The Deputy Chief's position, also known as Game Warden Major, works directly under the Game Warden Colonel, and is responsible for the oversight of all field law enforcement and search and rescue activities. Sanborn begins on July 26.

"I am confident that Gregg will perform the duties of Game Warden Major very well," said Colonel Santaguida, "As an experienced supervisor of law enforcement personnel and law enforcement activities, he has exceptional communication and organizational skills, and posesses many leadership qualities."

Sanborn, a game warden for nearly 15 years, was awarded the "Supervisor Of The Year Award" in 2000 for his work as a sergeant. In addition to his duties as sergeant, Sanborn is currently an incident commander for the search & rescue team. Sanborn began Warden Service career as a District Game Warden in Kittery in 1990. He transferred to the Sebago Lake District in 1993 and patrolled there until he was promoted to sergeant in 1997. As a sergeant, he supervised sections in downeast Washington County and in the Katahdin region.

"Gregg possesses the leadership skills and respect in the field that will make him a valued asset to the Warden Service, Colonel Santaguida and myself," said Commissioner Roland D. Martin, "I look forward to working with Colonel Santaguida and Major Sanborn as the Warden Service enters its 125th year."

Sanborn is a two-time recipient of the meritorious service award for conduct above the ordinary course of duty, in which a warden because of their initiative courage and diligence places themselves in danger while performing an unusual task. One incident involved the rescue of a teenage ATV rider who had crashed through Mousam Lake and the other involved the apprehension of two armed robbery suspects in Cumberland County.

"In 1990, I left a profession that I loved, teaching and coaching, to follow my dream of becoming a Maine Game Warden. My high school yearbook reads: 'future plans-Maine Warden Service'," said Sanborn. "I loved being a District Game Warden, and being a Sergeant even more. I have always had a vision for the Maine Warden Service, a vision to serve the outdoor sporting public like no other agency can. To serve the traditional sportsmen, be it a deer hunter or trout fisherman, as well as the recreating outdoor enthusiast, such as an ATV rider, kayaker or moose watcher. I am excited about working with Colonel Santaguida to provide a product and level of service that all of Maine's citizens and visitors, can stand behind and support," said Sanborn.

Sanborn, a Fryeburg, Maine native, presently resides in Lincoln with his wife Deb and son David. Sanborn holds a B.S. degree from the University of Southern Maine in Industrial Technology Education and previously taught at Valley High School in Bingham and at the Molly Ockett Middle School in Fryeburg. Sanborn is an avid sportsman, spending any leisure time with his family fly fishing or hunting over one of his three sporting dogs.

Colonel Santaguida explained that the Major's position is a very demanding and significant position that requires a wide variety of skills and a lot of energy to get the job done. "Throughout the selection process Sergeant Sanborn demonstrated the qualities, experience and skills needed to fulfill the duties of deputy chief of the Warden Service. This is very important in the context of protecting Maine fish and wildlife, keeping outdoor enthusiasts safe, and delivering the highest quality of conservation law enforcement services to citizens and visitors of Maine." Santaguida added that Sanborn's selection as Game Warden Major was discussed with Commissioner Roland D. Martin, who concurred the selection of Gregg as deputy chief.

When asked about his new position, Sanborn said, " I have had a very full, memorable field career during the past 14 years. I have used my teaching skills to instruct at the Maine Criminal Justice Academy, my pride in Warden Service to serve as the northern color guard commander and management skills to be incident commander for the search & rescue overhead team. I plan to continue honing my skills, as well as acquire new ones, to assist Colonel Santaguida lead the Maine Warden Service."

Sanborn was selected from a pool of seven qualified applicants who applied for the position. The process included an interview conducted by a board consisting of Deputy Commissioner Paul Jacques, Colonel Santaguida, Information and Education Director Marc Michaud, and Fisheries Division Director John Boland.

"I feel very honored to be selected, especially given the qualifications of the other applicants. I am looking forward to getting started," said Sanborn following the news he was selected as the new Deputy Chief Game Warden.