FARMINGTON — On Friday, Aug. 21, the Farmington Police Department recognized several public service personnel for their actions during the early morning hours of July 17th.

That evening Farmington Police Officer Darin Gilbert stopped a vehicle on the Fairbanks Road that he recognized as being sought in an Amber Alert. The suspect had abducted his 18-month old son in Somersworth, NH the previous day and stole a vehicle.

As Officer Gilbert was talking with the suspect, he drove off leading officers on a pursuit through the Towns of Strong, New Vineyard and back into Farmington.

The suspect was caught when officers deployed a spike mat and deflated the tires on the suspect’s vehicle, forcing him to stop.

Upon arresting the suspect it was determined he had mental health issues.

The child was found unhurt in the vehicle and later reunited with his mother.

“Due to the actions of the officers and dispatchers that night, I believe that they probably saved the child’s life,” said Farmington Police Chief Jack Peck in an e-mail.

Recognized were Franklin County Regional Communications Center Dispatchers Levi Gould and Diane Serino. Farmington Police Officers Darin Gilbert, Justin Blais, Michael Lyman and Sgt. Edward Hastings IV. Also Franklin County Sheriff’s Deputy Nick Zecher and Cpl. Nathan Bean as well as Maine State Trooper Reid Bond.

The mother, child and the child’s grandfather all attended the recognition ceremony.