JAY, Vt. (WCAX) – Law enforcement banded together Sunday to play some hockey in honor of a fallen officer.
“A lot of people up here play hockey. It is a good community sport to get everybody, you know together. Just the remembrance of Maland. Just trying to get some happy smiles,” Brandon Spooner, a Customs and Border Protection Officer said.
Brandon Spooner is a Customs and Border Protection officer, and he says, he had the pleasure of working and being friends with agent David “Chris” Maland.
He says the recent weeks have been tough, after Maland was shot and killed on the job on January 20th, and part of the healing is coming together, and doing events like this.
“It’s getting better. As time goes on it heals, but he will never be forgotten. Just the impact he had on the community, just a guy that you can count on,” Spooner said.
And Spooner wasn’t the only one who came to play. Officers from the United States Border Patrol and Newport Vermont law enforcement played against each other at the Jay Peak Ice Arena.
The group also put on a silent auction to raise money for Maland’s family.
There were over 700 people filling the stands, and fans were excited to see the players.
“Watch Border Patrol kick Newport’s butt. It is just going to be fun. The community getting together, first off for a good cause, it is always good to see,” Sadie O’Blenis of Coventry said.
Many gave their condolences and support to the family and fellow officers.
“Worked in law enforcement for thirty five years as the Franklin County State’s Attorney. I’ve worked with border patrol for a long time. Didn’t know Chris himself. I certainly know a lot of his co-workers. I wanted to pay some respect,” Jim Hughes of St. Albans said.
The game ended with U.S. Border Patrol agents taking the win, seven to three.
