CAMDEN — Camden Police Chief Randy Gagne commended town police officers for their conduct during the robbery, hostage-taking, and suicide of a Camden resident Sept. 16 in downtown Camden at the Rite Aid Pharmacy. Standing before the Camden Select Board at its Sept. 23 meeting, he said the dedication and professionalism shown by Camden police officers went above and beyond the call of duty.

He cited the cohesive teamwork displayed by all law enforcement that responded that night, officers of Rockport and Rockland, Knox County Sheriff deputies, Maine State police, the FBI, Camden Fire Department, Knox County Regional Communications Center, Knox County Emergency Management Agency, and others.

“The teamwork out there – you would have thought they all wore the same badge,” he said.

 Gagne spoke of the seriousness of the event, adding, “It can happen here, It did happen here.”

“It was a tragedy,” said Gagne. “A family from this community lost a loved one, and we express our condolences to the Beerman family.”

Letter of Commendation, written by Camden Police Chief Randy Gagne

On the evening of Sept. 15, 2014, shortly after 7:30 p.m. I was notified by dispatch of a robbery in progress at the Rite Aid Pharmacy involving a male with a weapon who had taken a hostage. As I responded to the scene, I began formulating a tactical plan, stressed about the safety of the officers responding, and hoped no one would be injured.

I learned that a suspect entered the Rite Aid store with a sawed-off shotgun, had taken the onduty pharmacist hostage, and created what turned out to be a 10-hour standoff with police. The standoff ended when the suspect was found deceased from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

As Chief of Police, one of my roles is to assume the position of being in charge. I will be the first to admit in my heart I will always be a frontline patrol officer and it gives me an inner conflict separating those roles. Trusting the judgment of others in times of crisis is not an easy task for me to allow to transpire.

I soon arrived on scene and could not believe that in the short time it took me to respond, a full lockdown of the area, containment of the suspect, and perimeter had been established. I could see Sgt. Tooley had the front of the building. Officers from multiple agencies were working together as if we had drilled for this event. I was provided an assessment of the situation, confirmed everyone was safe, additional units had been requested, a tactical plan was in place in the event of an active shooter, and a tactical entry plan was being formulated for when specialized units arrived.

Soon after being briefed, I looked over my shoulder and Sgt. Brown was standing there asking what I needed. Sgt. Brown had responded from his off-duty status as he knew we were in need of help.

I made my way around the perimeter to obtain a better view of the operation and speak with officers. At the rear of the building, Officer Boudreau, our youngest officer with the least amount of training, was conducting himself like a seasoned veteran.

Officer Boudreau reported he had seen the suspect several times and provided a description. 

Many times on my way around the perimeter, officers told me: “Chief, your guys did an awesome job contain the suspect until additional units could get here.” This came from both field officers and supervisors alike.

At this point, officers on scene had a description of the suspect but could not identify him. Detective Andrick had been called and upon arrival he was given the description of the suspect and made a preliminary identification. A picture was obtained and showed to perimeter units who positively identified the suspect. This identification was crucial because we now knew who we were dealing with.

We are all aware of how this situation ended. We had a pharmacist that walked out alive and a suspect who ended his life. I am writing this letter of commendation in support of you going above and beyond the normal call of duty in this event.

Sgt. Tooley and Officer Boudreau, your initial and tactical response to this call was superlative. Your approach, lockdown of the area, and subsequent containment of this suspect was professionalism personified.

Sgt. Brown, your years of experience in situations such as this were immeasurable. You realized immediately that we, as a department, were in need and you did not hesitate to respond.

Detective Andrick, your immediate identification of the suspect was a turning point in this investigation. We were able to identify who and what we were dealing with. The four of you personify the words “excellence in law enforcement.”

Monday night gave me a chance to evaluate you under an extremely stressful situation. 

You have shown me that in my absence you will make the tough decisions required of us in our position as Peace Keepers.

You performed like you had trained for this event multiple times. 

From our youngest to our most seasoned, you responded as I expected you would.

As you all are aware, I would never give you praise unless you earned it. Gentlemen, Monday night you earned it!

In closing, I say thank you. Not only from myself but from a grateful town. I commend you for a job well done.

— Police Chief Randy Gagne