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Friday, January 19, 2024 Volume 20 • Issue No. 3
Heroes of a Different Breed By Susan Gallagher, Staff Writer YORK COUNTY The limelight is shining on a new breed of hero. Emerging from the shadow of the longlauded German Shepherd, the faithful Labrador Retriever is making its own indelible mark on law enforcement. Labradors lend their own special talents to the force. While their German Shepherd counterparts are used predominantly as patrol dogs, the Labrador’s acute sense of smell is invaluable in detecting drugs, explosives, and
cadavers. They are renowned for their tenacity and their boundless desire to please. This versatile breed’s calm, friendly temperament also makes them perfect comfort dogs and community ambassadors. The North Berwick Police Department recently welcomed one of these heroes to their ranks. Hutch (pictured), a Yellow Lab, is applying his exceptional sense of smell to his vital role as drugdetection dog. His handler, Officer Patrick Roy, beams when speaking of his new four-legged
sidekick. “I call him my partner,” he says. “Absolutely.” The two are inseparable. “He’s my guy,” Roy says with pride. “He goes with me everywhere.” Just a year old, Hutch is still in the last vestiges of puppyhood. Nonetheless, he is already hard at work. Officer Roy says, “He has a job to do, but I need to let him be a puppy as well and get that energy out.” While Hutch lives at home with Roy, the officer manages to balance the Lab’s dual status as pet and partner. In See K9s on page 12 . . .
Wells Couple Launches Initiative to Support Grieving Parents WELLS When a child dies, the fun, the laughter, and the dreams all come to an end, and are often replaced by shock, disbelief, and emptiness. But help is available for grieving families through The Compassionate Friends. In a heartfelt response to personal tragedy, Karen and Hal Muller of Wells have founded a grief support group tailored for parents navigating the profound pain of losing a child. Having experienced the devastating loss of their adult son to COVID three years ago, the Mullers recognize the unique challenges faced by grieving parents and aim to create a supportive community for mutual healing. Karen and Hal are starting the third Maine Chapter of The
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Compassionate Friends (TCF), a global grief support organization. TCF York County will offer a safe and empathetic space for parents and grandparents to share their experiences, connect with others who understand their pain, and receive guidance on the journey towards healing. Drawing from their own grief journey, the Mullers hope to facilitate an environment that fosters understanding, compassion, and resilience. The first meeting is scheduled for February, with subsequent meetings happening twice a month. The location will be determined based on the geographic
distribution of the responses received. The couple warmly welcomes parents and grandparents
from York County and surrounding areas to join the group and find strength in coming together. “We understand the isolating and overwhelming nature of losing a child. Our aim is to create a supportive community where parents can find understanding, share their stories, and help each other through the healing process,” said Karen. Hal adds, “While our personal grief journey has been challenging, we believe that through coming together, we can provide a beacon of hope for others who are struggling. We know men and women don’t grieve the same; un-
derstanding that is the first step. No one should have to face the pain of child loss alone.” The meetings are open to parents and grandparents who have lost a child, regardless of circumstances. Meetings for bereaved children (ages 15 and up) may be established if the need exists. Monthly meetings will feature open discussions and occasional guest speakers, and will be in a confidential and nonjudgemental atmosphere. For more information, visit www.tcfyork.org, email info@ tcfyork.org or hal@tcfyork.org, or call 631-445-1536.
Resources for Storm Assistance YORK COUNTY In the aftermath of last week’s severe storm damage across the state, coastal residents are continuing to clean up their homes and businesses, in the hopes of starting the rebuilding process as quickly as possible. From debris removal to power restoration, communities up and down the coast are working around the clock to reclaim a sense of normalcy in their lives. The following resources are available to help provide some guidance and relief for those affected by the storms. On Tuesday, January 16, Governor Janet Mills formally requested a Major Disaster Declaration to help counties recover from the December storm that brought flooding, power outages, and damage to central and western Maine. In the wake of the January 10 storms, the Governor has recently launched an online Maine Flood Resources and Assistance Hub that combines helpful information, resources, and as-
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sistance for those impacted by flooding and storm damages. The hub provides a wealth of information and resources to help in recovery. For more information, visit www. maine.gov/governor/mills/flood. The public is also advised to contact their local County Emergency Management Agency (EMA). County EMAs serve as a crucial link between cities, towns and the State, providing essential support for response, recovery, and mitigation for businesses and residents. For more information, visit www.yorkcountymaine.gov/ema. To sign up for emergency alerts, visit https:// linktr.ee/YCEMA. Reporting Damage It is imperative that those with damaged property document it by taking photos and compiling a list of their damages and losses. This information provides local emergency management agencies with the information they need to respond, and to
request state and federal support resources. The Maine Emergency Management Agency has a variety of resources to help in reporting damage. For more information, visit www.maine.gov/ mema/home. Insurance Question Resources The Maine Bureau of Insurance has sevSee STORM on page 2 . . .
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