Biddeford community shows support for Sgt. Wolterbeek's family

Crowds of people turned out at Biddeford restaurants Wednesday night for Mayor’s Night Out to support the family of Sgt. Jacob Wolterbeek IX.

Wolterbeek died in December driving home to Portsmouth from working a shift at the Biddeford Police Department. He was an 18-year veteran of the department.

During Mayor’s Night Out, local mayors past and present, along with other city officials, were at participating restaurants in Biddeford. Restaurants who took part in the event donated a portion of their proceeds to Wolterbeek’s family through the Trooper Black Foundation.

Biddeford Mayor Marty Grohman organized the event. Grohman was at participating restaurant Ore Nell’s Barbecue Wednesday night along with Wolterbeek’s parents Jake and Ky, members of the police department and other local supporter. Grohman said in addition to raising money, the event spread across 16 locations in the city showed how much the city valued Wolterbeek.

“Jake will be woven into the fabric of the city forever,” said Grohman.

Wolterbeek leaves behind a wife and three children, and his father Wednesday night said the family appreciated the thoughtfulness of those involved in the fundraiser.

“You’re never prepared for this. It will make a difference,” he said.

Ky Wolterbeek said the last time she was in Biddeford was in August, when her son was promoted to sergeant.

“This was such a big part of his life. We let a little less of him go by coming here,” she said.

“Biddeford is a wonderful community. My son felt absolutely blessed to work here,” said her husband.

Biddeford Police Chief JoAnne Fisk described Wolterbeek as one of the kindest and most empathetic people she had ever met. She said he was compassionate and sympathetic, but held people to standards, and was a very fair police officer.

She said Wolterbeek had a way of “dialing in” to the people he encountered while on the job and to see beneath the surface.

“He understood people,” she said.

Not only was he kind, but he was also smart, said colleagues and family members.

Fisk said if she asked Wolterbeek for his opinion on something, he always gave her a straight answer on why or why not it was a good idea.

Wolterbeek had a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, and later earned a Master of Business Administration to open himself up to more opportunities in the department, said his father.

“He was beloved in Biddeford,” said former Biddeford Mayor Bonnie Pothier. She said Jacob and the brother of her son-in-law were best friends.

Wolterbeek was one of nine children, said his father. Jake and Ky had three biological children and six adopted children.

“Family means everything,” he said.

The importance of family was passed down to his son.

“He was a fantastic police officer,” said Deputy Police Chief Steven Gorton, “but he was a family man. First and foremost, he loved his family.”

A few blocks away Saco Mayor Jodi MacPhail was at Cowbell Burger Bar, another participating restaurant.

 

Saco Mayor Jodi MacPhail, right, and her husband Alex participate in Mayor's Night Out at Cowbell Burger Bar in Biddeford. PHOTO BY LIZ GOTTHELF

“When Mayor Grohman approached me with this idea I was honored to participate in such a worthy fundraiser,” said MacPhail. “Saco will always stand behind and support our first responders on both sides of the river.”

Donations to support Wolterbeek’s family can be made through the Trooper Black foundation.

Publisher Liz Gotthelf can be reached at newsdesk@sacobaynews.com.