michaud said he scheduled the informal annual barbecue on his itinerary after constituent Virginia Manuel’s high praise for HPD in building relationships with the community. Standing from left are Lauren Asselin, Chief Asselin, Michaud, Manuel, Lynn Parker and HPD Sgt. Fred Parker.
    In addition to moral support, Michaud said he’s also going to try to find additional funding to keep the Citizens Police Academy going, possibly through transportation and justice department money.
    Chief Butch Asselin said: “It would be nice to compensate the officers since not one penny of overtime was used. Those who came in on their own time were not compensated. That says a lot about the department and the dedication these officers have toward the community.”
    Asselin says more money could extend and enhance the program, get visual aids or develop new programs.