News Notes: July 7, 2023
Compiled by Gail Burnett
Honors for a coach: Sanford High School will honor longtime baseball coach and science teacher John Cochin by naming a new practice field in his honor on Friday, July 14, at 1 p.m. Cochin, now in his 80s, taught chemistry at Sanford High for 45 years and served as a coach for almost as long. He helped Sanford teams to two major championships and, in 2009, was inducted into the Maine Baseball Hall of Fame. In addition, he wrote sports stories for the entire run of the Sanford News. At Friday’s event, Kendra Williams of the Sanford Schools Legacy Foundation will deliver brief remarks, as will some of Cochin’s family and friends. The Legacy Foundation, a non-profit that helps supplement public funding for the Sanford Schools and Regional Technical Center, will also name a chemistry classroom in Cochin’s honor.
New paramedics: Two members of the Sanford Fire Department officially became paramedics as well as firefighters recently. Justin Barnaby and Adam Small completed their additional training and were honored at a graduation ceremony on June 26. “We need more paramedics,” Assistant Chief Robert Arnold said, “and the only way to get them is to make them.”
City Hall milestones: City leaders recently congratulated Sue Cote, longtime city clerk, for 35 years of service at Sanford City Hall. That’s 35 years of helping residents register their cars, register to vote, get marriage licenses and pay their tax bills. Also recently, Officer Jason Brooks was honored on his retirement after 20 years with the Police Department. Brooks has worked as a bike officer, in crash reconstruction, as a field training officer and acting supervisor. He may have to make some adjustment in his sleep cycle; according to the department’s announcement, Brooks spent his whole career working the midnight shift. Finally, the Police Department congratulated Ofc. Rick Bucklin, a training officer, for reaching the 25-year mark, and Ofc. Michael Gordon of the Mental Health Unit, for 20 years of service.
Get those shots: Pet Supplies Plus at the Center for Shopping (the former Loyal Companion) will offer a rabies clinic for cats and dogs this Saturday, July 15, from 9:30 to 11 a.m. The cost is $33 for cats and $39 for dogs. Call 292-4171 for more information.
Guilty plea: Joseph Zoll of Sanford recently pleaded guilty in federal court to sexual exploitation of children and distributing child pornography. According to federal prosecutors, Zoll, 63, will face between 15 and 50 years in prison and could be fined up to $250,000 for soliciting or sharing more than 165 video and still images depicting sexual abuse of young girls with a sex trafficker in The Philippines. No sentencing date has been set.
Sanford man arrested: Police in Corry, PA, arrested Ryan Graham-Silva, 35, of Sanford recently for allegedly harassing and threatening a woman from that city. According to police, Graham-Silva sent many text messages and spam phone calls to the victim. He faces charges of sexual extortion, harassment and terroristic threats.
