My name is Craig Edgar Bryant, and I was born and raised in East Peru, Maine.   The 2nd son and 3rd child of Derriel and Lillian (Turner) Bryant.   I graduated June 8th 1956 from the West Peru Grammer School.   Whereas, Peru, does not have a High School, most of us choose to go to Stephens High School in Rumford.

West Peru Grammer School

When I turned 17 in August of 1967, I joined the Marines.   After surviving my summer vacation at Paris Island, SC, I was assigned to Camp Lejuene, NC, for further fun and games. Later served as a prison guard and military police officer.

          At one time, I was a member of the Rumford Fire Department, and the Rumford, Mexico and Phillips Police Departments.   As a youth, I always wanted to be a Marine and a Police Officer, so after serving 6 years (1957-1963) with the USMC, I came home and put in an application to the Maine State Police.   I was only 23 at the time, but was told that I was too old for the State Police. (This was before the age discrimination law).   I checked with the local police departments in the area, but none were hiring at the time.   The only job that I could find was as a fireman on the Rumford Fire Department, which I joined on May 24, 1964.   I was also hired by the town as a spare police officer for the Rumford Police Department, with the understanding that when a opening came, I could transfer over, which I did in July of 1966.

TWO RUMFORD POLICEMAN GRADUATE. January 27, 1967. Ptl. Craig "Bo" Bryant and Girard Lambert, both of Rumford, completed 4 weeks of basic police training, and received their certificates from the Basic Police School held by the Portland Police Department.   They were among the 22 town and city police officers who have had no formal police training. Front row, left to right, Darrell Malone, Houlton; Rene L. Lavoie, Auburn; Craig E. Bryant, Rumford; Clarence D. MacIntosh, Auburn; Russel R. Fitch, Bath; George D. Pride, Portland; William A. Fournier, Auburn; Charles A. Frazer, Lewiston; Roger R. Letarte, Gorham; Edward E. O'Connor, Portland; and Toby Tiner, Auburn. Rear row, Maurice E. Bolduc, Lewiston; Joseph T. Theriault, Rockland; Joseph F. Fournier, Brunswick; Girard B. Lambert, Rumford; Peter W. Darling, South Portland; Stanley S. Poreda, Bridgton; Robert M. Schwartz, South Portland; Timothy G. Farr, Westbrook; Peter E. Kennedy, Westbrook; Joseph L. Dehetre, Lewiston; and Burton G. MacIsaac, Cape Elizabeth.

RUMFORD POLICE DEPARTMENT

Sgt. Stanley Wagnis (left), and Plt. Dewey Robinson (right), were not present when this picture was taken in 1967. Of the above members that I served with, Bill McCaffrey resigned in 1976,   Sgt. Ray Lizotte died in 1970 while still a member, and the remaining members have now all retired from the department.   Ptl. Lambert, DeSalle, Phelps, and Robinson were promoted to Sergeant, in that order; Sgt Wagnis was promoted to Lt. and than to Chief, and Robinson was promoted from Sergeant to Chief.

          In a three year period, from 1965 thru 1968, there were many changes within the department.   The department went from a 48 hour work week to a 42 hours, 3 officers resigned, 3 members retired, 5 members got promoted, and 7 new patrolman were hired.

          Plt. John Howard resigned in 1965, and Spare William "Bill" McCaffrey was hired to replace him.   In 1966, the department went on a 42 hour work week, and the town had to add an additional Sergeant position.   Ptl. Stanley Wagnis was promoted to the new Sergeant position, and Spare Duane Phelps was hired to replace Wagnis.   In July 1966, Plt. Timothy Ronan and Thomas Rock resigned, and Girard Lambert and myself were hired to replace them.   Thus, the Department became a 14 man department.
  Gerard is a Rumford native and a 1955 graduate of Stephens High School. He served three years in the US Army, and from 1963 to 1966 was employed by the C.I.A. in Washington DC. He is married and joined the force in August of 1966. He and myself took the police recruit school in Portland in November of 1966. In May of 1971 Girard was promoted to Seargent, a position he held until he retired on December 31, 1995.

