9358-R3_LGP_MechanicFalls_2024AnnualReport

Police Chief The Mechanic Falls Police Department has had an outstanding year rebuilding and with the support of the citizens of this great town, we are back to full force! We celebrated the graduation of Officer Devin Dumont after completing the Basic Law Enforcement Training Academy. We sent Chief Goss off to a well-earned retirement after serving this community for 38 years with pride, professionalism, and a devotion to this community which is second to none. We welcomed Officer Michael St. Laurent who has joined our ranks and is currently off at the academy completing his training. We are extremely proud to welcome back Lt. Terrence McCormick to the community where he began his law enforcement career serving as a Reserve Officer. With this dedicated group of professionals, we have increased our investigation and arrests nearly 66%. This year, we responded to a tragic arson which occurred on Pleasant Street in March. Alongside the Fire Marshall service, we assisted with the investigation and made the required arrest of the suspect. Our calls for service have increased almost by 1,000 (4,728-2023 / 5,549-2024 / 6,945- 2025). One of the most calls of service from our community is traffic complaints, especially speed. We try to respond in one way or another by making our presence known on all streets. In 2025, we made 2,165 traffic stops, with a majority at 423 occurring on Lewiston Street and 385 occurring on Pigeon Hill Road. We recognize that traffic fines are expensive, which is why we often issue warnings in hope that motorists are educated after the stop. We issued warnings at well over a 6 to 1 ratio. I am honored on being selected as the next Chief of Police. I must admit, Chief Goss left a legacy of community policing here in this town and those are some big shoes to fill, but with the support of the community, Town Council, and Town Manager, there is nothing that we can’t overcome.

Paul Schroeder

Pictured left to right: Michelle Emery, Chief Schroeder, (Ret.) Chief Goss, Officer Cushman, Officer Streeter, and Officer Dumont

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