PORTLAND — He commandeered a fishing boat to rescue a woman who jumped off the Casco Bay Bridge, and was credited with saving her life.

And he discovered a family of four, including two young children, living in a van and connected them with temporary housing and social services.

And that was just in the last year.

On Tuesday, Portland Police Officer Kevin Haley was named the 2010 Robert B. Ganley Public Service Award. 

City Manager Mark Rees said in a press release that Haley, who was nominated by city employees and chosen by a selection committee, epitomizes going above and beyond the call of duty.

“Whether it’s going the extra mile to comfort and support a victim of domestic violence or helping stranded tourists get their car repaired, Kevin is the ideal public servant,” Rees said. “There is a good reason why his friends and coworkers call him the unofficial Mayor of Portland.”

Over the past 13 years, Haley has frequently been recognized for his dedication to public service. He has earned more than 30 awards and commendations.

Last year, he organized a stop at Cheverus High School by Wreaths Across America, a national effort to lay 20,000 wreaths at Arlington Cemetery, where his brother William Haley is buried.

The Robert B. Ganley Public Service Award was founded in 2002 and named after a former city manager who believed public service is rooted in the ability to respond to a citizen’s concerns and attend to voices not usually heard.

Randy Billings can be reached at 781-3661 ext. 100 or rbillings@theforecaster.net. Follow Randy on Twitter: @randybillings.

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Portland Police Officer Kevin Haley

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