Police looking for local design
for new patch
IN THE CITY
by Matthew J. Irwin
The Presque Isle Police Department has a variety of issues developing during the month of February and heading on into spring and summer. First, have you ever taken a moment to really look at the police department’s uniform shoulder patch?
I have asked a lot of people I know, people who’ve been employed at the police department for nearly 30 years; other’s from the historical society; even people who have retired from the department long ago – how and why was our shoulder patch designed. I received a resounding and simultaneous shoulder shrug, with a dumbfounded facial expression, and an “I dunno.” This un-scientific yet unanimous polling has led me to believe that there is no historical, interesting, or otherwise meaningful purpose to the design of one of the most basic and plain of all police patches I have ever seen.
Therefore, I have announced a contest, which began earlier this month, for a new design of our police department’s shoulder patch. I am looking for a design that reflects Presque Isle, in particular, but may also incorporate a more generalized northern Maine flavor. I prefer the winning artist be someone with ties to Presque Isle, either through residency, visitors/guests, school, and place of work — that sort of thing. There is no age requirement and in consultation with our local drug dealers, we have agreed they will provide a cash prize to the top three selections (the funds will come from money seized during our drug investigations).
Interested contestants should submit their drawing (in color) on an 8.5 x 11 size sheet of paper to the Presque Isle Police Department at 43 North Street, Presque Isle, ME 04769 no later than March 21, 2014.
Contestants can search the web for law enforcement patches to get a feel for shapes, sizes, and design content that might be helpful in formulating your own rendition. By submitting a drawing, the artist conveys all rights and privileges to the City of Presque Isle. Good luck and get those drawings in!
Also, we recently announced that the police department is holding a Citizen Police Academy beginning March 18. It will run every Tuesday evening for 10 weeks. Each night will have a new topic to be presented. Attendees must be at least 18 years old and there is no cost to participate. Please stop by the department to pick up an application or you may go to our Facebook page to get a copy. We will only be able to accommodate about 20 participants, so get your application in soon!
We are proud to announce that Officer Kaitlyn McLaughlin started her training at the Maine Criminal Justice Academy last month. Kaitlyn has been a great addition to this department and we look forward to her return in May.
The big news for Presque Isle is the upcoming World Junior Biathlon Championship taking place at the Nordic Heritage Sports Center. Our department is proud to be assisting with security matters during the biathlon and we look forward to a successful championship event. Please check it out!
Chief Matthew J. Irwin of the Presque Isle Police Department can be reached at 764-2535 or via email at mirwin@presqueisleme.us.
