The Old Orchard Beach community will have the opportunity on April 6 to pay their respects to “officer friendly.”

Vincent Mattia died of pancreatic cancer on March 13, according to an online obituary.

“Vinnie was a 43-year member of the department, and in many ways its heart and soul,” said Old Orchard Beach Police Chief Elise Chard in a written statement.

Mattia began his career at the Old Orchard Beach Police Department in 1981 as a reserve officer and was hired as a full-time patrol officer in 1983, according to Chard. Over the years he was promoted to detective, corporal and in 2023, administrative sergeant, according to Chard. He had also served as a school resource officer, coached several sports and developed the town’s first D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) program.

“He was known as ‘Officer Friendly’ by the students” said Town Council Chairman Shawn O’Neill at Tuesday night’s Town Council meeting. He also served as the reserve officer coordinator and was a mentor to many starting their careers in law enforcement, said O’Neill.

A moment of silence was held for Mattia at Tuesday night’s Town Council meeting, which was attended by several members of the Old Orchard Beach Police Department.

Mattia had planned to retire in April.

“Anyone who knew Vinnie, whether a colleague, student, resident or friend, knows that his smile was as big as his heart,” said Old Orchard Beach Superintendent of Schools John Suttie in a written statement.

Mattia was the kind of person who always made others feel welcome and cared about, said Suttie. No matter how busy he was, Mattia always took the time to chat and check in on the schools, said Suttie.

“When we needed Vinnie to come to the school to help us work with students he always answered the call. He was kind, friendly, and always put the needs of our students and families first,” he said.

A celebration of life event for Mattia will be held from 2-4 p.m., April 6 at the Old Orchard Beach High School gymnasium, with a ceremony immediately following at 4 p.m.

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