Deputy Eleanor Grover, a 16-year veteran of the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, was named Deputy Sheriff of the Year for 2012 by Sheriff Todd Brackett at the agency’s 8th Annual Awards Banquet held Friday, April 19 at the dining facility at Lincoln Academy.

Grover is assigned to the Special Services Division of the Sheriff’s Office as the supervisor of the Inmate Work Crew Program.  She was cited by Brackett for her professionalism, dedication and willingness to accept and excel at any duty assigned.  

The Sheriff’s office has received numerous letters over the years from citizens and organizations helped by Deputy Grover and the Inmate Work Crew.

Two employees were congratulated by Sheriff Brackett for 20 years of service with the Sheriff’s Office.  Sgt. Brendan Kane and Administrative Assistant Karen Hamilton both reached this impressive milestone in their careers during this past year.

Other Deputies receiving pins for years of service were Deputy Justin Drake five years, Deputy Brent Barter 10 years and Deputy Chad Gilbert 10 years.

Eileen Harvey of Damariscotta, a long-time registered nurse at Miles Memorial Hospital, was awarded the 2012 Sheriff’s Award with the following citation:

“In recognition of your many years of exemplary service to the citizens of Lincoln County. Your devotion to your profession has helped countless survivors of sexual assaults and other violent crimes by providing excellent care, reassuring words and a warm smile.

“Your efforts and support were instrumental in the success of the Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner (SAFE) and the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) programs thus helping countless survivors recover and regain their lives.”

Deputy Mark Bridgham was presented with the “Straight Shooter” award by Mike Welch of Mike’s Place in Newcastle. This award is voted on by the staff, management and customers of Mike’s Place.

Ernest “Ernie” Card of Bremen was presented a Certificate of Appreciation by Brackett for his many years of supporting and participating in events and programs sponsored by the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office. Card’s wife, Penelope, is employed as a part-time Administrative Assistant for the Sheriff’s Office.

A moment of silence was held for former Reserve Deputy Rod Swank of Bristol who passed away recently. Swank was the guest of honor at last year’s banquet.

The deputies celebrated and dined on a dinner that was both prepared and provided personally by Brackett as a token of his appreciation for the difficult job his staff does every year.