FARMINGTON — Two Farmington police officers recently were recognized as employees of the quarter for winter and spring for their work within the Farmington Police Department.

Detective Marc Bowering was selected for the spring quarter and Officer Brian Ross for the winter quarter by Chief of Police Jack Peck Jr.

When police were asked to be on the lookout for an emotionally disturbed person with a gun on June 8, Detective Marc Bowering was the first one to see him, Deputy Chief Shane Cote said Monday.

“Marc talked him down from his intent to commit suicide by cop,” Cote said. “He got him to go to the hospital.”

The man received an emergency mental health evaluation. He later told Bowering he was “glad when you transitioned from your duty weapon to the Taser because he was going to force you to kill him,” Peck said in a release.

“Your knowledge, experience and communication skills likely prevented a tragedy from occurring during this incident,” Peck said.

Bowering has been a full-time officer since 1988. He worked ten years for the Wilton Police Department and ten months for Jay before joining the Farmington Department.

With his experience as a drug investigator, Ross was acknowledged for the winter quarter, as his assignment resulted in five grand jury indictments, Peck said.

Ross’ work also turned some drug information into a search warrant and consequent arrest in Farmington, Peck added.

“As a nine-year veteran of this department, you have shown exemplary dedication and devotion to the citizens of the Town of Farmington and also to the citizens of the State of Maine during your six years with the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency,” Peck said.

Ross joined the department in 2004 and has worked six years with the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency.

abryant@sunjournal.com