APPOINTMENT OF NEW PATROLMEN. Chief Albert Theriault announced the appointment, November 14, 1965, of Spare Officer William McCaffrey, (left) to replace Ptl. John Howard, who resigned, and the appointment, Aug 3, 1965, of Craig Bryant, (right) as a Spare Officer.   MaCaffrey has been a spare since 1962, and Bryant is a full time fireman.

          In 1967, Chief Albert Theriault, Sgt. Willard Watson and Ptl. Leo Martin retired, resulting in the promotions of Sgt. Albin Gestaut as the new Chief, Plt. Stan Kaubris and Bob Gill to Sergeant, and the hiring of 3 more patrolman.   Dwight Mills, Antonio DeSalle, and Dewey Robinson.
          Patrolman Dwight Mills, is a Locke Mills native and 1962 graduate of Gould Academy. He is a member of the Maine National Guard, and joined the department in March of 1967. He received his police recruit training in April of 1967 at Bangor.
          Patrolman Antonio DeSalle, is a Smith Crossing native, and a 1955 graduate of Stephens High School. He served two years in the Army, and was a member of the Rumford Fire Department for 4 years, and has been a member of the Police Department since March 1967. He received his police recruit training in Bangor in April of 1967.
          PatrolmanDewey Robinson.

RETIRING SERGEANT HONORED. Sergeant Willard "Bunny" Watson was giving a testimonial dinner recently in honor of his retirement, on March 4, 1967, after 35 years of service with the Rumford Police Department.   He joined the department June 1, 1932, and was promoted to sergeant on August 8, 1954.   It should be noted that Bunny did not want to retire, but due the new retirement regulations, all members over the age of 60 had to retire.   Ptl. Stan Kaubris was promoted to Sergeant to replace Watson, and Dwight Mills of Locks Mill was hired to replace Kaubris.   At the testimonial, Sgt. Watson was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant by Paul Fuller, Chairman of the Public Service Commission.   In the group above are left to right, Sgt. Ray Lizotte; Lt. Willard "Bunny" Watson; Chief Albert Theriault, and Paul Fuller.

RETIRING PATROLMAN HONORED. Patrolman Leo Martin was giving a testimonial dinner recently in honor of his retirement, May 13, 1967, after 25 years of service with the Rumford Police Department.   Leo was hired as a spare officer in 1942, and appointed a full time Patrolman on May 14, 1944.   Rumford Fireman, Antonio "Tony" DeSalle of Smithcrossing, was hired March 4, 1967 to replace him.   At the testimonial, Ptl. Martin was promoted to the rank of Sergeant by Public Service Commissionor Nike Sciaraffa, and issued a sergeant badge.   In the group above are left to right, Nick Sciaraffa; Atty. Severin Beliveau; Sgt. and Mrs. Martin; and Chief Albert Theriault.

RETIRING POLICE CHIEF HONORED. Chief Albert Theriault was giving a testimonial dinner recently in honor of his retirement, on December 21, 1967, after 30 years of service with the Rumford Police Department.   Chief Theriault was hired as a spare officer in February of 1938, appointed as a full time Patrolman on November 1, 1942, promoted to Lieutenant May 1, 1948, and to Chief on April 8, 1953, replacing Chief Carroll Demerritt.   Sgt. Albin Gestaut has been appointed to replace him.   In the group above are left to right, Atty. Fred E. Hanscom, Master of Ceremonies; Paul Fuller, Chairman of the Rumford Public Service Commission; Mrs. Theriault; former Chief Theriault; and the new Chief, Albin Gestaut.

During 1970, Plt. Robert Ross retired after 25 years of service, and Richard "Rick" Rinaldo was hired to replace him.   In 1971, Lt. Henry Giroux retired and Sgt. Stan Wagnis was promoted to Lieutenant.   Plt. Girard Lambert was promoted to Sergeant, and Spare Alan Gerace was hired as a full time patrolman.

PTL. ROBERT ROSS TO RETIRE. Chief Albin Gestaut (right) congratulates Ptl. Bob Ross (left) upon his retirement from the Rumford Police Department, after 24 years of service. He was appointed as a patrolman on 1946 and retired in 1970.

