Officials with the Maine Warden Service welcome seven new Maine game wardens who graduated Aug. 23. The ceremony took place at the Maine Criminal Justice Academy (MCJA) in Vassalboro and marks the completion of an intensive 30-week training program.
The first 18 weeks include completing the Basic Law Enforcement Training Program (BLETP — also known as the Police Academy) where the wardens become certified state law enforcement officers. The BLETP is attended by all other new law enforcement officers such as state troopers, sheriff’s deputies and municipal police officers.
Upon graduating the BLETP, game wardens then attend the 12-week Advanced Warden Academy — most of which is held at the MCJA. This structure-based academy includes practical scenarios, physical fitness training, search and rescue, defensive tactics and Title 12 statutory laws, and many other topics critically important to their new role as state law enforcement officers.
“Both the bureau (Warden Service) and Maine citizens can be very proud of these seven men who have endured and successfully completed 30 weeks of training in preparation for their futures as Maine game wardens. One of our most important responsibilities as managers is to hire and promote the very best people; you are among the finest to be found and we wish you and your families a safe, productive and rewarding career,” stated Colonel Joel Wilkinson, Maine’s chief game warden, at Friday’s ceremony.
Graduates included: Game Wardens William Shuman (from Waldoboro), assigned to Rockwood district; Evan Ackley (Marshfield), Clayton Lake; Christopher Roy (Fort Kent), Fort Kent; Lucas Bellanceau (Woodstock, Ct.), Fryeburg; Christopher Sargent (Ellsworth), Bucksport; Carleton Richardson (Waterboro), Sanford; and Timothy Coombs (Wilton), Strong.
