Martin among those honored at Warden Service meeting

WINSLOW — Jim Martin Jr. of Calais was recognized Friday as the Maine Warden Service’s “Warden of the Year” for his honesty, consistency and strong work ethic during his 20-year career.

Col. Joel Wilkinson and Major Gregory Sanborn presented Martin with the honor, and recognized others for exemplary service during the Maine Warden Service’s annual meeting.

“The significant achievements we honor speak volumes about the commitment, courage and core values of Maine game wardens,” Wilkinson said. “These awards do not single out any warden as being the best warden in Maine, but rather honors individual wardens who represent the excellence of game wardens statewide. We take pride in our peers’ achievements, and their recognition is reflective of the agency’s entire work ethic.”

“I am proud to serve,” Martin said, keepin his promise to keep his remarks brief.

Martin’s dedication to the public safety of people within his district, his enforcement of Maine’s poaching laws, his commitment to safety education by wardens, his work with local, state, federal and international law enforcement officers and agencies and his representation of game wardens through union efforts to negotiate contracts were all cited in his being presented with the award.

“Jim is as honest a person as you will find,” Sgt. David Craven said. “His integrity is above reproach, and the ethics and professionalism he displays in the performance of his duties serve as a model to all who work around him. Jim is a steady year-in and year-out performer; no flash, no big talk, just consistent results. This comes from old-fashioned pride in doing his job well, and conducting himself as a man of honor.”

“The Colonel has asked me to say a few words,” said Warden Martin, upon receipt of this honor. “I will keep it few. I am proud to serve.”

Other honorees Friday at the meeting included:

• Stephanie Anderson, Colonel’s Award
• Alan Gillis, Boating Officer of the Year
• Charlie Later, Supervisor of the Year
• Bill Chandler, Meritorious Service Award

Special recognition awards were also given to Jody Breton of Livermore Falls, the Piscataquis County Sheriff’s Department, U.S. Fish and Wildlife agents Eric Holmes and Robert Roth, and members of the Maine State Police garage staff.
Dan Scott, Phil Dugas, Jason Luce, Kevin Anderson and Jeremy Judd were all given exemplary service awards for their roles in an investigation which led to the arrest and conviction of Robert Lapointe for aggravated operating under the influence for the deaths of two boaters on Long Lake in 2007.