DEXTER, Maine — Longtime Dexter police Detective Lt. Alan Grinnell died Monday night, Town Manager Shelley Watson confirmed Tuesday afternoon.
Maine State Police determined Grinnell, a full-time police officer, died of natural causes, she said.
Grinnell, 61, had been a member of the Dexter Police Department since June of 1990, when he signed on as a patrol officer, Watson said.
“He was very well respected,” Watson said of the detective known as “Dexter 2” to local police scanner enthusiasts.
Watson said Grinnell’s death saddened many in the community.
“We’re a small town, so we work closely together,” she said.
Police Chief Kevin Wintle was not available for comment Tuesday.
Condolences began appearing on the Dexter Police Department’s and the town of Dexter’s Facebook pages Tuesday morning.
Residents Joel Costonis and Tracey Sawtelle are organizing a candlelight vigil to honor the memory of Grinnell. The vigil has been scheduled for 6 p.m. Saturday at the Wayside Park Gazebo.
“The world has lost a great man, friend, and police officer,” Costonis posted on his Facebook page. “Sgt. Alan Grinnell was what every true man, father, husband, friend and police officer should represent. He will be greatly missed. The parades will never be the same without seeing him leading them. The town of Dexter has truly lost one of their finest.”
Information about funeral arrangements was not yet available Tuesday evening.