JAY — As part of Grange Month, the North Jay Grange held a public supper followed by a “meet and greet” with the Jay Police Department. After the officers were introduced, Master Harold Beisaw and Lecturer Marilyn Morse surprised Corporal Jeffrey Fournier with the Grange 2017 Community Service Award.

Fournier has been with the police department for 34 years. He teaches ATV safety courses for the community.

“I am blessed and feel that I have been fair and consistent,” Fournier said.

Fournier thanked his family and members of the community for attending. He shared stories of his patrols.

“There have been many changes in the laws over the years. It has been a rewarding career,” Fournier said.

Police Chief Richard Caton IV said, “There is a lot to say about Fournier’s dedication over the years to the department and the Jay community.”

Caton has been with the department 12 years and has been chief for two. In addition to administrative duties, he assists with investigations and patrolling. He works with county, state and federal agencies.

Other members of the department attending included:

Detective Mike Mejia, who has served the department for 11 years and has been detective for two. He does digital footprints regarding the processing of crime scene evidence. 

Officer Dylan Rider grew up in Jay. He has served two years with the department.

Officer Stephanie Guillemette, who has been with the department two years, will soon be working with the Wells Police Department to be closer to family in Sanford.

Officer Nick Gulliver, also from Jay, has served the department eight years. He is now with the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency.

Sgt. Russell Adams has been with the department 18 years.

The department is involved with Trek Across Maine, community events and Special Olympics. Members speak at schools and granges. 

The department’s web site is jaypd.com. There is a Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/JayMEPolice/.

State Gatekeeper Terry Spencer and State Deputy Harriet Spencer, Bingham Grange, were also introduced.

The National Grange was founded in December 1867, in Washington, D.C., to help farmers after the Civil War. North Jay Grange was incorporated in 1874, the 10th Grange incorporated in Maine. It is now the third oldest Grange in the state.

The North Jay Grange Store opened less than 20 years after incorporation. When it closed in 1974, it was the last Grange store in the nation.

North Jay Grange members hold suppers and sales throughout the year. Funds raised pay for building repairs and help support the people of Jay and surrounding communities. Donations are given to local food pantries, fire and police departments, and Coats for Kids. 

Members make preemie hats, lap robes and other items to donate to the local hospital, nursing homes and Touch of Class.

Corporal Jeffrey Fournier, Jay Police Department, is presented with the Grange 2017 Community Service Award by Lecturer Marilyn Morse.

Family member Lindsey Sayce presents Corporal Jeffrey Fournier with a bouquet of flowers at a recent North Jay Grange meeting. Fournier was presented the Grange 2017 Community Service Award.

Corporal Jeffrey Fournier, Jay Police Department, holds the certificate naming him as the Grange 2017 Community Service Award recipient from North Jay Grange.

North Jay Grange held a meet and greet recently with members of the Jay Police Department as part of Grange month. Pictured from left are Police Chief Richard Caton IV, Corporal Jeffrey Fournier, detective Mike Mejia, officer Dylan Rider, officer Stephanie Guillemette, officer Nick Gulliver and Sergeant Russell Adams.