Who Wears the Badge Matters Less Than How It’s Worn in Maine

Those who wear the badge in Maine are strong, fearless people, and gender doesn’t define the job they do.

For example, back in 2017 only 4% of Maine Warden Service were women, according to News Center Maine. 

For a long time, law enforcement in Maine has been dominated by the male gender, and the numbers tell the story.

According to Spectrum News, law enforcement in Maine is still mostly male-dominated, with women making up a small share of sworn officers, often under 10% in many agencies.

One challenge is that few women apply for these jobs, even though those who do apply are often hired at higher rates than men.

Maine agencies have been working toward more equal representation through efforts like the 30x30 initiative, which wants to have 30% of new recruits be women by 2030, but progress remains slow, as per Maine Public. 

As we stated from the start of this article, those who wear the badge have nothing to do with gender, so why so little?

Gender Doesn’t Define the Badge

I suppose one can make many guesses time or culture of outdoor law enforcement itself could have a lot to do with it.

For Wardens, outdoor culture has been rooted in male dominance for decades, making it harder for women to see themselves in the role. 

Further more, to find mentors and support early on could be tough. But we’re seeing more woman take up these type of jobs and it’s about time. The culture is shifting.  

Lewiston recently named Carly Conley as its first female police chief, according to the Sun Journal. This is in policing not the warden service, but it still represents progress and strong female leadership in law enforcement.

Steps like this are encouraging, but there is still room for more women in these roles across Maine.

Corporal Michelle Merrifield of Maine Warden says,  

“There’s no difference between myself and any of the other wardens, Except that we all have our own unique personalities.” 

She goes on to say,  

“I am no different from Sarah Miller, who is another female warden, who is no different from Dave Ross, who is a neighboring warden of mine,” Merrifield says. “We all have a job to do. We all just go about it differently.” 

Read More: Maine Mayhem: Pioneering Women's Tackle Football Gears Up For 2026 

See, the difference truly does not lay within gender, it’s about approach. Each officers no natter what force they represent brings their own skills, personality, and effort to the field.  

What stays constant is the responsibility: protecting Maine and keeping people safe across the state. The person doing that job, regardless of gender, is what truly matters.