Biddeford police officer dies in crash on Piscataqua River Bridge

Dec. 12—A Biddeford police sergeant died after crashing into the rear of a box truck on the Piscataqua River Bridge early Thursday morning.

Maine State Police said Jacob Wolterbeek, 41, of Portsmouth, was pronounced dead at the scene while driving home at the end of his shift.

Wolterbeek was a husband and father of three young children. He served in the Biddeford Police Department for 18 years, according to a statement by Chief JoAnne Fisk.

"Sergeant Wolterbeek was a respected member of the Biddeford Police Department and a valued city employee," Fisk said. "In this time of sorrow, our thoughts and prayers are with Sergeant Wolterbeek's family, friends, and colleagues."

Fisk said details about services to honor Wolterbeek will be shared as soon as they are available.

Biddeford Mayor Martin Grohman said in a post on Facebook that the city will be doing all it can to honor Wolterbeek and support his family. He recalled often seeing Wolterbeek working downtown during events and on Election Day outside of Biddeford High School's Tiger Gym.

"I had the honor of knowing Jake personally and witnessing his dedication to Biddeford," Grohman said. "One thing's for sure we'll be doing all we can to honor him, support his family, support our Biddeford Police Department family, and recognize Sgt. Wolterbeek's contributions to our great City."

Sanford Police Chief Eric Small described Wolterbeek as a dedicated public servant who loved his family and community.

"His service exemplified the values of integrity and compassion that define law enforcement at its finest," Small said in a statement.

Law enforcement throughout the state participated in a procession Thursday morning between Ogunquit and Augusta to bring Wolterbeek's body to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, state police confirmed.

The Kennebunk fire and police departments joined agencies from across the state to cover the every bridge the procession passed under. In a statement posted to Facebook, the Kennebunk agencies said Wolterbeek was a personal friend to many of their employees.

Southbound lanes of the Maine Turnpike were closed for hours after the crash on the border between Maine and New Hampshire. State police said the box truck was stopped in traffic when a Toyota Camry driven by Wolterbeek hit the rear, around 1:14 a.m.

The crash remains under investigation, according to Maine State Police.

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