ORONO — While many local law enforcement officers participated in their local torch runs June 8 for the Special Olympic summer games, there was also another big crew of their colleagues that traveled to the University of Maine at Orono to represent their respective agencies in the opening ceremony and volunteer during the four days of competition. 

For the past 15 years, Justin Hills, a deputy with the Knox County Sheriff’s office, is one who has made the trek to Orono to volunteer at the summer games. This year he took his mother, Lorna, along to the opening celebration so she could experience it first hand. 

Hills’ interest in the Special Olympics began while he was a paramedic at Camden First Aid Association when they sponsored a team. Over the years, while representing other organizations, he has driven ambulances or various police cars to ride in the opening parade with the athletes and other law enforcement officers, of all ranks, from across the state. 

Hills described how the athletes follow in at the end of the parade and walk into the opening ceremonies through a tunnel of police officers. “Sometimes the athletes seem to enjoy high fiving and hugging the cops more than they do some of the events. The cops certainly get a lot of attention all day long and everyone is just plain happy,” said Hills. 

“This year the opening parade on June 10 included about 30 police cars, just as many fire trucks, all the Shriner cars and bikes you can imagine, antique cars and motorcycles.” Hills added that six Sheriff's Offices were represented for the opening ceremonies along with many other community groups and agencies.  

Hills’ mother, Lorna, was amazed and impressed at the celebration and the turnout of the athletes and supporters.  

He said it takes a lot to make the four days of the summer games run smoothly. Without all of the volunteers this certainly would not be possible. The volunteers who spend the weekend are filled with love and patience.

“Last year I was also able to hand out medals during events, but this year work got in the way,” added Hills. 

“I find it fulfilling to help give back to others in the community and have them actually appreciate it. At the University of Maine there are 1,500 athletes. When you help them get to events or adorn their necks with medals you deal with a lot of people. But, they will remember you from year to year,” said Hills. 

“Over the years I have gained many good friends from the local teams. I also have enjoyed attending parties, basketball fundraisers, and assisting in local parades with these athletes. I even went to school with two of the Coastal Opportunities athletes, Caroline Orff and Jeremy White.” 

Hills is feeling confident that the athletes and volunteers are already looking forward to the 2017 summer games. 

Reach Sarah Shepherd at news@penbaypilot.com