Warden Pilot Joshua Tibbetts 

Game Warden Pilot Joshua Taylor Tibbetts, 50, of Maine, died in the line of duty on May 12, 2026, when the state-issued aircraft he was operating crashed near Avon, Maine, while serving the citizens and natural resources of the State of Maine. His passing marked the loss of a respected law enforcement officer, skilled aviator, devoted public servant, and beloved friend and family man whose life was defined by courage, humility, and an unwavering commitment to others.

Born on January 30, 1976, in Waterville, Maine, Josh was raised in Corinna, where he developed the strong work ethic, determination, and love for the outdoors that would shape the course of his life. A graduate of Nokomis High School and EMVTI, he continued his education while pursuing a career in law enforcement and public service. Those who knew Josh remember a man with an infectious personality, sharp intelligence, and a rare ability to make everyone around him feel welcome. He never met a stranger, and his kindness and loyalty left a lasting impact on countless lives.

Josh began his law enforcement career in 2000 with the Penobscot County Sheriff’s Office, where he served honorably as a deputy sheriff for nearly eight years. In January 2008, he fulfilled a lifelong dream when he joined the Maine Warden Service as a Game Warden. Throughout his distinguished career, Warden Tibbetts served districts across Downeast, Central, and Southern Maine, earning a reputation as a dedicated officer who approached every responsibility with professionalism, integrity, and compassion.

In addition to enforcing Maine’s natural resource laws and protecting the public, Josh contributed extensively to specialized operations within the Warden Service. He served on the Incident Management Assistance Team (IMAT), worked in search planning operations, and played an important role in the department’s unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) program. He also served as a Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) until 2016. Whether responding to emergencies, assisting lost or injured individuals, or mentoring fellow officers, Josh was known as someone others could depend on without hesitation.

Driven by his passion for aviation, Josh dedicated himself to earning the certifications and ratings necessary to become a Maine Game Warden Pilot. He participated in the Reserve Pilot Program to gain extensive experience operating the aircraft used by the Maine Warden Service and quickly became a trusted member of the Aviation Division. His recent promotion to Game Warden Pilot and assignment to the Northern Maine Pilot position based in Eagle Lake represented the realization of years of hard work, sacrifice, and determination. Flying patrol missions over Maine’s vast wilderness combined two of his greatest passions — protecting others and aviation.