A Lincoln County deputy is so valuable, Sheriff Todd Brackett likens him to a “Swiss Army knife.” On Nov. 16, Brackett presented Deputy James Read with a long overdue award. In March, Read earned the Maine Sheriff Association’s (MSA) Community Service Award for his work in the department’s transport division. Read’s award was delayed when the MSA’s annual conference was cancelled due to the coronavirus.

Brackett made the presentation during the Lincoln County commissioners’ meeting. Brackett praised Read’s exceptional work fostering collaboration with service providers and community health organizations and forging relationships with new clients. “His performance is stellar and recognized by his peers along with the department’s lieutenants, chief deputy and myself,” Brackett said. “He maintains an average case load of 25 clients, performs home checks, and maintains and installs sheriff’s office equipment. He is often referred to as the sheriff’s office’s Swiss Army knife.”

Brackett also updated commissioners on other department matters. He and Chief Deputy Rand Maker reported the department is preparing for its next alternative sentencing program scheduled for April. The department contracted with Karen Clark to continue as a program consultant. The program uses community service and counseling as an alternative to incarceration. “We’ve renewed our agreement with Karen. She brings a lot of knowledge and experience to the program. Her experience was extremely valuable in managing the program during COVID-19,” Maker said. 

In other action, Brackett reported Waldo County asked about sending inmates to Two Bridges Regional Jail in Wiscasset. “They are overcrowded and inquired to Knox County first, because they no longer have an agreement with Somerset County,” Brackett said. Commissioners approved three purchase orders Brackett requested. Commissioners authorized $9,189.60 to buy all-season radial tires for department vehicles. The second authorized $14,576.22 for outfitting two new cruisers with light bars, sirens and emergency equipment. The third authorized $8,439.89 for rifle noise suppressors.