Specialist Vogel Named Maine Lobstermen’s Association’s ‘Officer Of The Year’

Each year the folks involved in Maine's fishing industry get together and bestow their top honor of "Lobstermen's Association Officer of the Year" to one Marine Patrol Officer who has gone above and beyond to help lobstermen across the state.

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This person is nominated by their supervisor, and those names are passed along to the fishing community throughout the state to be voted on.

According to the Maine Department of Marine Resources, this year's recipient is a Boat Specialist who has spent a great deal of time helping fishermen from Lincolnville to Trenton along with those who fish the waters in the Deer Isle/Stonington area.

Maine Marine Patrol Specialist Dan Vogel, who lives in Hancock, grew up around motors, used to race and ride four-wheelers and snowmobiles, and spent time working in a motorsports shop. He joined the Marine Patrol in August of 2016 and seven years later, was promoted to the rank of Specialist in 2023.

He's been most recently assigned to the Patrol Vessel 'Vigilant' out of Stonington, as a Boat Specialist, "responsible for operating a large patrol vessel during routine enforcement patrols, search and rescue efforts, and investigative work."

Marine Patrol Sergeant Sean Dow, who nominated Specialist Vogel, says it's not only his qualities as a leader that made him stand out, but his ability to operate his ship that has impressed the people he works with.

"The officers that I supervise trust and respect Specialist Vogel. Since getting promoted, Specialist Vogel’s vessel has been one of the leaders in the state for underway time - an impressive result as he is currently running the smallest and oldest vessel in our fleet."

Specialist Vogel says he was surprised to receive the award on the banquet night of the week-long Fisherman's Forum.

"It's awesome, and it's special because the department didn't pick it. It was done by the fishing community."

Sergeant Dow says the folks in the area respect Vogel for his work ethic, his ability to build relationships within the industry, and for addressing and ultimately resolving the issues brought to his attention.

Over the past few years, the work Specialist Vogel has done has led to a number of successful prosecutions for violations of gear, fishing areas, and stolen traps.

"You've got to give the respect to earn the respect and I like to treat everyone fairly. If you listen to them and work with them, you can really get on well with the fishing community. It's likely people's livelihood, so no one wants to see anyone cheating or doing anything bad to a fishery. If you protect their livelihood and their children's livelihood, then they are happy to work with you and cooperate."

Specialist Vogel says it was nice to come together as a fishing community, after the awards ceremony, and celebrate with everyone.