MANCHESTER, NH — Officer Justin Maguire got to know Mark Yphantis quite well over the years. The 58-year-old Manchester resident drank heavily and Maguire often arrested him. Maguire says despite these unfortunate encounters, he liked Yphantis and had learned they shared the love of golf.
About a year and a half ago Maguire decided to challenge Yphantis. He told him if he could sober up, he’d take him golfing.
In January, Yphantis went into rehab and today he is more than 100 days sober.
On Wednesday, April 24, 2019 Maguire delivered a set of golf clubs to Yphantis. The clubs were donated by Golf and Ski Warehouse. On April 26, 2019 Maguire followed up with a gift certificate for 10 rounds of golf donated by the Derryfield Country Club.
Maguire is proud of Yphantis, “Alcohol is a tough thing” he says “I truly don’t know if I thought he’d do it but I’m a man of my word.” Maguire says,” The last thing I wanted was any attention from this. I just wanted to do something nice for a guy who likes golf because that’s my passion too.” The two plan on golfing later this year.
This is just one example of why Officer Maguire was deserving of the Presidents’ Community Partner Award from the New Hampshire Institute of Art.
NHIA says his proactive patrolling around the campus has deterred crime and they commended him for his offers of support, resources and information to the homeless and transient population.
