County 19 signs off; YCSO Detective Tom Searway retires
- Tammy L Wells
- Jun 3
- 3 min read
By Tammy Wells York County Government media specialist
ALFRED, Maine – Waving youngsters greeted the convoy of York County Sheriff’s Office cruisers as deputies drove past Shapleigh Memorial School, lights on and sirens blaring. Further down the road, at Shapleigh Fire and Rescue, lights were flashing on all apparatus parked outside, and all available personnel cheered as the cruisers passed by.
Inside one of the cruisers was Detective Tom Searway, who just completed 15 years with YCSO, the last five as detective, retiring that day, May 30, after 20 years as a law enforcement officer.
It’s what happens when a deputy retires – all officers available escort the retiree to their home community.
A couple of miles down the road, between the Shapleigh Town Office and the town’s new community building, as his family members, deputies and command staff, retired deputies and others looked on, Searway picked up the microphone and called Sanford dispatch – County 19 was signing off.
Those who worked with him say Searway made his mark.
“He quietly goes about doing his job, never seeking the limelight,” Sheriff William L. King told folks at a reception for Searway. “He’s a worker. He has earned several awards but each time it is a struggle to get him to accept them.”
Searway came to York County Sheriff’s Office as a patrol deputy following five years with Saco Police Department, where he had worked in patrol and as a School Resource Officer. Earlier in his career he served two years in the US Air Force and another six years in the Reserves.
As YCSO detective, his focus was on domestic violence investigations, and he worked closely with Caring Unlimited, the nonprofit organization that seeks to eliminate domestic violence and offers support and a safe haven to adults and children whose lives are affected by domestic abuse.
“Caring Unlimited has been fortunate to have Detective Searway as a collaborative partner in the effort to support victims and survivors of domestic violence, while also working to hold the perpetrators of that violence accountable,” said CU Outreach Coordinator Sarah Gaetano. “His understanding of domestic violence, paired with his compassion and dedication to this work, have left an indelible mark on York County.”
At the sheriff’s office reception, with a nod to his family and to his fellow officers, Searway thanked those who helped him along the way.
His career in law enforcement, he said, “has been an amazing experience.”
King, the sheriff, described Searway as “the guy you could depend on,” describing how he volunteered to help a fellow deputy search for a missing person in a blizzard.
He spoke of Searway’s work on a York County murder case where the perpetrator pleaded guilty and is serving more than three decades in prison. And he noted Searway’s work on sensitive investigations.
“He is truly a silent hero and will be missed,” King said.
