VASSALBORO – The state added seven game wardens to its ranks at a graduation ceremony at the Maine Criminal Justice Academy. The wardens will fill seven vacant districts across the state.

The newest wardens and the district they are assigned to are: Mike Boyer, Jackman; Robert Johansen, Big Ten Township; Jeremy Judd, Gray; John Lonegan, Eagle Lake; Richard Ouellette, Monticello; and Raymond Miller, Masardis.

The graduation marks the culmination of 28 weeks of training for the game wardens that included an 18-week law enforcement program followed by a 10-week advance warden service academy training.

The wardens are continue their training with an eight-week field training officer program. Each will work under the guidance of an experienced game warden and will be evaluated by field supervisors. Upon completion, the wardens will begin their patrols under the supervision of a divisional sergeant.

The 28-week training is a requirement of the Maine Warden Service.