NEW POLICEMAN IN RUMFORD. Richard "Rick" Rinaldo of Smithcrossing has been appointed to the Rumford Police Department as a patrolman, replacing Plt. Robert Ross, who has retired after 24 years of service. Ross has served under 3 Chiefs, Carroll Demerrett, Albert Theriault, and the present Chief Albin Gestaut. Sgt. Ray Lizotte is shown briefing the new patrolman on the operation of the teletype system.

          During this period of time, a few members of the local police departments starting taking Criminal Justice courses giving by the University of Maine at Augusta.   These classes were usually twice a week, at night, and upon complication of the class, we were given credits toward a degree in Criminal Justice.   By 1972, I found from the way things were going, that in order for me to receive a BS Degree, it would take me almost another 5 to 6 years.   So I asked the Public Service Commission for a 4 year leave of absent from the department, so that I might attend the University of Maine on a full time basis.   They refused, saying more or less, that they would have to replace me, and what were they going do with that replacement upon my return.   Chief John Bernard of Mexico, who had already gotten his AS Degree, and was working on his BS, said that he would hire me, and work me when I was not in school.   So in August of 1972, I resigned and went to work for Mexico, and Michael Richard was hired to replace me.   The following year, the Town of Phillips hired me as their Police Chief, allowing me to work around my school schedule.   In May of 1976, I graduated with Chief Bernard and Sgt. Bert Averill from the University of Maine at Portland/Gorham, with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice.   In September, Ptl. William McCaffrey resigned, and I was rehired as a Patrolman by the Rumford Pubic Service Commission to replace him   From the way things work out, they should have given me my leave of absent.

New Phillips Police Chief. CRAIG BRYANT, 33, of Rumford, has been hired by the Town of Phillips to be their new Police Chief. Bryant a former Rumford policeman for the past eight years is presently working towards a degree in Criminal Justice at the University of Maine. The Town Manager is allowing him to schedule his working hours around his school schedule. He, his wife, Patricia, and three children, Michael, age 3, Judy, age 6, and Diane, age 9 will be moving to Phillips as soon as they can find a home to rent.

LOCAL POLICE OFFICERS RECEIVE DEGREES. Recent graduates of the University of Maine, from the Police Departments of Rumford, Mexico, and Phillips, have received their degrees.   They all majored in the Criminal Justice Program, pursuing their studies on their own time.   Completing the four-year program, and receiving Bachelor of Science Degrees, are from left to right, Chief John Bernard Jr., Sgt, Bert Averill, of the Mexico PD; Chief Craig "Bo" Bryant of the Phillips PD, and former member of both the Rumford and Mexico PD.   Completing the two-year program, and receiving Associate of Science Degrees, are Lt. Richard "Rick" Rinaldo and Sgt. Antonio "Tony" DeSalle of the Rumford PD.

During the 4 years I was away from the department, (1972-1976), Sgt. Ray Lizotte died in 1974, Ptl. Tony DeSalle was promoted to Sergeant, and Michael Boutte was hired as the new patrolman.   Chief Albin Gestaut retired in 1975, Lt. Stan Wagnis was promoted as the new Chief, Plt. Richard Rinaldo was promoted to Lieutenant, and Frank Gironda became the new patrolman.   Ran for Sheriff of Oxford County in the June 8, 1976 primary against the incumbent, Sheriff Alton Howe, of South Paris. Lost to him by 588 votes.   In August 1976, William McCaffrey resigned, and I was hired to replace him.

Craig Bryant Seeks Democratic Nomination for Oxford County Sheriff Craig "Bo" Bryant, of East Peru, who will graduated in May with a bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Maine, and former member of the Rumford Police Department for 8 years, has announced his candidacy for the Democratic nomination for sheriff of Oxford County in the June 8, 1976 primaries. The 35 year old former law officer is a veteran of six years of service with the U. S. Marine Corp. Served two and a half years as a member of the Rumford Fire Department, prior to his entry into the police department, and while attending UMPG also worked for the Mexico Police Department, and was the Police Chief for two years at Phillips, Maine. The Peru native is married to the former Patricia Knox, also of Peru, and they have three children, Diane, Judy and Michael. Alton Howe of South Paris is the present incumbent of the sheriff's office.

