LaGrange man receives bravery award from state police

VASSALBORO — A LaGrange man who helped rescued a woman trapped inside her burning car that had struck a tree in Bangor last November was among the honorees during the Maine State Police Awards June 21 at the Maine Criminal Justice Academy in Vassalboro.

Arthur LaPlante was given a bravery award from the state police, along with Troopers Brian Bean, Andrew Hardy and Caleb McGary. Bean rescued a couple who had been overcome by carbon monoxide fumes inside their Hudson home last November. Troopers Hardy and McGary, both members of the tactical team, received bravery awards for their role in an armed standoff in Dixmont last June. Both troopers came under fire from the suspect who was shooting at them from inside his house.

Trooper Andrew Pierson of Troop E, Piscataquis and Penobscot counties, was one of the nominees for Trooper of the Year.