AUGUSTA — The Maine Marine Patrol has announced the promotion of Matthew Talbot, a 12-year veteran of the bureau, and Tom Hale, a 16-year veteran, each to the rank of sergeant.
“These two marine patrol leaders are deserving of this honor and bring with them a track record of success in their career as well as a vision for the future of this critically important law enforcement bureau,” said Gov. Paul LePage.
“Sgts. Hale and Talbot have shown tremendous leadership throughout their careers,” said Marine Resources Commissioner Patrick Keliher. “They are both known for their work ethic, commitment to excellence, and a dedication to helping people safely enjoy and make a living on our coastal waters. These qualities define today’s marine patrol.”
Talbot has taken over the position previously held by Lt. Marlowe Sonksen and is serving out of Rockland. Hale fills the York County post previously held by Sgt. Rob Beal and is based out of Scarborough.
Hale has served as a marine patrol officer since 1997. The majority of his career has been spent in the Portland and western Casco Bay patrol. Prior to his promotion, his responsibilities included patrolling the Maine coast by land and water, enforcing Maine’s commercial harvesting laws and regulations, and working with other local, state and federal law enforcement agencies.
His new responsibilities as sergeant include overseeing the five marine patrol officers and specialists as well as all marine patrol assets in Section I, which stretches from Kittery to Portland.
Hale holds a U.S. Coast Guard captain license for 50-ton vessels and has a bachelor of arts degree in public administration and an associate’s degree in legal technology from the University of Maine. He successfully completed the tactical operation and waterborne response team courses with the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators.
Talbot began his career as an officer in the marine patrol in 2001 and was promoted to specialist in 2007. As sergeant, his responsibilities include overseeing marne patrol officers and assets in Section IV, which extends from Thomaston to the Penobscot River.
Talbot holds a U.S. Coast Guard captain license for 100 ton vessels and a mate license for 200 ton vessels. He has also successfully completed Tactical Operation and Waterborne Response Team courses with National Association of State Boating Law Administrators.
Talbot holds Associate Degrees in law enforcement technology from Southern Maine Technical College and in small vessel operations from Maine Maritime Academy.
The marine patrol is a bureau of the Maine Department of Marine Resource that provides law enforcement, search and rescue, public health, maritime security, and public safety services on Maine’s coastal and tidal waters. More information about the Maine Marine Patrol can be found at: http://www.maine.gov/dmr/bmp/homepage.html.