Despite frigid outside temperatures, a layer of warmth blanketed the cities of Biddeford and Saco Wednesday night as people from both communities turned out to support the family of a fallen police officer.
Sgt. Jacob Wolterbeek, a veteran member of the Biddeford Police Department, was killed in a traffic accident in December.
Biddeford Mayor Marty Grohman organized Wednesday’s event in order to raise funds for Wolterbeek’s family, including his wife and three young children.
Nearly 20 Biddeford restaurants, taverns and shops participated in the four-hour ‘Mayor’s Night Out’ event. Many of the businesses donated a percentage of their proceeds to a fund in honor of Wolterbeek.
Many residents wandered from location to location, donating funds along the way.
Wolterbeek’s parents, Jacob and Ky, were surrounded by supporters at Or Nell’s Barbecue on Franklin Street shortly after the event started.
Wolterbeek’s parents each held back tears as they shared stories about their son with well-wishers, city officials and reporters.
“We are grieving internally and externally,” Ky Wolterbeek said.
Jacob Wolterbeek, Sr. said he was “deeply touched by the stories he read on social media about his son, especially one in which a resident wrote that Jacob had literally saved his life by helping him overcome a troubled life.
“He loved this city,” the elder Wolterbeek said. “He was passionate about it, and he always said how much he loved the opportunity to work with some very fine people. The last time I was in Biddeford was last August during the ceremony when he was being sworn in as a sergeant.”
Those who participated in the event said they were happy to support Wolterbeek’s family because he had given so much back to the community.
“Jacob was a cop’s cop. He always had a good word for everybody. He was just a great human being.”
— Juliet Angis
Jim Albert, a Saco native and the owner of Cowbell Burger on Main Street, said it was a “no-brainer” when he was asked if his restaurant would participate in the event.
“It’s a great cause,” Albert said, recalling Wolterbeek’s trademark smile. “He was very personable and super friendly. It is so tragic what happened to him, leaving behind three little kids. We were more than glad to help.”
Biddeford Police Chief JoAnne Fisk accompanied Wolterbeek’s parents during the event.
“Jake was one of the kindest, most thoughtful people I have ever met. That’s what made him a great cop,” Fisk said, choking up a bit with her words.
“He had a way of dialing into people he encountered,” Fisk added. “He had this uncanny ability to see beneath the surface and see people where they really are.”
Saco Mayor Jodi MacPhail said she was honored to participate in the event.
“In times like these, there are no boundaries. We are one community,” MacPhail said. “We celebrate together, and we grieve together.”
Wolterbeek’s fellow officers spoke highly of their deceased co-worker and friend.
“We miss him every day,” said Corporal Matthew Baldwin, a 27-year veteran of the Biddeford Police Department who helped train Wolterbeek. “it still almost doesn’t feel real that he is gone. He was definitely one of the good guys.”
Deputy Police Chief Steve Gorton described Wolterbeek as a dedicated family man. “That was the thing about Jake. His top priority, first and foremost, was his family.”
Larry Angis, who recently retired from the department, said he is still processing the grief of losing his friend and co-worker. “I’m not there yet. He was a good cop and a good friend.”
Angis’ wife, Juliet, is a police officer in Kennebunk. “Jacob was a cop’s cop,” she said. “He always had a good word for everybody. He was just a great human being.”
Ky Wolterbeek said her son was the second of nine children, six of whom were adopted. “He was our second child, but oldest son, and it leaves a big void.”
“This is truly a great community,” she added. “The outpouring of support has touched us deeply.”
Editor’s Note: If you would like to donate to Sgt. Wolterbeek’s family, please visit the Trooper Black Foundation at https://trooperblackfoundation.org through February 15.
Checks may also be mailed to the Trooper Black Foundation (PO Box 104, Cape Neddick, Maine 03902) and should be marked as designated for the Wolterbeek family.
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THE BIDDEFORD GAZETTE 