Dennis Chagnon
York County Sheriff’s Office Security at York County Court House
As the son of a U.S. Marine, Dennis lived in a number of communities up and down the east coast, but South Berwick was and is, home. After working at a full-time career for 37 years and a part-time one nights and weekends for 32 years, he retired and later joined the York County Sheriff’s Office. He is the first person one sees when visiting York County Court House in Alfred, ME.
Where did you grow up and go to school?
I grew up along the east coast, my father was in the U. S. Marines Corps. I was born in North Carolina and raised on several military bases on the East Coast. I have four brothers and one sister. When my father retired from the U. S. Marines, we moved back to South Berwick and I graduated from Marshwood High School, part of MSAD 35, which includes Eliot and South Berwick. I served in the US Air National Guard and later earned an associate degree at McIntosh College.
What prompted you to decide to pursue a career with York County Maine Government?
I had retired from my previous job and was asked by Civil Deputy John Willey if I would be interested in working for the York County Sheriff's Office performing Civil Process. Later I moved to security here at York County Court House. I have been employed by York County for six years.
What was your job before joining the county government?
I was the Director of Food Service for M.S.A.D #35 and retired after 37 years. I also worked for the Town of South Berwick as a Reserve Police Officer, mostly nights and weekends, retiring after 32 years.
What do you like most about your current job?
I enjoy meeting and talking with people, listening to their concerns and directing them to the department that best fits their needs.
When you’re not working, what do you like to do?
I enjoy spending time with my wife Christine and my daughters Nicole and Kirstin. I hunt, golf and in the past several years I have enjoyed producing maple syrup with my brothers. This past summer we built our own 10-foot by 16-foot sugar shack out of rough lumber.