Detective Sergeant Christopher M. Gardner, University of Maine Police Department, Maine

Detective Sergeant Christopher M. Gardner

University of Maine Police Department, Maine

End of Watch Tuesday, November 15, 2016

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Christopher M. Gardner

Detective Sergeant Chris Gardner died as the result of complications following surgery for an injury sustained during firearms qualifications.

He injured his Achilles tendon as he ran from a position of cover to a shooting position on October 26th, 2016. He underwent surgery the following week and then returned home to recover. He returned to the hospital on November 15th, 2016, complaining of shortness of breath and passed away a short time later.

Detective Sergeant Gardner had served with the University of Maine Police Department for 27 years. He had been assigned to the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency as a special agent for the last nine years of his career. He was survived by his parents, brother, and two sisters.

Bio

Age 47
Tour 27 years
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Training accident
Incident Date Wednesday, October 26, 2016

training

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Most Recent Reflection

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I'm so grateful for the kindness shown to me by Officer Gardner. He arrested me a few months before his passing, but he was incredibly understanding of my situation. He treated me with respect and even helped me post bail using my own money without accusing me of anything. I've completely changed my ways since then and I'm currently seeking a pardon. I was hoping to reach out to Officer Gardner for his support. He was a truly good person, unlike some other police officers I've encountered. It's a shame that the DEA lost such a great understanding individual.

Shana Boutot
Former arrestee

March 1, 2025