KITTERY, ME. (THECOUNT) — The Biddeford Police Department is mourning the loss of veteran officer, Jacob Wolterbeek, who was killed in a crash on the Piscataqua River Bridge on Thursday.
The department said Biddeford police Sgt. Wolterbeek died when he got into an accident after the end of his shift while traveling to his home in Portsmouth, New Hampshire.
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Maine State Police officials said the crash happened shortly before 1:15 a.m. on the high rise of the bridge. Investigators reported that traffic on Interstate 95 had stopped along the Maine-New Hampshire border due to a crash that occurred in New Hampshire.
Police detailed that a box truck was stopped in traffic on the Maine side of the bridge when Wolterbeek’s car crashed into the back of the truck. Wolterbeek was pronounced dead at the scene.
Wolterbeek, 41, of Portsmouth, New Hampshire, was an 18-year veteran of the Biddeford Police Department. He is survived by his wife and three young children.
“Sergeant Wolterbeek was a respected member of the Biddeford Police Department and a valued city employee. In this time of sorrow, our thoughts and prayers are with Sergeant Wolterbeekâs family, friends, and colleagues. We extend our deepest condolences and offer our full support to them during this difficult time,” Biddeford police Chief JoAnne Fisk said in a statement.
Wolterbeek was honored with a procession as his body was transported on the Maine Turnpike to the Chief Medical Examiner’s Office in Augusta. First responders gathered on overpasses along the Maine Turnpike from Ogunquit to Augusta to pay their respects to the fallen officer. His body arrived in Augusta at about 10:30 a.m.
The tragedy led to significant traffic disruptions as the southbound lanes of the Piscataqua River Bridge were shut down for several hours following the crash. All southbound traffic was diverted off at Exit 2 in Kittery while the closure was in place, causing delays and rerouting for commuters during the morning rush.
The incident has reignited discussions about the safety measures on the Piscataqua River Bridge, especially concerning visibility and traffic management during high congestion or emergency situations. Authorities and community leaders have expressed a commitment to reviewing and potentially enhancing safety protocols to prevent such tragedies in the future.
The Biddeford Police Department, alongside other first responder units, has set up various support mechanisms for its officers and staff, acknowledging the profound impact of losing one of their own. Community members have also started to organize vigils and fundraisers to support Wolterbeek’s family, reflecting the community’s solidarity and respect for those who serve in law enforcement.
Biddeford is a city in York County, Maine, United States. It is the principal commercial center of York County. Its population was 22,552 at the 2020 census. The twin cities of Saco and Biddeford include the resort communities of Biddeford Pool and Fortunes Rocks.
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