Schrader joins Fort Fairfield PD
FORT FAIRFIELD, Maine — Bill Schrader, the newest officer at the Fort Fairfield Police Department, is adjusting to life in northern Maine, after years on patrol in central Florida.
“I have 21 years in law enforcement — 18 with the Lakeland Police Department and nine with the city of Avon Police Department. Maine weather is a nice change from Florida,” said Schrader.
Schrader isn’t the first in his family to become a police officer. He said his older brothers have been his role models.
“I’m the baby of the family. I have four older brothers, three of whom were police officers. I saw my brothers doing it and decided that’s what I wanted to do too,” he said.
This isn’t the first time he’s dealt with snow.
“I grew up in upstate New York, in the Snow Belt. I wanted to join the police there but Affirmative Action played into hiring decisions. My brother was an officer in Florida, so I went down and found a position in Avon,” said Schrader.
He said when he told his father where he was moving, he was reminded that he’s not the first in the family to serve in northern Maine.
“My Uncle Billie — my father’s brother — was a tail gunner assigned to Loring. He told my dad it was the greatest place and that people here were good to him,” said Schrader.
Schrader, divorced with no children, moved to Mars Hill with his dog, Harley, late last fall.
“My girlfriend, Erica, is an officer in Florida. She came up to visit and fell in love with the area and hopes to move here at some point,” said Schrader.
He said there’s quite a difference between here and where he served in Florida.
“It’s more violent down there. Here, you can get to know people. Folks stop and talk or wave as you drive by,” he said.
Schrader is looking forward to putting his skills to use at the FFPD.
“My specialty is traffic and homicide investigations. I did that about 15-16 years. I was the sergeant for the property crime, fraud and violent crime unit of the detective division.
He said he’s looking forward to exploring the area more when the weather warms.
“I used to hunt in New York but not in Florida. I love sports. I’ve been enjoying attending the high school basketball games,” he said.
Schrader said he’s been very impressed by how neighborly everyone has been since his arrival in Aroostook.
“I like the people here. When I moved to Mars Hill, the neighbors came by to introduce themselves and helped me move in. I feel I’ve been accepted; everyone’s so friendly,” he said.
The work atmosphere is totally different here than it is in the south.
“Here I have time to do followups, check on people. It’s a different form of law enforcement. I couldn’t be any happier,” said Schrader.
He said he enjoys the outdoors and looks forward to spending time outside on his days off.
“I don’t live far from Mars Hill Mountain. You may find me skiing there on my days off,” said Schrader.
