Many law enforcement agencies across the country are struggling to find new officers for open positions, resulting in fewer applications.
Chief Sanborn noted that a year ago, Gorham Police Department might have received 100 applicants for an open position but now are lucky to get four or five applicants. This is a national problem which Sanborn believes is related to closer scrutiny of law enforcement. Some officers hired left in less than a year.
Sanborn is optimistic that the four officers hired most recently will be a good fit for Gorham.
“Gorham has a good reputation in the law enforcement community, offers an opportunity for professional development as well as a competitive wage and benefit package which both draws candidates to apply and makes it more likely people will remain with the Department,” said Michael Nault, Deputy Chief.
New officers are:
Eric Sanborn (no relation) who joined the Gorham PD on January 4, 2021. Sanborn retired from the Marine Corps and served as a reserve officer in Buxton. He is attending the Maine Criminal Justice Academy and will graduate July 16th.
Bruce Randall has a Bachelor’s degree from USM and was a reserve officer with Old Orchard Beach. He is also attending the Maine Criminal Justice Academy and will graduate July 16th.
Kaitlyn Thurlow will be starting on June 21st. She has a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from the State University of New York in Plattsburgh and served for seven years in the South Portland Police Department. She holds several in service certificates. Thurlow sees Gorham as a growing community offering new challenges.
Aaron Erickson will also start on June 21. He holds an associates degree from Southern Maine Community College and served as a police officer in Scarborough for four and a half years.