After fifteen years of faithful service, Retired Lieutenant Dennis Hayden of South China, has stepped down from his Director position on the board of the Jeffrey S. Parola Foundation. Hayden has played a critical role in establishing the foundation as a leading charitable organization, dedicated to providing financial aid to students pursuing careers in law enforcement, providing tactical equipment for the Maine State Police Tactical Team, and aiding families of injured or fallen law officers.
Lt. Dennis Hayden’s relationship with Jeffrey Parola made him a natural to take a seat on the foundation’s board. Hayden, who served 24 years in Maine Law Enforcement prior to retiring in 2000, was Sergeant during Parola’s time with Troop C of the Maine State Police. But it was the passion Dennis shared with Jeffrey for the Maine State Police and the heart that some may say only those in law enforcement can truly understand that seemed to fuel his intense determination to see the foundation succeed over the years. And it has. The Jeffrey S. Parola Foundation has successfully raised funds in excess of $250,000 since its inception in 1994. Those funds have made it possible to award over 50 scholarships, save lives of officers through equipment donations, and provide the financial assistance families of fallen or injured officers need. Most recently the foundation raised over $20,000 at its annual golf tournament in Vassalboro. Despite the difficult economic times, the Jeffrey S. Parola Foundation celebrated another successful year of fundraising.
They say behind every great man there is a great woman. The Hayden’s are no exception. Dennis Hayden’s wife, Patty Hayden, has played a vital role in organizing the annual fundraising golf tournament. Patty’s passion for the success of the foundation has been evident through her dedication throughout the years.
“Both Dennis and Patty will be missed as an integral piece of the foundation and its history of success, but they will forever be a part of the Jeffrey S. Parola Foundation family.”
-- Todd Parola, President, Jeffrey S. Parola Foundation.