Middleton Police Department

PATRIOT AWARD

On Saturday, January 9, 2010 the Middleton Police Department and Town of Middleton received the prestigious Patriot Award from the NH Division of the Employer Support of Guard and Reserve. The award was presented to Chief Randy Sobel and the Middleton Selectmen at a ceremony at St. Anselm College. Sgt. Gilman nominated the department and the town because of their outstanding support of him and his responsibilites as a First Sergeant with the 439 Civil Engineering Squadron, Westover Air Reserve Base, Chicopee,Massachusetts.

Pictured (L to R) Jim Goss, Director of NH ESGR, Selectman Todd Lapierre, Selectman John Mullen, Sgt. Stacy Gilman, Chief Randy Sobel and Selectmen Roger Mains.

CUB SCOUT VISIT 2

On January 13, 2010 the department was once again very lucky to be visited by the Bear and Tiger Dens of Pack 188. Sgt. Gilman spoke to them about the history of policing, home safety, fingerprinting, and personal safety. The scouts were shown all the tools that police officers use. They got to see and try on bullet resistant vests. They were able to see handcuffs, the Taser, SWAT gear, the expandable baton and, they  got to tour one of the cruisers. They were a fantastic group and they asked great questions. We really enjoyed having them visit!!!! Also a special thank you to all the parents that also came with the scouts

The Bear scouts are Nathan Allen, Alex Lagle, Marcos Santos, Cameron Barney, Brandon Barney, Nathan Haney, Kyle Forslind, Bowen McCracken-Barber and Andrew Capello. The Tiger scouts are Cody Brown, Peter Henderson, Ryan Dionne and Dalton Wood

MIDDLETON FAMILY FUN DAY

The Town of Middleton held its first annual Middleton Family Fun Day on Saturday, August 29, 2009. Despite the rain there was a large turnout of Middleton residents. A special thanks to the Dover Police Department for allowing us to use and showcase their seatbelt "Convincer" unit.

Pictured above from left to right are Officer John Tarmey (Dover PD) Zachary Gilman, Chief Randy Sobel (Middleton PD), Mrs. Sue Nolen, Zoe Gilman and Sgt. Stacy Gilman (Middleton PD)

CUB SCOUT VISIT

On April 28, 2009 the department was very lucky to be visited by the Bear Den of Pack 188. Sgt. Gilman spoke to them about home safety, fingerprinting, and personal safety. The scouts were shown all the tools that police officers use. They got to see bullet resistant vests, handcuffs, the Taser, SWAT gear, the expandable baton and got to tour one of the cruisers. They were a fantastic group whom we really enjoyed having!!!!

The Bear scouts are Michael Copp, Brenden Murphy, Daniel Ferland, Andy Prescott, Robert Jones, Adin Lampros and Robert Sanford

K-9 IN ACTION

 K-9 News

On November 26, 2008 K-9 Raven had to have emergency abdominal surgery to remove a blockage. The surgery was performed by Dr. Richard Seibel III, DVM of The Kindess Animal Hospital in Ossipee, NH.

 

Chief Sobel and K-9 Raven would like to thank Dr. Seibel for his fine work and generosity.

 

Cornucopia of fun

Article Date: Thursday, October 30, 2008

MIDDLETON — Peyton Ferrell, 3 enjoys a bit of coloring Saturday evening at Middleton's Halloween Party at the Old Town Hall. About 30 costumed children thoroughly enjoyed the party hosted by Sgt. Stacy Gilman and his wife Jennifer.

There was a costume contest, a bean bag toss, an opportunity to pin the nose on the witch, a game of pass the pumpkin — similar to musical chairs and plenty of snacks and candy for all.

Middleton man arrested in Durham for burglaries

By AARON SANBORN Democrat Staff Writer

MIDDLETON — Police got a break in a nearly five-week burglary investigation this week when they recovered a few thousand dollars worth of stolen electronics and charged a local man they say is involved in the case.

Nicholas Cicolini, 20, of 110 Lake Shore Drive in Middleton was arrested Tuesday night in Durham and charged with receiving stolen property, a Class A misdemeanor, after officers from both Middleton and Durham executed a search warrant on a Durham apartment where he had been staying.

