AUGUSTA — A State Police Colonel’s Award was presented today to Douglas Kinney of Whitefield for following a drunk driver for miles until police could catch up with the vehicle in West Gardiner.

A Colonel’s Award was also presented to Steven Bolduc of Gardiner for his role in reporting an armed man in South Gardiner last December. Bolduc kept police updated on the man’s location from his cell phone. That gunman was later shot and killed by police.

Four police officers were honored for their response to that incident. Troopers Jonathan Leach and Christopher Rogers, Gardiner Police Officer James Gioia and Richmond Police Detective O’Neill LaPlante were presented with State Police Meritorious Service Awards.

Lucas Hare, a five-year veteran of the State Police and a former South Portland Police officer has been named Trooper of the Year. Hare of Raymond was honored today at the annual State Police awards ceremony held in Augusta.

He patrols in the Gray area as a member of Troop B. Hare joined the State Police in 2003 after serving four years with South Portland Police, is a member of the State Police tactical team and also received a bravery commendation at the ceremony for his role in the standoff with a gunman in Auburn last year.

Chief of the State Police Col. Patrick Fleming said Hare was, “A dedicated, hardworking State Trooper who strives for excellence and perfection every day.”