State Police recognize four Rumford officers for work on homicide case

RUMFORD -- Four Rumford police office received framed Letters of Recognition at the start of the Board of Selectmen's meeting Thursday.

Chief Stacy Carter, Capt. Daniel Garbarini, Det. Sgt. James Bernard and Sgt. Tracey Higley were recognized for their work on a double homicide in 2009. Board members did the honors for the letters, which were sent from State Police Lt. Brian T. McDonough.

Reading from one of the letters, Town Manager Carlo Puiia said that Rumford police responded to an incident Aug. 3, 2009, to find Victor Sheldon and Roger Day shot to death.

“The efforts and long hours put in by the Rumford Police Department in the investigation were an enormous asset to the State Police Major Crimes Unit, leading to the eventual identification of suspects and the apprehension of those responsible for committing these crimes,” said Puiia.

“It is acknowledged that the Rumford Police Department's handling of the initial crime scene was textbook, along with the preservation of potential evidence. They are also credited with locating witnesses and suspects, providing scene security, and assisting state police detectives with interviews,” he said.

“It was through teamwork and dedication that the incident was resolved with the arrests and convictions of Richard Moulton, Eric Hamel and Gayle Sheldon for crimes related to these murders, including the charge of murder and the solicitation of murder. Acts such as this brings credit to you and the entire police department," said Puiia, adding that such recognition “speaks volumes of the professionalism that we have right here in the Town of Rumford."

“Viewed from the outside by the Maine State Police how professional they are, I hope that our citizens recognize how fortunate we are,” he said, adding that Carter kept him appraised of the investigation every step of the way during the investigation..

“It just speaks volumes about how fortunate we are in this town to have the dedicated personnel we have now,” Puiia added.

Following the presentation, Carter went to the podium and said, "I, with pride, accept this on behalf of the whole department for all the work they put in, as did the State Police. I've never seen a case have so much resources devoted to it. That speaks volumes for them and for our

department, all for a common goal, and that's due diligence.”

In other business, the board accepted the resignation of one member on the Comprehensive Planning Committee, then approved adding Jesse Heath and Jim Thibodeau to that committee.

Selectmen voted to add two designated parking spaces to the corner of Hartford and Lowell streets, which will be clearly painted.

The board voted to apply for recognition as the Governor's 2012 Business Friendly Community.

A public hearing will be held at 6:30 p.m. on April 5 on a Community Development Block Grant program application of $300,000. The town recently received approved of its letter of intent. Should the town win the grant, the local match will be made Community Concepts.

Selectmen approved lifting the parking ban, unless there is a plowable snow storm.

The board approved sending a letter of support to the Maine Department of Transportation in its bid to seek a grant to replace the Martin Memorial Bridge over the Androscoggin River. Puiia said MDOT is applying for federal money for the bridge. Otherwise, the project could be delayed for several years.