Staff Writer
FORT FAIRFIELD — The Fort Fairfield Police Department has a new member, with the recent hiring of Sgt. Shawn Newell.
Newell fills a spot left vacant when Stan Nicholson took a position earlier this summer with the U.S. Border Patrol. Newell, formerly a patrol officer with the Presque Isle Police Department, said the move from one department came as a bit of a surprise.
“I had recently completed a course in accident reconstruction training and was asked to come over to help reconstruct the pedestrian fatality when the biathlete was struck earlier this summer. While at the scene, Chief Joe Bubar asked me if I wanted a job. I thought he was joking but got a call from him a short time later asking again if I’d be interested, because his department had an opening. He made me an offer I couldn’t refuse,” said Newell. “How could I refuse a career advancement opportunity like this?”
An officer since 1995, Newell said he stumbled into police work.
“I was back from college and the chief back home offered me a part-time job. I fell in love with it and never looked back. I graduated from the Police Academy in 1995 and began working in Baileyville. I spent 12 years there, six of those as the school cop. In January 2007, I took a position with the PIPD,” he said.
Newell joins four full-time officers at the FFPD.
“There’s four of us — the chief, myself and two patrolmen, Brady Henderson and Matt Cummings,” said Newell. “It’s a great group of people I have to work with. Matt and I had worked together before at the PIPD, so that’s making the transition even easier.”
Newell’s duties will include supervising officers, maintaining training records and “serving as the chief’s right-hand man.”
“I’ll also handle any major criminal investigations that come up,” said Newell.
Newell will also be looking for ways to acquire new equipment for the department.
“I’d like to get grants for some new equipment. That’s one of my priorities,” he said.
He said he’s looking forward to serving the community of Fort Fairfield and welcomes public input — whether it’s just to say hello or to report criminal activity.
“I’m looking forward to getting to know the folks in town. If anyone wants to reach me, whether it’s just to ask a question or report a crime, they can call 472-3808,” said Newell. “I welcome public comments and look forward to my duties with the department.”
Staff photo/Kathy McCarty
NEW TO THE FORCE — Sgt. Shawn Newell joined the Fort Fairfield Police Department in mid-August and looks forward to getting to know the community and its citizens.
