Rumford Police Sgt. Tracey Higley, left, poses with local artist Brent Batchelder of Club Neopolsi Creations with a painting to be raffled at the Maine Association of Police awards banquet in Portland on Jan. 26. (Submitted photo)

RUMFORD — In cooperation with the Rumford Police Department, local artist Brent Batchelder of Club Neopolsi Creations has created a painting to be raffled at the Maine Association of Police awards banquet in Portland on Jan. 26.

Rumford Police Sgt. Tracey Higley said Batchelder donated his time, effort and some of the materials. The officers who make up the Rumford Police Association also helped pay for some of the materials, and are donating the painting to Maine Association of Police.

“The painting symbolizes the care and compassion that police officers have, as they serve and protect society,” Batchelder said. “I chose to have the background be the American flag. It is represented in the police colors of black, white and blue, with the blue component representing the ‘thin blue line.’”

He added that the faceless (so anyone’s face can be imagined) police officer rescues a child from a traumatic situation, which is generic and could be anything.

“The officer, with angel wings, brings the child through the shattered red area to safety,” he said.

Higley said proceeds will go to the Maine Association of Police charities account, which benefits a number of charities all over the state, either by request or by what is needed. This could include help for someone who has lost their home to fire, or to help fund a scholarship.

The Rumford Police Association also uses officer contributions to donate locally.

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