Lincoln County Sheriff Todd Brackett is temporarily overseeing operations at the Damariscotta Police Department in the absence of the department's Chief, Chad Andrews, who was put on administrative leave as of February 4.

“Damariscotta has a pretty well oiled machine there,” Brackett said of the Damariscotta Police Department. He emphasized that his role as “acting chief” is temporary and is not going to impact his time too much. “It's a logical thing for the county to do, to help out the municipalities when they need assistance.”

Damariscotta Town Manager Matt Lutkus did not share what the personnel issue is about, nor did he know how long it would take to resolve. “We are trying to move things along as quickly as possible,” Lutkus said. 

The details behind the decision are of an “internal and confidential personnel matter,” according to a press release.

Lutkus said Brackett is not getting any additional compensation for his efforts and the temporary lack of a police chief will not change the level of law enforcement services to the town or county. 

The sheriff's office personnel will continue to work with the town's police department as it has in the past.

Aside from the chief, the department has three full time officers and approximately 10 reserve officers. Lutkus said the reserve officers act on a very limited basis. 

The town was in the process of recruiting for a sergeant's position before the chief was put on administrative leave, but this has been set aside until the matter can be sorted out, Lutkus said. Currently, officers fulfill a sergeant's position on a rotating basis and are paid an additional $2 per hour while in that role.