LEWISTON – Detective Bernie McAllister, Lisbon Police Department Juvenile Division, was awarded the 2005 Advocates for Children Community Service Award at the organization’s annual meeting on Nov. 9.

The award is given annually to a member of the community in recognition of his or her contributions to the prevention of child abuse. Recipients demonstrate their commitment through their work as a volunteer or in their employment.

McAllister has helped numerous young people since joining the Lisbon Police Department in 1981. Through the years, he has positively influenced children in his role as Officer Friendly, his work with the DARE program, adviser to Lisbon High School’s SADD group and as a Youth-to-Youth adviser.

McAllister is also active in community organizations that work on behalf of children, including the Shriners, Camp Kiev’s Leadership Conference, the local Adventure Ropes Course, Smokeless Saturdays, Lisbon Teen Center and the annual Lisbon Family Fun Day. He has also sat on the boards and committees of local social service agencies.

Family, friends and co-workers were present as he received the award. One comment shared from a letter written by Carol Hathorne, past principal at Marion T. Morse School in Lisbon, summed up how many feel about McAllister and his receipt of the 2005 Community Service Award: “I cannot believe Bernie hasn’t gotten this award every year.”