Biddeford officer memorialized at vigil

Jacob Wolterbeek, a veteran officer with the Biddeford Police Department who died in a recent traffic accident, was memorialized at a public vigil as a kind and compassionate person who cared deeply about his adopted city of Biddeford.

About 40 people – the majority of whom were residents – gathered in front of the Biddeford police station on Elm Street to honor him on Dec. 17.

Wolterbeek was coming home from work when his car crashed into the rear of a box truck that was stopped on the Maine side of the bridge after an accident in New Hampshire, according to previous reports.

He was an 18-year veteran of the department and leaves behind a wife and three children, according to Biddeford Chief of Police JoAnne Fisk.

“This was his community. Even though he didn’t live here, it was his community,” said Fisk at the event. “No matter what (happened), he touched someone.”

The vigil was organized by Pam Payeur, the founder of Wounded Heroes, a group that supports first responders. Donations are being accepted for Wolterbeek’s family through the Trooper Black organization until the end of December. Payeur said businesses will be asked to match what is raised. For more, see https://trooperblackfoundation.org .

“We’re here to honor him and support his brothers in uniform. To honor the sacrifice he made and end of watch,” Payeur said. “It’s the least we can do … to come together and support them.”

“You expect maybe something that happens in the line of duty, but not this,” Payeur added.

“We hope to do something good with something bad happening right now.”

Wolterbeek started his career in law enforcement as a patrolman, according to Fisk, then served in community outreach and ended his career in the patrol division.

Local resident Kevin Lock spoke about how Wolterbeek “responded even with the homeless people on the street and was a compassionate human being.

“He probably touched a lot of them in some way.”

Carol Cassell of Saco said she “came out to pay my respects.” Similarly, Biddeford city employee Peter Boissonneault said he was doing the same.

Alex MacPhail, who emceed the event, relayed a message from his wife, Saco Mayor Jodi MacPhail, who was attending a Saco City Council meeting that night: Matthew 5:9 – "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God".

The 45-minute vigil included a candlelit memorial upon which a wreath was laid above Wolterbeek’s photo. The somber crowd looked on while Amazing Grace was played. 

“Jacob was a special guy. We loved him; the community loved him,” Fisk said. The support “means a lot. Such a show of the connection to the community and public safety.”

“He had a way of just keeping things in perspective with a sense of humor. He was honorable, he was compassionate, and he cared.”

Ann Fisher is a freelance journalist based in Saco. She can be reached at 432-7483.