On May 16, Lincoln County Sheriff Todd Brackett began his report to commissioners with an apology. Brackett forgot to seek commissioners’ approval for out-of-state travel for his department attending the National Law Enforcement Week ceremony in Washington, D.C. earlier in the month. A sheriff’s department contingent attended the ceremony where names of fallen law enforcement officials’ names were added to the memorial. 

But Brackett forgot to seek commissioners’ approval for out-of-state travel expenses. Prior to department members leaving, Finance Director Michelle Richardson alerted Brackett and Commissioner William Blodgett about the oversight. “I must ask for forgiveness. This was my fault. I planned on presenting the request last meeting (May 2), and it was a total oversight,” Brackett said.  The sheriff said law enforcement officers from all over the country attended the ceremony. “We attended the candlelight vigil, and some of our officers also served as ushers during different ceremonies. Thank you for your support,” he said.

In the May 16 meeting, commissioners approved the travel costs. 

Commissioners also approved payments for law enforcement-related, budgeted equipment. Last year, the sheriff’s department ordered public safety equipment which was recently delivered. Commissioners approved $2,728.79 for holsters, firearms and magazines. The department had one of the six ordered police cruisers delivered. Commissioners approved a a $3,142.46 payment. to Midcoast Electronics in Wiscasset for equipping it with police lights, a cage and a siren.

Commissioners renewed a three-year agreement with Watch Guard for $4,839.60. Watch Guard stores body armor and cruiser video recorded by law enforcement officers. 

Commissioners also approved a three-year contract extension with Securus Monitoring Equipment which includes renting ankle bracelets and alcohol monitoring devices. Securus also monitors device data collected for the department. 

Brackett announced Deputy Clayton Jordan’s retirement. Commissioners accepted his resignation and also approved for him to work per diem after Sept. 1. “He was a sergeant when I joined the sheriff’s department in 1988,” Brackett said. “He’s been an asset for the department, and his contributions are greatly appreciated.”

Commissioners meet next at 9 a.m. Tuesday, June 6 in the courthouse.