Nearly two years ago, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Department had only seven of 17 jobs filled. Today, Sheriff Todd Brackett proudly boasts there is only one current vacancy. In May 2021, Brackett proposed a hiring incentive pilot program and, after a couple tries, it became a temporary program. The pilot program expires in December, but Brackett successfully lobbied commissioners on Nov. 7 to extend it for another year. “It has been very successful for us,” Brackett said. “It’s attracted more experienced law enforcement personnel in a very competitive job market.”

The program pays an incentive to incoming deputies depending upon their experience. New deputies trained at the Maine Criminal Justice Academy with less than 280 hours’ experience receive up to a $3,000 bonus. More experienced officers with one to four years of service and MCJA training receive up to $6,000. Deputies with 10-plus years' experience can receive up to $16,000. All bonuses are paid over a three-year period. 

Commissioners voted 3-0 to extend the incentive program. The newest eligible bonus receipient is Nathaniel Aronson of Gardiner. He currently works for Auburn Police Department. He has a lengthy law enforcement background. Before moving to Maine, he worked for 15 years in Massachusetts law enforcement. Brackett expects Aronson to join the department within the next four weeks. 

In other action, commissioners approved three purchase orders for the sheriff’s department. Commissioners approved $13,916.63 for equipping the new K-9 cruiser; $7,668.85 to install equipment into another new cruiser; and $4,564 to buy new tires.