Rockport – Maine Marine Patrol Specialist Dan Vogel received the 2025 Maine Lobstermen’s Association Officer of the Year award during last weekend’s Maine Fishermen’s Forum in Rockport.
The award is presented annually to a Marine Patrol Officer who has demonstrated outstanding service in support of the Maine lobster industry
As a Boat Specialist, Vogel is responsible for operating a large patrol vessel during routine enforcement patrols, search and rescue efforts, and investigative work.
Specialist Vogel, who joined the Marine Patrol in 2016 and was promoted to Specialist in 2023, serves in the patrol section covering Lincolnville to Trenton and is assigned to the Patrol Vessel Vigilant which is docked in Stonington.
Specialist Vogel was honored for his leadership and ability to skillfully operate his patrol vessel. “He goes above and beyond to assist officers in his section,” wrote Marine Patrol Sergeant Sean Dow in nominating Specialist Vogel. “The officers that I supervise trust and respect Specialist Vogel. Since getting promoted, Specialist Vogel’s vessel has been one of the leaders in the state for underway time - an impressive result as he is currently running the smallest and oldest vessel in our fleet.”
He was also recognized for the strong relations he has built with industry members. “Specialist Vogel is also a well-respected officer in the Deer Isle/Stonington patrol. I have been stopped numerous times by fishermen that praise Specialist Vogel on his hard work in the area,” wrote Sergeant Dow.
“Fishermen trust Specialist Vogel to get the answers they need or that the complaint that they give him will get addressed.”
Sergeant Dow highlighted the complex investigative work led by Specialist Vogel that has resulted in successful prosecutions in the past two years of cases involving stolen traps, gear molestation, and fishing area violations.
“These are just a couple examples of how Specialist Vogel is not only a steward to the fisheries the Maine Marine Patrol oversees, but also a great asset to section four,” wrote Sergeant Dow.