During the search, officers recovered several stolen electronics including two flat screen televisions, two PlayStation 2s, an iPod, Bose speakers, computer printers, a DVD player, video games and a BB gun.

Cicolini's car was also impounded.

"We're still investigating, additional charges are coming. It's all ongoing at this point," said Officer Stacy Gilman.

Gilman added that the additional charges would be felonies and could come by the end of the week.

Police say the items were allegedly stolen from homes on Lake Shore Drive during a rash of nighttime burglaries in June. According to Gilman, 10 homes were broken into during that period.

"This person was a longtime resident of the area and knew when these people weren't going to be around," Gilman said. He added that many of the homes in the area are seasonal.

Police would not disclose what led them to Cicolini in Durham, only saying they received information he was residing in an apartment there.

The exact value of the stolen property is unknown but Gilman estimates that it was likely a couple thousand dollars.

Chief Randy Sobel said he was pleased to make an arrest so soon, knowing that burglary investigations can sometimes take time.

"I've been here for 12 years and this is the biggest rash of burglaries I've seen," Sobel said. "We're pleased to get the items back."

The Strafford County Attorney's office is assisting in the investigation and will determine when the items can be returned to their owners.

Cicolini was arraigned on his initial charge Wednesday afternoon at Rochester District Court and later released on $5,000 personal recognizance bail. His criminal record includes charges of criminal trespass, possession of a controlled drug and theft by unauthorized taking.

He tentatively has a trial date of Nov. 7 at 1:30 p.m.

A Class A misdemeanor is punishable by up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $2,000.

Sunday, June 17, 2007
Rhino helps Middleton police patrol off beaten path

By AARON SANBORN
Democrat Staff Writer

MIDDLETON — It's not easy patrolling a town containing some 18 square miles of woods, mountains and lakeside property.

Especially when police cruisers don't fit into some of the tight quarters these areas present.

Fortunately for the Middleton Police Department, their job just got a little bit easier.

Earlier this month, Chief Randy Sobel and Officer Stacy Gilman accepted a new Yamaha Rhino, a slick off-road vehicle known for fitting into tight spaces, from Rochester Motorsports on Route 11. The Yamaha was given to the department as part of a special loan program and isn't costing the town any money.

"We have a lot of problems in the mountains and the wood," Sobel said. "Those areas are not very accessible."

Sobel said the vehicle would come in handy for spotting underage drinking parties, unattended burns and search and rescues.

The off-road vehicle is the first one the department has ever owned. The department has been operating with a fleet of three cruisers.

"Now we will be able to patrol with the off-road vehicle and prevent these problems rather than respond to them," Sobel said.

Sobel said the vehicle, which seats two people, will be put to work immediately. Most of his officers are already certified to drive the vehicle and he expects to conduct various patrols with the vehicle throughout the summer.

Miles Cook, president and CEO of Rochester Motorsports, said his business has supplied watercraft to local fire departments and wanted to help out the department. He added that Rhino prices usually range between $9,500 and $10,000.

"We're delighted to help Middleton," Cook said. "This vehicle will benefit both police and the people of Middleton."

Friday, June 1, 2007
Shepherding in a new era: Middleton Police Department adds K-9 unit

By JOHN QUINN
Democrat Staff Writer

MIDDLETON — The town's newest sworn officer is friendly, eager and has a passion for paperwork, especially when it's crumpled up or in a trash can.

Police Chief Randy Sobel hopes to introduce Mason, a 19-month-old German shepherd, when the two of them complete their training as the community's first K-9 team this summer.

"It's a tool in law enforcement," Sobel said. "It's good that we can get one without a big expense."

Sobel said the town's K-9 program was financed through donations without the use of tax dollars. He added Mason was purchased for $3,500 and police have already outfitted one of the department's cruisers as a K-9 unit, which he uses to transport the dog.

"That's another thing that we didn't have to pay for," Sobel said.

Sobel said he is proud that the department acquired a police dog. He added Mason will allow police to be more responsive to the 1,400 residents who live in town, which does not include the part-time or summer visitors who stay in the community.

"If I'm on (duty) I'm here, the dog's here," Sobel said, adding they can easily respond from his home in New Durham while off-duty.