APPOINTMENT OF NEW SERGEANT. Chief Stan Wagnis has announced the appointment of Ptl. Antonio "Tony" DeSalle to the rank of Sergeant, replacing Sgt. Ray Lizotte, who died 1974. Sgt. DeSalle, is a Smith Crossing native, and a 1955 graduate of Stephens High School. He served two years in the Army, and was a member of the Rumford Fire Department for 4 years, and has been a member of the Police Department since March 1967. He received his police recruit training in Bangor in April of 1967. Sgt. DeSalle retired in June 1991 with 28 years of service to the Town of Rumford.

RUMFORD CHIEF TO RETIRE. Lt. Stanley Wagnis (left), will succeed Chief Albin Gestaut, (right), on May 18, 1975, following Chief Gestaut retirement on May 17, 1975, after 27 years of service with the Rumford Police Department. Chief Gestaut was born in Worcester, Ma., having come to Mexico as a youth.   He attended Mexico school and from 1943-1946, he served as a Sgt. with the US Army in the European Theater of Operation during World War II.   He joined the Rumford Police Department on April 19, 1948 as a patrolman.   He was promoted to sergeant on August 17, 1954, and appointed Chief December 22, 1967, replacing Chief Albert Theriault. Chief Gestaut is married to the former Madeline Zadakis, and they have a son, Albin J. Lt. Wagnis, a Rumford native, is a 1936 graduate of Stephens High School, and former member of the Oxford Sheriff Department for five years. He joined the force on July 27, 1955, as a patrolman, promoted to Sgt. March 20, 1966, appointed Lt. Investigator on May 4, 1971, and appointed on April 28, 1975 to succeed Gestaut as chief. Wagnis is married to the former Connie Zanoni and they have two daughters, Mrs. Tina Davis and Mrs. Elizabeth Wyman.

When I first joined the department, and before the patrol system was changed, we were assigned perminent partners, and Duane Phelps was mine for all most 5 years, Duane, a native of Rumford, and a 1959 graduate of Stephens High School, was hired as a spare officer in 1964. In 1966, he was appointed full time. In 1978, Duane was promoted to Sgt., and in 1988 was promoted to Lt., a postion he held until he retired in March of 1991, having served 25 years. Here he is playing with the department's new hand held radar equipment that was also used in the patrol cars.

          In August 1978, I resigned from the department once again.   Sgt. Stan Kaubris retired, Ptl. Duane Phelps was promoted to Sergeant, and I went into the trucking business.

