BIDDEFORD, Maine — Donations are open for those who wish to support the family of Biddeford Police Sgt. Jacob Wolterbeek, who died in a crash last week on his way home from his shift.
People who are interested in donating can do so through the Trooper Black Foundation, which said it will donate all proceeds it receives during the month of December to the Wolterbreek family.
The nonprofit foundation, based in Cape Neddick, said it strives to allocate funds raised for the benefit of professionals and their families across all sectors of first responders, including police, fire, EMS, and dispatch, during times of unforeseen crises or financial hardship.
"We have had an outpouring of support from our community and beyond. Many of you have asked how to help Sergeant Wolterbeek's family during this difficult time," Biddeford police said in a social media post. "The best way to donate is through the Trooper Black Foundation , which will donate 100% of all proceeds they receive during the month of December to the Wolterbeek family."
To learn more and donate, click here.
Wolterbeek, an 18-year veteran of the department, leaves behind his wife and three young children. Dozens gathered in Biddeford Monday night for a vigil to honor his life.
His obituary describes him as "the kind of man whose love for his family and friends was immeasurable, whose laughter filled every room, and whose presence made everything feel just a little brighter."
The two-vehicle crash happened around 1 a.m. Thursday in the southbound lanes on the Piscataqua River Bridge, which connects Maine and New Hampshire, Maine Department of Public Safety spokesperson Shannon Moss said in a press release.
Moss said an initial investigation by Maine State Police indicates traffic had stopped on the Maine-New Hampshire border due to a crash that had happened in New Hampshire. A box truck was stopped in traffic on the Maine side of the bridge when a Toyota Camry driven by Wolterbeek crashed into the rear of the box truck, according to Moss
Wolterbreek died at the scene. He was on his way back to his home in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, at the time of the crash, Moss said.
The crash remains under investigation by Maine State Police.
For information on services to honor Wolterbeek, click here.