With his positive spirit, Declan Titcomb earns Camp Postcard’s Luke Gross Award

ALFRED, Maine – Ahh, summer camp. It’s a chance for kids to have fun, learn new skills, and make friendships that can last a lifetime.

At Camp Postcard, it’s all that, and more.

Camp Postcard is a weeklong camp for 100 kids – with a theme adopted by one of its leaders that celebrates effort and diligence – and of course, fun.

The late Hancock County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Luke Gross was a 20-year leader at Camp Postcard, until his untimely line of duty death in 2021.

In 2022, camp leaders decided to honor his memory and the values he espoused in an annual camper award.

Earlier this month, Camp Postcard leaders came to York County to make a presentation to a camper who fit the bill – Declan Titcomb of Kennebunk.

The 2025 Luke Gross Award was presented to young Titcomb by Lincoln County Chief Deputy Rand Maker and York County Commissioner Richard Dutremble.

“It’s not necessarily who’s the best at anything,” said Maker of the award. “It’s about who tries, who keeps that smile on his face, and who shows the courage to fail.”

He pointed out that Gross liked to test kid’s limits and have fun.

Winners of the award – like Titcomb -  exhibit the qualities of kindness, humor, respect, adventure and  leadership, Maker noted.

Dutremble called Titcomb “a remarkable young man.”

“I want to say how proud we are of Declan,” Dutremble said.

Every summer since 1994, 100 kids from Maine’s 16 counties get to spend a week at Camp Postcard in Winthrop, free. All of the councilors and leaders are law enforcement officers, corrections and other public safety personnel, said Maker. Fifth and sixth grade campers can take part in archery, go fishing, hiking and swimming and much, much more. The camp is a collaboration between the Maine Sheriff’s Association and Volunteers of American Norther New England.

The Hancock County Sheriff’s Department, where Gross worked, noted that Declan carries forward Luke’s legacy “with his positive spirit and leadership among his peers. This award is not only a tribute to Luke’s memory, but also a reminder of the lasting impact one person’s dedication can have on future generations.”

Kindness, humor, respect, adventure and leadership make an award winning combination, and leaders involved in Camp Postcard, where 100 young people attend a weeklong summer camp say Declan Titcomb, exhibits them all – and so earned the Luke Gross Award. The award, which came with a plaque – and a bright orange bicycle – is named for the late Hancock County Sheriff’s Deputy who died in the line of duty in 2021. Celebrating young Titcomb  were Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Rand Maker, York County Commission Chairman Richard Dutremble, retired Maine State Trooper Christine Buchanon, York County Sheriff William L. King Jr., and Hancock County Chief Deputy William Birch.