05/29/2026
After more than three decades of dedicated service, the Portland Police Department announces the retirement of Sergeant Joe Ezepek.
Sgt. Ezepek began his career with the department in 1993, graduating as Class President from the Maine Criminal Justice Academy. Prior to joining PPD, he attended Northeastern University, where he served as an ROTC Cadet Company Commander, later transferring to UMass Boston while remaining in the Northeastern ROTC program. He earned his bachelor’s degree in political science in 1989.
Sgt. Ezepek also served in the United States Army Reserves from 1981 to 1989 as an Infantry Platoon Leader and Transportation Corps Officer, receiving his commission as a Second Lieutenant in June 1983. He later earned a master’s degree in American and New England Studies from the University of Southern Maine in 2001.
During his time with the Portland Police Department, Sgt. Ezepek served the community in a variety of roles. He worked patrol, where he received the department’s heroism award for rescuing occupants from a burning building. After completing patrol technician training, he served as a patrol technician, before transferring to the Criminal Investigations Division (CID) in 1997.
While assigned to the Crimes Against Property Division, Sgt. Ezepek handled a wide range of cases. Beginning in 1999, he served as the primary detective for domestic violence investigations for seven years, demonstrating a strong commitment to protecting vulnerable members of the community.
He left CID in 2006 for a brief assignment in the traffic unit before being promoted to Sergeant in January 2007, returning to patrol where he would spend the remainder of his career. Sgt. Ezepek dedicated nearly 20 years to the night shift as a member of B Team and also served as a member of the department’s Honor Guard.
Throughout his career, Sgt. Ezepek remained committed to professional development, earning the FBI Trilogy Award by completing the Supervisor, Command and Executive Leadership Institutes.
Known for his steadiness and reliability, Sgt. Ezepek’s deep understanding of police work made him a go-to resource for others, all while prioritizing his people and their safety, while keeping the job grounded with humor.
We thank Sgt. Ezepek for his years of service, leadership, and dedication to the City of Portland and wish him all the best in his retirement.
