BIOGRAPHY

BIOGRAPHY

Luke R. Gross was born March 26, 1977, and raised in Bucksport, Maine by his loving mother, Nancy. Luke attended the Bucksport School system graduating in the class of 1995. During his time at Bucksport High School, Luke proudly wore #80 as a member of the Golden Bucks Football Team. He fondly recalled a game played under the lights on a rainy Friday night at Maine Maritime Academy in the pouring rain. Luke was a key contributor in this game, which resulted in a win for Bucksport High School.

Luke attended the University of Maine at Augusta and was a proud graduate of the class of 1998, attaining his degree in Legal Technology. During his time at UMA, Luke was bestowed the Jeffrey Parola award by his fellow classmates. The Jeffrey Parola award is granted to the “person they would most prefer as their partner based on judgment, maturity, and professionalism.” This award exemplified the well-deserved recognition of Luke’s many outstanding traits that were never lost throughout his law enforcement career.

Luke was also known as a skilled Cook at Dysart’s Truck Stop in Hermon as he attended College. He loved to serve people in countless ways and to bring joy and happiness to others. His passion for cooking was no exception. Luke never wavered of his love to be at a flattop, griddle, or barbecue grill.

Luke began his career in Law Enforcement in 2000 when the Winthrop Police Department hired him, and he attended the 92^nd MCBPS in Waterville. In 2001, Luke moved on to work for the Sabattus Police Department and served as the Elementary DARE Officer for that community. This position was not only suited for Luke’s skill set and passion but was his true calling. Luke loved working with kids and was often called a big kid himself. Luke was a gifted listener, teaching and building relationships with youth. He quickly earned the trust of all, including those from which trust is not easily given. Luke made every person feel important, valued, and, most importantly, safe. Everything Luke did came from the heart and could be felt by those he was interacting with.

In 2003, Luke’s dreams reached a new level with the opportunity to move home to Hancock County. He found his home at the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office serving the communities where he grew up. Luke valued being ingrained, engaged, and embedded in his communities. He utilized his skills and position to nurture today's youth to positively impact the adults they would become. Throughout his career, Luke volunteered as a camp counselor at Camp POSTCARD and continued as a DARE Officer serving many communities in Hancock County. Luke was an integral part of the Sheriff’s Charities serving to raise funds that are later used to benefit children, the elderly, and people in need. Luke served as the board chair of the Hancock School Board, the community in which he lived, and where his own children attended school.

Luke was known for his calm demeanor. He had the ability to interact with anyone and reassure them that whatever the situation, it would be handled with respect, dignity, and passion.

Luke loved spending time with his wife of fifteen years, his son and daughter, extended family and friends, always up for a good time and a laugh. He could sit with anyone for a conversation, and that person would feel like the most important person on the planet. He was witty, constantly cracking jokes and one-liners, keeping everyone laughing. One of Luke’s favorite places and activities was spending time with his family boating at their camp on Tunk Lake.

Luke’s family was always his top priority. He was proud to have conversations about all of his kid’s accomplishments and activities. He was a true family man who loved them immensely.