Recruits join YCSO
- Tammy L Wells
- 13 hours ago
- 4 min read
“We feel their potential really shines”
ALFRED, Maine – Just a few weeks from now, in mid-August, Matthew Ryan and Lucas Labbe will be heading to the Maine Criminal Justice Academy in Vassalboro for 18 weeks of law enforcement training. They’ll learn about community policing, dealing with the vulnerable, police ethics, Maine criminal law, juvenile law, motor vehicle and liquor laws, use of force, domestic abuse, response to active shooter situations, investigations, and much more – in all more than 90 topics in the 720 hour curriculum.
Ryan, 25, and Labbe, 41, were recently hired as recruits at York County Sheriff’s Office – the first in more than a decade. Until they depart for MCJA, they’re learning policy and procedures, going on “ride alongs” with seasoned deputies, and undergoing other training opportunities.
Following their MCJA graduation, Ryan and Labbe will complete field training with a veteran deputy before being released on their own, said Chief Deputy Jeremy Forbes. Then, they’ll be on a probationary status for a year from their hire date.
In Maine, those looking to pursue policing as a career are first hired by a law enforcement agency and then undergo training, at the agency’s expense.
Law enforcement agencies also hire experienced officers who are looking for a change as well as those looking to start their careers as recruits.
York County Sheriff William L. King Jr. explained.
“Typically, we hire a lot of people that come to us from other agencies,” King said. “They’re already trained, they’ve been to the academy. In these two recruit cases – Ryan and Labbe, we feel their potential really shines.”
Ryan was completing his business degree at St. Joseph’s College in Standish and working in area restaurants when he read about a citizen police academy YCSO was starting in the spring of 2025. Intrigued about the program that gives ordinary citizens a glimpse of law enforcement procedures, he signed up. Ryan said he enjoyed what he learned so much, he signed on second time when the citizen academy was offered this spring. Then, he applied at the sheriff’s office, and after completing the application process, was hired.
“I’ve been interested in law enforcement for most of my life,” he said, and had initially thought of a federal career but ultimately decided staying local was what he wanted to do.
“It’s a career that brings new challenges, new scenarios,” said Ryan. “You’re constantly being challenged by the job.”
His goal is to join the Special Response Team and said he could see himself as a detective someday, but for now, he said he’ll see where the job takes him.
As a recruit, Ryan has experienced each shift in the six weeks he’s been on the job.
“There’s a lot more to the job than traffic stops and paperwork,” he said. “It’s nice to get the whole picture.”
Labbe taught sociology, civics and government at Massabesic High School for the last 5 years of his decade-long teaching career at RSU 57 and served as head football coach and assistant wrestling coach. He previously worked in social services in case management and also managed an emergency shelter and a family shelter.
Married, he and his wife have two children and live on a farm complete with chickens, horses, dogs, and ducks.
Labbe said he was looking for a career compatible with his military service. He’d joined the U.S. Army after high school, served in Iraq in 2004 and after his tour was complete, he later joined the Maine Army National Guard, where he continues to serve.
“These professions are more in line with each other, “ said Labbe of his newly chosen career in law enforcement and his military service. “Law enforcement is a profession always held in high regard and I had considered many times before.”
He said he believes his years in social work helped him develop skills, as did his work as a teacher and coach. “I think a big part of policing is talking and listening to people,” Labbe said. “There’s a lot I need to learn, and hopefully I’ll help people out.”
The process to being hired as a recruit includes passing a physical agility test, a polygraph, psychological testing, background checks, and numerous interviews with YCSO personnel and the county’s Human Resources department. It is a rigorous process that not everyone who applies can pass, noted Forbes.
“Ryan is a very mature young man and made a very measured decision,” said King. He noted the recruit’s decision to attend the citizen academy and that he asked good questions. “He is mature beyond his years. I think he’ll do very well as a law enforcement officer.”
King noted Labbe’s work as a teacher and coach, his military service and years in social services often dealing with people who are in difficult situations.
“Labbe’s career is a win-win for the sheriff’s office,” King said. “We choose very carefully who we hire as recruits and send to the academy. With Ryan and Labbe, we made two very good investments.”
York County Sheriff’s Office currently has two vacancies for deputies. King said potential recruits and those already in law enforcement are encouraged to apply.
