Area officers graduate from Academy

VASSALBORO — Nine area police officers from Western Maine recently graduated from the Maine Criminal Justice Academy, and most will begin patrolling by this weekend.

They are:

* Victor Barr II, Androscoggin County Sheriff’s Office, Auburn;

* Sophia Swiatek, Bridgton Police Department;

* Kevin Lemay, Farmington Police Department;

* Keith Madore, Franklin County Sheriff’s Office;

* Craig Morrill, Lewiston Police Department;

* Andrew Levesque, Lisbon Police Department;

* Darian Nadeau, Livermore Falls Police Department;

* John Lewis, Norway Police Department; and

* Christopher Miller, Sabattus Police Department.

They were among a class of 58 graduates. They studied topics, including crime scene processing, emergency vehicle operation, first aid, traffic and criminal law, domestic violence and sexual assault.

Falmouth Police Chief Ed Tolan was the guest speaker, who reminded the graduates they will be in the public eye until they retire.

“You will be challenged, videotaped, criticized and second-guessed, but you are ready to serve your community,” he said. “This is the greatest profession and people will lean on you for guidance, leadership and empathy.”