1965 Chief Albert Theriault Lt. Henry Giroux Sgt. Willard Watson Sgt. Albin Gestaut Sgt. Reynold Lizotte Ptl. Leo Martin Plt. Robert Ross Plt. Robert Gill Plt. Stanley Kaubris Plt. Stanley Wagnis Plt. John Howard Plt. Timothy Ronan Plt. Thomas Rock Spare Thomas Gallant Spare William McCaffrey Spare Duane Phelps Spare Craig Bryant 1967 Chief Albin Gestaut Lt. Henry Giroux Sgt. Reynold Lizotte Sgt. Stanley Wagnis Sgt. Stanley Kaubris Sgt. Robert Gill Plt. Robert Ross Plt. William McCaffrey Plt. Duane Phelps Plt. Craig Bryant Plt. Girard Lambert Plt. Antonio DeSalle Plt. Dwight Mills Plt. Dewey Robinson Spare Alan Grace Spare William Smith Spare Robert Perry Spare Donald Kay 1975 Chief Stanley Wagnis Lt. Richard Rinaldo Sgt. Stanley Kaubris Sgt. Robert Gill Sgt. Girard Lambert Sgt. Antonio DeSalle Plt. William McCaffrey Plt. Duane Phelps Plt. Dwight Mills Plt. Dewey Robinson Plt. Michael Richards Plt. Michael Buotte Plt. Frank Gironda Ptl. James Theriault Spare Robert Gallant 1980 Chief Veneziano Lt. James Theriault Sgt. Girard Lambert Sgt. Antonio DeSalle Sgt. Duane Phelps Sgt. Michael Richards Plt. Dwight Mills Plt. Dewey Robinson Plt. Michael Buotte Plt. Archie Howard Ptl. Joseph Massey Plt. Timothy Bourassa Plt. Jacqueline Cote Ptl. Wayne Gallant Spare 1982 Chief Dewey Robinson Lt. Timothy Bourassa Sgt. Girard Lambert Sgt. Antonio DeSalle Sgt. Duane Phelps Sgt. Michael Richards Plt. Dwight Mills Plt. Michael Buotte Ptl. Jacqueline Cote Plt. Archie Howard Plt. Wayne Gallant Plt. Brian Stowle Ptl. ? Ptl. ? Spare 2000 Chief Timothy Bourassa Lt. Wayne Gallant Sgt. 1 Stacy Carter Sgt. 2 George Cayer Sgt. 3 Hart Daley Sgt. 4 Tracey Higley Plt. 1 David Bean Plt. 2 Donald McKeen Plt. 3 Douglas Maifeld Plt. 4 Daniel Garbarini Ptl. 5 Roy Hodson Plt. 6 Corey Jaques Plt. 7 Robert Ellsworth Plt. 8 James Bernard Spare Alfred Winslow 2004 Chief Timothy Bourassa Lt. Wayne Gallant Sgt. 1 George Cayer Sgt. 2 Stacy Carter Sgt. 3 Tracey Higley Sgt. 4 Plt. 1 David Bean Plt. 2 Douglas Maifeld Plt. 3 Daniel Garbarini Plt. 4 Roy Hodson Ptl. 5 James Bernard Plt. 6 Michael Halacy Plt. 7 Eric Dewitt Plt. 8 Paul Casey Plt. 9 Peter Casey Reserve Hart Daley Reserve Corey Jacque Reserve Brock Clukey Reserve Charles Beale 1969 * RUMFORD AREA TROOPERS NAMED * 1969 The Rumford area has received three new Maine State Police Troopers. This is their first assignment since all all three have just graduated from the State Police Academy at Augusta. Left to right are Wane Gray of Brewer, who will be stationed in the Hanover area of Oxford County; Hubert Carter Jr., of Augusta, who will have the Mexico area; and Jerald Loles Jr., of Caribou, who will be in the Dixfield area. LOCAL MAINE STATE TROOPERS PROMOTED Cpl. James J. Nolan James Nolan of Bridgton, was recently promoted to the rank of Corporal in the Maine State Police. Cpl. Nolan joined the State Police in 1970, and after graduating from the academy, he began patrolling the Rumford area with Troop B. In 1974, he was transfered to the Bridgton area. Cpl. Hubert Carter Hubert Carter of Dixfield was recently promoted to the rank of Corporal in the Maine State Police. Carter graduated from the academy in 1969, and began patrolling the Mexico area with Troop B, and was assigned to the Dixfield area in 1971. In 1976, he was assigned the District Attorney's Office, and 1977, assigned to the State Criminal Investigation Division. Cpl. Harold G. Savage Harold "Skid" Savage of Rumford was recently promoted to the rank of Corporal in the Maine State Police. Cpl. Savage joined the State Police in 1972, and after graduating from the academy, he began patrolling the Rumford area of Troop B. Rumford's First Meter Maid Dorothy "Dot" Haines, of Essex Avenue, Rumford, began her new duties as Rumford's first meter maid on January 3rd 1966. Her job is to check on the parking meters, handing out tickets when she encounters meters with the red tags showing and the space is occupied by a vehicle. She is not new to the police department, having been a crossing guard at Lincoln Avenue and Hancock Street for the past 8 years and has been used by the department when a female has to be searched. District Court Judge. Judge John L. Batherson The below department photo was taken after I left the department in 1978.           Purchased a tractor trailor, and for the next 4 years leased out to NorthAmerican Van Lines, hauling electronics nation wide.   In 1982, I purchased the J.L. Wooters Moving & Storage Company of Rumford, became an agent for NorthAmerican Van Lines, and started hauling household items local and nation wide. Became an agent for Cole Express hauling their fright locally, and had a contract with Boise Cascade Paper Company to haul their paper within 200 miles of the Rumford mill.   In 1994, put the company up for sale and retired. Now I spend most of my time doing genealogy. Back to Home Page History of Rumford Links Rumford US Census Rumford Queries 1858 Map of Rumford Some Pictures of Rumford Last Updated: March 26, 2007 This site created and maintained by Craig E. Bryant using Rumford, Oxford County, Maine Genealogy Project - Founded May 1, 1999 Copyright � 1999 by Craig E. Bryant