FARMINGTON — Franklin County’s first responders were praised by former Police Chief John Rogers at a recognition dinner Saturday night.

Rogers, director of the Maine Criminal Justice Academy in Vassalboro, said Maine is a very safe state compared to others, thanks in part to firefighters, emergency medical technicians and police officers who handle calls for overdoses, fire deaths and traffic fatalities.

“I ask myself all the time, how do you do it?” he said. “How do you continue to respond, call after call, without hesitation? It is because you have heart — a fearless heart that always looks out for others before self.”

Media relations in many parts of the country are poor today, he said, noting that there are always two sides to every story. Negative opinions have been given without ever hearing the other side, he said.

How unfortunate for all first responders around the country, he said.

Rogers said Maine is unique in the way law enforcement officers are hired, trained and held accountable. Officers must pass an extensive background check and polygraph, psychological, medical and physical fitness exams, plus written tests and oral boards.

“There are 660 academies in the United States and only 52 percent train like we do,” Rogers said. “Maine began using the current system, heavily laden with scenario-based training, in 2001. Since then, not one officer has given the ultimate sacrifice.” 

Rogers thanked everyone in the room for all they do for the residents of Franklin County.

“We could never be safe without your dedication, your drive and your heart,” he said. “Thank you.”

Recalling his early days as chief, he said, “I learned very quickly how close this community is,” Rogers said. “All first responders actually get along with each other, even in the same professions. No one works in silos here; everybody helps each other out.” 

He shared an amusing story about meeting Jack Peck, the town’s current chief, for the first time.

It was Rogers’ first department meeting and he thought he had met all full-time officers but none of the part-timers. 

“Just before the meeting started, I saw this guy in the back with hair in a ponytail down to the middle of his back, donning earrings and wearing a do-rag,” Rogers said. “I went up, introduced myself as the new police chief and asked him to leave as there was a meeting of the Police Department.

“He asked, ‘Why should I leave? I work for you.’ He then introduced himself as officer Jack Peck, working undercover for (the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency).

“Did I feel like an idiot,” Rogers said. “I quickly found out he was a great officer then. A great chief today.”

Farmington Elks Lodge No. 2430, with assistance from Farmington Emblem Club No. 460, sponsored the dinner, its first for first responders, organizer Les Brown of Wilton said.

“We have 20 guests here tonight,” Brown said. “We didn’t know what the response would be until we tried it.” 

Peck thanked the Elks and Emblem members for the dinner. 

pharnden@sunmediagroup.net