OLD ORCHARD BEACH, Maine — The Old Orchard Beach Police Department is mourning the loss of one of their own.
The police department shared Thursday on Facebook that Sgt. Vincent Mattia died peacefully Wednesday evening surrounded by family, friends, and colleagues.
Mattia served the police department for 43 years. He was hired in 1981 as a reserve officer and began his full-time career with the department in 1983.
Police said Mattia held many positions within the department, including patrol officer, detective, sergeant, detective sergeant, and administrative sergeant.
"He was also the first ever D.A.R.E. Officer and Old Orchard Beach School Resource Officer," the post stated.
While serving as school resource officer, Mattia coached several sports teams at the Old Orchard Beach junior and high schools.
"Sgt. Mattia will be greatly missed in his role as a mentor while being the Reserve Officer Program Coordinator which not only impacted, but started the career of hundreds of Officers throughout Maine and the US," the post said.
Police said Sgt. Mattia's end of watch was Wednesday, adding he will be remembered for his "many years of dedicated service to the citizens, guests of Old Orchard Beach and all those who had the pleasure of working alongside him."
His cause of death was not released.