The Trooper of the Year Award was established by the Maine State Police in 1964 in honor of Trooper Charles Clinton Black, who died Thursday, July 9, 1964 when he was shot and killed while responding to a bank robbery in South Berwick, Maine.
Tr. Charles Black – End of Watch 7/9/1964
A six-year veteran of the Maine State Police and a U.S. Air Force veteran, Trooper Black was 28 years old at the time of his death and was survived by his wife and three young sons. See the tribute to Trooper Black at the Officer Down Memorial Page here.
We plan to add in all Trooper of the Year photos in the future. If you or someone you know is on the list without one, you can submit a uniformed photo to Mark Nickerson.
The Trooper of the Year award recipient is chosen from a group of 10-12 active Maine State Troopers who are selected by their peers or ranking officers as being exemplary Troopers and upholding the tenets of the Maine State Police. The nominations are reviewed by the Maine State Police Merit and Citation Board, and award criteria is based on meritorious service to the citizens of Maine, bravery, solving crime, combating drug problems, social service, and upholding the core values of INTEGRITY, FAIRNESS, COMPASSION, and EXCELLENCE as their guide as they strive to set the example for all to follow.