FREEPORT

They alerted police to prostitution taking place at a local hotel, saved a man from jumping into traffic, stopped an elderly couple from being scammed out of hundreds of dollars and equipped local police officers with life-saving equipment.

Five individuals were recognized Tuesday by Freeport police during the agency’s first-ever community service recognition ceremony.

“Even though there’s always an officer on duty, we still need help from folks in our community who recognize trouble and are willing to step forward to report it,” said Freeport Police Chief Susan Nourse. “Tonight we are recognizing some folks who enhance our service to the public. We are also distinguishing the work of certain public safety employees who have put real meaning into the words protect and serve.”

Officer Matthew Moorhouse

On Jan. 20, 2017, at 6:30 a.m., Officer Matthew Moorhouse was dispatched to the Interstate 295 exit 20 highway overpass after police got a report of a man threatening to jump from the bridge during the morning rush hour.

Moorhouse arrived to find a man standing on the bridge leaning against the guardrail.

“Officer Moorhouse realized that he had a very small window of opportunity to act and quickly pulled up right next to the suicidal individual,” said Lt. Nathaniel Goodman. “Without regard for his own safety, Officer Moorhouse jumped from his patrol car, grabbed the man, who is now actively trying to fight with Officer Moorhouse and jump over the railing.”

After a struggle, Moorhouse was able to take the man into custody and keep him from hurting himself or anyone else on the highway that morning.

“He’s being recognized today with a heroism award for his actions on that January morning,” Goodman said. “His actions reflect the department’s highest standards.”

Derek Moran

Nourse said that in July 2016, a couple in their 80s went to the CVS in Freeport. Derek Moran, the store manager, spoke with the Freeport couple who were purchasing a MoneyGram for $1,000.

He quickly recognized the couple were victims of a possible scam and refused to sell the money transfer card to them, which they intended to use to bail their grandson out of jail in Canada.

Moran repeatedly explained to the couple it was a scam and finally called the police because the couple was still considering the MoneyGram. The officer advised the couple not to talk to the caller if contacted about the money.

Nourse praised Moran’s assessment of the situation and his refusal to sell the MoneyGram.

“This is only one example of how Moran gives unselfishly to the benefit of others’ well being,” Nourse said.

Moran said that while the award were appreciated, “It’s the men and women in uniform who help protect our community.”

“I can’t thank you guys enough, especially with the current events happening in the state of Maine,” he said. “I get chills just thinking about what you guys go through every single day and thank you very much.”

Claire Owen, Diane Bartels

Freeport Police Sgt. Paul Powers thanked Econo Lodge employees Claire Owen and Diane Bartels for their help fighting crime.

“Several years ago the officers at Freeport Police Department saw that there was a criminal element using local hotels to conduct criminal business,” Powers said. “We found persons using hotel rooms to sell and use illegal drugs, promote prostitution and aspects involved in identity theft.”

Officers spoke to employees at all Freeport hotels and conducted presentations focused on what police are looking for as indications of criminal activity.

“With the exception of two employees at the Econo Lodge, nobody from Freeport hotels called to report any suspicious activity,” he said. “Diane Bartels and Claire Owen were the two employees who were constantly calling me all the time to tell me they’re seeing things go on at the hotel.”

Owen also called Powers when she realized some of their guests may be involved in the prostitution trade. Freeport police investigated and identified several prostitutes from New York and Massachusetts using that hotel, and others, to conduct illegal business.

Owen was able to identify the man acting as the pimp, who Powers said was a drug dealer from Massachusetts wanted by the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency for felony drug trafficking.

“Claire and Diane have called Freeport police on numerous occasions because they recognize that allowing the criminal element to conduct business is not just bad practice, it’s dangerous for all the guests at the hotel,” Powers said.

Steven Roy

Steven Roy, a Freeport Fire and Rescue firefighter and paramedic, was recognized for his role in putting life-saving equipment in the hands of Freeport officers.

Sgt. John Perrino said Roy made sure that all Freeport police officers had access to a tourniquet and blood-clotting bandages to treat themselves or other victims in danger of excessive blood loss. All officers now carry a tourniquet and bandages on their person while on duty.

“Although we hope we never have to use those items,” Perrino said, “we now have them and that could mean the difference of someone living or dying from blood loss.”

Roy made sure officer EMT trauma kits are fully stocked with basic EMT level supplies.

“If the police EMT is the first on scene of a medical emergency, that officer will have the equipment necessary to start treatment until the rescue personnel can arrive,” he said.

Officer Paul Chenevert

Retiring Freeport Officer Paul Chenevert was also recognized for his 27 years of service with the department.

dmoore@timesrecord.com