Chief of Presque Isle Police Department finally gets his man

    PRESQUE ISLE, Maine – It’s taken over three years, but Presque Isle Police Chief Naldo Gagnon finally got his man following the recent hiring of Officer Kevin Reed.
“I’d had my eye on Kevin several years ago. I wrote to him while he was stationed in Iraq, expressing interest in hiring him, since we had an opening at that time. Unfortunately for the PIPD, things didn’t work out and Kevin found employment elsewhere,” said Gagnon.
    With the recent departure of Officer Dennis Quint, who took a position with the Maine State Police, Gagnon was once again in need of an officer. Reed, who’d been working for the Fort Fairfield Police Department for the past three years, was quick to contact the chief regarding the position he’d considered once before.
“I served a total of 12 years in the U.S. Army. I was an M.P. and did a tour in Japan, as well as serving in the U.S. in such locations as D.C., Alabama and Virginia. I served in Iraq from March 2003 to April 2004 with the 16th Military Police Brigade out of Fort Bragg, N.C. It was while I was in Iraq that I first discussed with the chief the possibility of working for the PIPD. When this position opened, I finally got my chance to be a part of one of the best departments in the state,” said Reed.
Reed said he’s pleased to be a part of such an outstanding group of officers.
“I’ve been with the PIPD since I was hired June 18. I love it here. This is a really professional group to work with. When the choice came up, I knew where I wanted to go by the reputation of the department alone,” explained Reed.
While he enjoyed working for the Fort Fairfield Police Department, Reed said larger departments have distinct advantages over their smaller counterparts.
“The PIPD facility is better than anywhere I’ve been and it’s such a controlled environment. I also took into consideration public and officer safety as well,” said Reed.
In Fort Fairfield, it wasn’t uncommon for Reed to respond to a call alone. If he needed backup, he often had to wait for the State Police or Sheriff’s Department to respond. In Presque Isle, fellow officers are usually just a radio call away, if not responding at the same time.
“There’s security in knowing you aren’t alone when answering a call. It’s a definite advantage,” said Reed.
Originally from Bass Harbor, the 1994 graduate of Mount Desert Island High School received his B.S. in criminal justice and is a Maine Criminal Justice Academy graduate. He’s also taken part in several service school courses over the years.
“I graduated from the Academy in December of 2005 as top gun for my class. My expertise includes serving as an instructor in field drug testing and response to active shooters,” said Reed.
Gagnon said Reed’s military background is a plus to the department.
“He has top security clearance with the military and comes highly trained. He’s also attended the Academy. He’s really an asset to our department,” said Gagnon.
Gagnon said funds the PIPD received from the MSP when Quint left were used to reimburse FFPD for Reed’s departure. It’s a common practice for law enforcement agencies that hire officers to reimburse the communities that picked up the tab for sending the officers to the police academy.
“We received reimbursement from the MSP for Dennis leaving. Those funds were then used to ‘buy’ Kevin from FFPD,” said Gagnon.
Reed’s first few days on the job proved rather eventful for the city’s newest officer.
“I made two arrests my first two days on patrol,” said Reed.
On a coincidental note, Reed found he and another officer have more in common than their names.
“Officer Kevin Schumacher and I share the same first name. What’s interesting is we each have a son named Hunter, although his is of the four-legged variety,” Reed said with a laugh.
Reed currently resides in Easton with his wife Allison and son Hunter. They are hoping to build a home in the Presque Isle area in the near future.
Gagnon said he looked forward to working with Reed.
“It took me long enough, but I finally got Kevin for our department. I think he’s a wonderful addition to our staff,” said Gagnon.
As for Reed, he’s happy with his new position.
“I’m glad to be here, serving the community of Presque Isle.”