Fort Kent Police Department ramps up community coverage with new officers

FORT KENT, Maine — Fort Kent Police Department is near full staff for officers with new hires and the advancement of one officer from part-time to full-time duty. 

As with many police departments throughout the state and country, FKPD has struggled to attract and retain officers in recent years. 

“It’s a great feeling knowing that we are close to being fully staffed and the ability to protect and provide better coverage to the community,” Town Manager Suzie Paradis said. 

FORT KENT, Maine — September 20, 2021 — Sgt. Garrett Albert of the Fort Kent Police Department. (Jessica Potila | St. John Valley Times)

Garrett Albert was hired full-time in the role of sergeant. 

Albert, 28, most recently served as sergeant with Madawaska Police Department. Prior to that he worked as a police officer in Brunswick. 

He grew up in Fort Kent in a law enforcement family. His father, Dave Albert is a Customs and Border Protection port director in the town.

“A lot of times you deal with stuff you don’t want to deal with but occasionally you can actually help someone and that makes it worth it,” Sgt. Albert said of police work. 

Sgt. Albert has a record of such helpful public service as a law enforcement officer. 

In 2018 he was honored by the town of Madawaska for his on-duty efforts to save the life of a person experiencing a medical emergency. 

Two years later, Albert received recognition for assisting a man who travels by wheelchair to make his way home. 

Albert said his decision to move to FKPD was influenced by wanting to return to his hometown and also by the improved pay and benefit incentives the town is offering to law enforcement officers.

“It’s nice to be back and service the community I’ve pretty much lived in my whole life,” he said. 

In July, the Fraternal Order of Police and the town of Fort Kent unanimously ratified a contract to significantly increase wages and other benefits for police officers.  

The contract includes a $4 wage increase throughout the next four years, more personal days and medical insurance coverage and an enhanced retirement package.

It also includes retention bonuses of up to $5,000 annually based on years of service with the department. 

Officer Michael Paradis has also joined FKPD on a full-time basis.

Paradis, 32, is new to law enforcement and is currently undertaking the The Law Enforcement Pre-Service Training Program through the Maine Criminal Justice Academy. 

He is a former truck driver who serves as a volunteer firefighter with Fort Kent Fire Department. 

“I have a 22-month-old son growing up in the community so I want to do anything I can to make and keep Fort Kent a safe place to live,” Paradis said.

Officer Trevor Bellefleur of the Fort Kent Police Department.

Part-time FKPD Officer Trevor Bellefleur recently increased his service hours to a full-time position with the department.

Bellefleur also cited increased pay and benefits by the town as one of his decisions for taking on a full-time role at FKPD.

He has been working full-time hours during the officer shortage anyway, he said. 

“This is what I want to do and this is what I know how to do, so everything made sense,” Bellefleur said. 

Full-time Officer Cole Pelletier, who has been serving as interim police chief since Chief Tom Pelletier retired in August, has been promoted to sergeant.

“Cole Pelletier is well deserving and has been a dedicated employee to the town of Fort Kent in the last few years during the COVID pandemic and during the shortage of officers in the department,” Paradis said.

Incoming Chief Michael DeLena will officially take the helm of Fort Kent Police Department on Oct. 17.

The department is still looking to hire one more full-time police officer.