MIDWEEK REPORT: Resignation shines light on Southwest Harbor's police needs
SOUTHWEST HARBOR, Aug. 7, 2024 - Franklin Burke was more than a police officer. He was a lifeline for families battling drug addiction, a volunteer who gave rides to people who needed assistance to a medical facility and other “off-the-clock” assistance.
“There were many, many occasions where people would call him directly for help,” said Police Chief John Hall, who added that Burke will be missed as a local hero, as well as a law enforcement officer.
Lt. Burke was the longest serving police officer in town - eight years - and resigned to join the Ellsworth Police Department on Aug. 1.
“He would give people rides to the hospital if they were having a mental health crisis, or whether they were having a drug or alcohol crisis,” Hall said. “He would do that because that's the type of person he is.”
“That combined with his passion of trying to get the drugs off the street and having to deal with the families of overdose victims and the crime that was resulting from someone's addiction.”
“He put his heart and soul into that,” Hall said.
On social media, Burke’s resignation garnered 2,000 likes, said his wife Rhoda Burke, owner of the Burke Hollow Florist in the Seal Cove shopping strip. On the Ellsworth Police Department page on FB, his announcement received 814 likes and 188 congratulations.
Burke thanked his fans with this statement:
“Today… I have seen an exceptional amount of support and well wishing for me as I enter this new start. THANK YOU. I truly want to thank each and everyone personally from the bottom of my heart!! I’m here for you, for the community and as always will put 110% in to make a difference in our communities!!! Again. Thanks to all!!”
His departure added pressure on the town, leaving only a four-person police department with two vacancies just as it added responsibility to patrol neighboring Tremont on July 1 as its full-time police force, replacing the Hancock County Sheriff’s Department.
Burke went on leave before his resignation, said Chief Hall, who was not comfortable discussing personnel matters.
Burke’s wife said the job was “killing him.” She said he often slept in the police office for several days while on his shift.
The department now has four officers, including the chief.
They have a punishing schedule, working 24-hours shifts, and resting when they can. They are expected to cover two towns, and if they need backup, they call the chief, Hall said.
Then they get four days off, much like many full-time fire fighters.
But two of the officers still must attend the academy to gain full status as a police officer. One will be gone for 18 weeks starting in August. Another will be gone for the same period starting in January.
A new union contract with the New England Police Benevolent Association has given the town much needed pay scales commensurate with current market rates, Hall said.
The town is now advertising for two police academy graduates at $34.50 and hour with the potential to earn more on time-and-a-half for 16 hours of overtime on average, Hall said. Non-academy officers are paid $29 an hour, Hall said.
But that could not sustain Burke, who joined a force in Ellsworth with a more predictable schedule.
Hall said he has many applicants because of the new pay scale.
But how do you replace an officer like Burke in the community, with his local knowledge, his compassion and his “street smarts.”
You can’t.
Thank you Lincoln for shining a light on Lt. Burke and his contributions. Hopefully, his new job will make his work more manageable. Hard to say.