Nathan Desjardins - Police Officer Fatality - Maine

Police Officer Nathan Desjardins, age 20, died in the line of duty on June 6, 2017, at a hospital in Lewiston, Maine. 

Nathan Desjardins

Officer Desjardins was a part-time officer with the Fryeburg Police Department. He had three months of service. 

Fryeburg is a town in Oxford County, Maine, with a population of just under 3,500. 

Nathan grew up in Albion, Maine. He graduated in 2014 from Lawrence High School. He was a student at the University of New England and was studying to become a nurse. Nathan was also was a volunteer member of the Albion Fire Department. 

On May 27, 2017, Nathan was participating in a water rescue training exercise on the Saco River. During the training Nathan and his trainer were dispatched to assist in rescuing three boaters in canoes who had capsized. Tragically, Jennifer Bousquet of South Berwick, age 38, drowned in that capsizing accident.  

On their way to the boaters, the officers' patrol boat hit a submerged object in the river and Nathan and his trainer were thrown into the water. Nathan's head was severely injured. 

Michael, Patron Saint of the
Police, pray for Nathan and
for those who have lost him.

Both officers were flown to a hospital in Lewiston, Maine, where Nathan went into a coma. 

Tragically, on June 6, 2017, Nathan died of his injuries. 

Friends describe Nathan as energetic, full of life and kind in spirit. He was a good kid. He will be forever missed. 

The members of the Fryeburg Police Department are in mourning over the death of their young brother. Nathan died while coming to the rescue of others. Nathan will be forever remembered.

Nathan's loved ones are devastated over his tragic death. He was loving and was loved in return. He did his best. He will be forever mourned.

Nathan is survived by many loving comrades, friends and family members including his mother and father and his brother.

Thank you for your service to the community, Nathan. 

Pray for all who die in the line of duty.

Pray for all who die while coming to the aid of others.

Pray for all who die by misadventure. They are with us one moment and are gone before we can say goodbye.

Pray for all who die young. They barely had a chance to live.

Pray that Nathan is in Heaven. Pray that he is at peace and is with God. Amen.