Sobel said they're currently undergoing training in drug detection and search and rescue at K9 Solutions, in Acton, Maine, and he hopes they can become certified by the end of this month or early in July. He added he hopes to eventually certify Mason as a patrol dog as well.

"He's been doing pretty good in all of them," Sobel said, adding Mason is very friendly around children and adults.

Sobel said the Middleton Police Association plans to host a summer barbecue, possibly in conjunction with firefighters, to raise additional funds for the K-9 program.

Numerous law enforcement agencies in the area, including towns that border Middleton, also have police dogs.

Barrington, Dover, Farmington, New Durham, Northwood, Rochester and Strafford police have certified K-9 teams in their communities, but Milton and Somersworth are among those which do not.

Milton Police Chief Mark McGowan said his department has looked into the possibility of a K-9 team in the past, but does not have one now. He added while he would like to see one eventually, the cost of the program is the biggest obstacle.

"Right now it's not one of our top priorities," McGowan said, adding Milton has been fortunate to get assistance from Strafford County, N.H. State Police or other agencies in neighboring towns.

While Strafford has not had a police dog for long, Police Chief Scott Young knows it's just a matter of time before K-9 Caisson, a German shepherd, and Officer Randy Young are needed to help the community, whether as part of a search or in a drug-related case.

"He hasn't been used a whole lot because he's brand new and the officer was gone for three months," Young said, adding the town's K-9 programs is entirely funded through donations.

"We can't wait to use him," Young said.

Alton, Wakefield and Wolfeboro police are all in the process of acquiring a K-9 of their own in the future.

Capt. Ryan Heath, acting Alton Police Chief, said his department previously had German shepherds and hopes to start up the program again. He added he must ensure the community's residents and officials are on-board with the idea as well.

If all goes well, Heath said police must decide where to purchase a new dog and would also have to re-equip a patrol car to transport the K-9 team.

Wolfeboro Police Lt. Dean Rondeau said his department is researching what breed of dog and what services the community would need from a K-9 team, including searching for lost people and drug intervention.

"I think it's a real asset to a department that has its own dog," Rondeau said.

Wakefield Police Chief Tim Merrill said his community hopes to add a dog in order to improve the response time and availability during emergencies.

"We're actually looking into getting one ourselves," Merrill said.

Thursday, May 3, 2007
Finishing touches added to new police carport in Middleton

By JOHN QUINN
Democrat Staff Writer
jquinn@fosters.com


MIDDLETON — Eagle Scout Daryl Smith recently put the final touches on the carport he helped build for police by using a surprise donation from his cousin — a large replica of the department's insignia.

Daryl's mother, Robyn Smith, said his cousin, Bruce Hunter, created the large placard for the carport, unbeknownst to the new Eagle Scout.

"It was a total surprise to Daryl. He didn't even know it was done," she said. "It was the finishing touch, it was just what it needed."

Smith, who is very satisfied with the project, spend the last two years coordinating the efforts of more than 20 volunteers to plan, fundraise and construct the carport for the police.

"That's a project you can see the results of," Daryl's father, Bob Smith, who also serves as Scoutmaster for Troop 188, said. He added the carport could be given walls or otherwise expanded as part of future Eagle projects.

Police Chief Randy Sobel said the carport, which protects two of the department's three police cruisers from the elements, was a welcome addition to the police station located in the basement of the municipal offices.

"It definitely worked out well for the winter," Sobel said.

Sgt. Dave Hall said even without walls officers save time and energy since they no longer have to scrape as much ice and snow off the cruisers during inclement weather.

"What a difference it's made," Hall said.

After completing the project in August, Smith underwent an extensive review by the Boy Scouts, officially received his Eagle badge during his Court of Honor on Jan. 13, turned 18 on Feb. 18 and has been serving as an Assistant Scoutmaster ever since.

Smith said he plans to wait a year before heading off to college, where he hopes to major in criminal justice, a degree that will put at least two of his 40 merit badges — fingerprinting and crime prevention — to good use.

Troop 188, which includes members from Farmington and Middleton, is sponsored by the Clarence L. Perkins American Legion Post in Farmington.