Farmington police officers selected employee of the year, quarter

FARMINGTON — Farmington police officer Bridgette Gilbert has been selected the Department’s Employee of the Year, according to police Chief Jack Peck.

Gilbert has volunteered to serve as School Resource Officer at Mt. Blue High School for the past 10 years, Peck said in a release.

“Throughout those years, you have created a feeling of safety for the students, staff and faculty,” he said of Gilbert.

Gilbert was awarded a “Mt. Blue Service Award” for 2014-2015 by the Mt. Blue Regional School District. It is given to “an individual who is constantly striving to enhance the school environment and demonstrates service to the district outside of their job description.

“You were chosen for this annual award due to your work ethic and dedication to your role within the school district,” Peck said.

Since September, Gilbert has investigated 11 drug offenses, ranging from possession of marijuana to two students being charged with felony drug trafficking, he said.

“Just as important, you have counseled, consoled and mentored young men and women,” Peck added.

Peck acknowledged Gilbert’s personal goal to enforce motor vehicle laws during the summer break.

“As a result, you initiated contact with almost 200 vehicle operators during the school vacation period from the end of June to the end of August,” he said.

Also acknowledged was Sgt. Edward Hastings IV, who was named Employee of the Quarter for fall 2014.

Hastings’ “attitude, dedication and work ethic have not gone unnoticed by myself or your peers,” Peck said of the sergeant’s selection as the department’s employee of the quarter.

Peck acknowledged Hastings’ initiative to investigate and his proactive approach to investigations.

Peck mentioned Hastings’ investigations, including one “from the followup on the Maine State Police Tip Line, which resulted in the arrest of a 21-year-old student at the University of Maine at Farmington who was growing psychedelic mushrooms within 1,000 feet of Mallett School to the arrest of a subject stealing electrical power off a utility pole on the Fairbanks Road.”

Hastings also took on the added responsibility of managing all the Farmington Fair work details this fall, Peck said. He worked in collaboration with the Farmington Agricultural Society.

“Due to your leadership, this detail was well-coordinated,” Peck said, addressing Hastings.

The work and dedication of both officers helped the department meet their mission, which is “to create a feeling of safety for the people within the Town of Farmington,” Peck said.