Rockport – Maine Marine Patrol Officer Alex Michaud received the 2024 Maine Lobstermen’s Association Officer of the Year Award during last weekend’s Maine Fishermen’s Forum in Rockport.
The award is presented annually to a Marine Patrol Officer who has demonstrated outstanding service in support of the Maine lobster industry.
Officer Michaud, who joined the Marine Patrol in 2017, serves in the St. George-Warren Patrol.
In addition to strong patrol work, search and rescue support, and community relations, Officer Michaud was recognized for investigating many lobster fishery violations including cases related to v-notching, untagged traps, fishing under suspension, and trap limits. “Addressing these violations took intelligence, leadership, and teamwork from officers and Alex played a key role,” wrote Marine Patrol Sergeant Matthew Wyman in a letter nominating Officer Michaud for the award.
Officer Michaud was praised for demonstrating good judgement in his investigations. “Alex has found an important enforcement balance and utilizes good officer discretion,” stated Sergeant Wyman. “He applies appropriate logic, reasoning, and compassion while effectively enforcing Marine Resource Laws.”
“Alex performs his duties well and has become an excellent representative for the Department,” stated Sergeant Wyman. “He is confident in his role as a Marine Patrol Officer and is willing to go the extra mile to successfully detect and apprehend violators of Maine’s Marine Resource Laws and Regulations.”
A bureau of the Maine Department Marine Resources, the Maine Marine Patrol provides law enforcement, search and rescue, maritime security, public safety services on Maine's coastal tidal waters. For more information, visit https://www.maine.gov/dmr/marine-patrol