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Contact: Deborah Turcotte, Spokesperson
Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife
284 State Street
41 State House Station
Augusta, ME 04333

Telephone: work (207) 287-6008 cell (207) 592-1164

Fax: (207) 287-6395

May 12, 2008

Commissioner Names Colonel of Maine Warden Service

Augusta – Commissioner Roland “Dan” Martin has named Joel Wilkinson of Windsor as Colonel of the Maine Warden Service.

Wilkinson, who is currently a captain, has served as Acting Major since November while the process to select a new colonel was underway.

“Wilkinson’s comprehension of the intricacies of the Maine Warden Service was quite evident when he fulfilled the duties of Acting Major during the last six months,” said Commissioner Martin. “His command of personnel, finances and field operations helped the division endure a trying time of budget cuts and near-record snowmobile fatalities. In his new role, Wilkinson’s organization and communication skills will be a valued asset in directing this law enforcement branch through any challenges that may be ahead.”

State statute requires that the Maine Warden Service Colonel be selected from among the game wardens. A search committee comprised of the Chief of Investigations from the Attorney General’s office, Aroostook County Sheriff, Maine State Police, a Warden Sergeant and a Game Warden conducted an extensive selection process to assist Commissioner Martin in his decision.

As Colonel, Wilkinson will supervise approximately 125 officers in the areas of fish and wildlife management and conservation, recreational vehicle law enforcement, and search and rescue. Other responsibilities include policy, budget and personnel management.

“Each day presents new challenges for the Maine Warden Service, but with these challenges comes great opportunity for our staff to build partnerships and solve problems on a local and state level,” Wilkinson said. “As Colonel, I will develop a process of effective strategic planning for mission, budget, employee development, education and awareness. These plans will instill vision and ownership by staff and enhance the professional standards and public confidence in the Maine Warden Service.”

During the last six months, Major Gregory Sanborn of Sidney has served as Acting Colonel. Sanborn, an 18-year veteran, will continue his role as Major.

“Major Sanborn took charge of the Maine Warden Service during a time of turmoil and admirably led it through the tough challenges that came before it,” Commissioner Martin said. “His leadership and expertise were needed to help this division maintain focus on its core mission and he served the Maine Warden Service and the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife well.”

Wilkinson said he is pleased that he will continue to partner with Major Sanborn.

“Major Sanborn’s dedication to the Maine Warden Service is immeasurable,” Wilkinson said. “He’s a valued team member and, to me, a trusted friend.”

Prior to becoming Acting Major, Wilkinson oversaw the following operations: the Wildlife Crime Investigations Division; the personnel complaint investigation process; the service’s training bureau; whitewater boating enforcement and safety; and landowner relations. He has worked as a district game warden, an investigator and a sergeant. He received the William Twarog “Manager of the Year” Award from the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife in 2006, an Outstanding Supervisor award in 2006, an exemplary service award for his work as an investigator in 2004, and a State Police Colonel’s award in 2001 for his work in locating the body of a homicide victim.

Wilkinson also has served as the incident commander for the Maine Warden Service’s Search, Rescue and Recovery team, and currently is the administrative dive team leader.

Wilkinson started as a deputy game warden in the Gray-New Gloucester area in 1992, and his first district was patrolling the Rumford area. He has an associate’s degree in criminal justice from Southern Maine Community College. He is married to Kelly, and has two children, Emma and Sam.

Wilkinson will be sworn in at 2 p.m. Tuesday, May 13, in Governor John E. Baldacci’s office.