Paris welcomes new officer

Photo: A.M. Sheehan

Officer Nicholas Gilbert

PARIS — Just about a month ago, a young, fresh face began appearing behind the wheel of Paris Police Department cruisers.

Twenty-three-year-old Nicholas Gilbert, who grew up in Bethel, has joined the Paris department as a full-time officer.

Having spent two summers as a full-time reserve officer for Old Orchard Beach Police, a stint working security in Bangor and a brief interlude living in Portland, he realized he "hates city living" so he returned to rural western Maine.

Currently living in Bryant Pond, his other full-time "job" is house hunting.

"I spend every free moment looking for a house for us," he said of his search for a rural home for himself and his girlfriend. 

Gilbert came to policing after trying it out in both security and OOBPD, and after talking it over at great length with his good friend Jeff Campbell, an officer with the Norway Police Department.

"He said, 'give it try'," said Gilbert, "so I did, and I really like it."

Gilbert has completed reserve training school and will attend the police academy 18-week course in January.

When he isn't working (or house hunting) he enjoys video games, fishing and has recently taken a hunter safety course and will try his hand at hunting this year. Eventually he hopes to have a family.

"I enjoy helping people," said Gilbert, "both victims and those who just need directions!"

"Nick is an officer with two years' experience with Old Orchard Beach Police where he did very well," said Paris Police Chief David Verrier. "The things he's seen down there will help him with the types of law enforcement he will deal with in our community. He comes highly recommended by the OOBPD."

Gilbert hopes to stay in Paris for a long time to come.