Democrats from across Lincoln County and beyond gathered online Saturday night, May 16, for the Lincoln County Democratic Committee’s (LCDC) biennial Frances Perkins Award Dinner honoring Sheriff Todd Brackett’s career in law enforcement.

The evening’s program included testimonials from Gov. Janet Mills, Maine’s Commissioner of Corrections Randall Liberty, Sagadahoc County Sheriff Joel Merry, District Attorney Natasha Irving, and Maine Primary Care Policy Program Manager Marge Kilkelly, among others, as well as a live performance by local singer-songwriter John Schindler. 

In addition to the funds raised in honor of Sheriff Bracket to support the LCDC’s 2020 campaign efforts to organize volunteers and communicate with voters in support of Democratic candidates, the event raised over $3,000 that has been distributed to five local restaurants.

“We’ve never done anything like this before and are very appreciative of the support we received. Fundraising in the age of coronavirus is certainly quite challenging and we are very pleased to also be able to offer direct financial support to small businesses at such a crucial moment in our State’s recovery from the pandemic.” said Geoff Bates, organizer of the event.

“I personally know and respect Todd for his work ensuring people with substance use disorders receive treatment,” said Chris Johnson, chair of LCDC and the evening’s master of ceremonies,” and through this event I learned of many other achievements and positive influences, large and small, through the stories of live and video recorded speakers. The accolades that rolled in from folks at different levels of our community and state administration were impressive.”

Gov. Mills’s video greeting began the event with a comparison of Sheriff Brackett’s work on behalf of all Mainers to Frances Perkins’s career in FDR’s cabinet, commenting, “Sheriff Brackett, your recognition that the success of Maine people depends on having access to basic necessities, your creativity in addressing the opioid epidemic and your enduring commitment to the working men and women of Maine makes our state so proud.”

Commissioner Liberty, who has known Sheriff Brackett since they graduated in the same class from the Maine Criminal Justice Academy, shared in a prerecorded message, “In the many years I’ve worked with Todd, I’ve admired his dedication and commitment to the citizens of both Kennebec and Lincoln Counties, his commitment to youth – both in coaching golf and at Camp Postcard – and his caring for underprivileged youth in our communities.”

“Law enforcement officers run towards the danger while the rest of us are seeking safety and security. Sheriff Bracket is no exception,” said District Attorney Irving, who joined the event live. 

“As sheriff, he has led with compassion and understanding since well before the words 'criminal justice reform' were part of the public vocabulary. Always ahead of the curve, he has been a leader at keeping the mentally ill and addicted out of jail and in treatment, at work and in our communities through his exceptional jail diversion program and through the alternative sentencing program . . . There is no one more deserving of the Francis Perkins Award, for he embodies the progress, collaboration, and willingness to lead that is the legacy of Francis Perkins,” Irving concluded.

Merry has known Brackett since his days as the chief of police in Damariscotta. “For those of you who don’t know, Todd is the most senior sheriff in the state, having served 18 years. That doesn’t mean he’s the oldest but it does mean he’s been around the longest and with longevity comes wisdom. And I believe Todd is one of the wisest law-enforcement professionals I have ever known in my 36 years in the profession.”

He spoke about the sheriff’s involvement in the Maine Sheriff’s Association (MSA), where Brackett is a past president and currently serves as treasurer, “The MSA is a well-respected organization in the state and it’s often looked to for support and guidance on everything from legislation to early childhood education. I cannot begin to tell you how many times Todd has testified on behalf of the association or attended [other] meetings in the interest of the association to make the State of Maine a better and more prosperous place to live, work, and to raise a family.” 

After reminding the audience that Maine’s counties are represented by a diverse group of sheriffs that each, in their own way, reflect their locale, Merry went on to say, “Whether it’s a hospitality room or a legislative committee room, Todd seems to always be near the center. And when he speaks, people listen, and we’re all better because of that.” 

He concluded, “This is an incredible honor and recognition, as well as fit for someone who has dedicated their lives to protecting the people he serves. The citizens of Lincoln County are so fortunate to have Todd Brackett as not just their sheriff, but as one of their own. I wish you well, my friend.”

“We heard some heartfelt stories,” said Johnson, “Those who work in law enforcement clearly appreciate Todd’s service, his leadership skills, and the humanity and compassion he brings to his work.” 

After a brief intermission and a performance by Boothbay Harbor singer-songwriter John Schindler, longtime friend Kilkelly, former state senator and currently policy program manager for Maine Primary Care Association, provided the final testimonial for the evening and asked this question, “So, what makes a Sheriff – or actually anyone in law enforcement  – successful?” 

“The power comes with the job and the badge,” she said, and then quickly continued, “but the passion comes from the heart and the soul. The passion to make the world a better place … to appreciate when the spirit of the law is superior to the letter of the law, when help is more important than enforcement, and when enforcement is the only answer … Success in law enforcement requires character, integrity, courage, and intelligence. That, in a sentence, describes Todd.”

The evening’s program concluded with the virtual presentation of the Frances Perkins Award by LCDC stalwart Betsy Wooster and a sincere thank you from Sheriff Brackett who concluded, “I’m humbled; I don’t feel deserving. I didn’t do any of these things alone. I’ve had a lot of support over the years, not just you folks, the Democratic Party and The Lincoln County Democrats, but the citizens of Lincoln County, my family, my wonderful wife Martha, the county commissioners ... My fellow sheriffs around the state - it’s been an honor to work with them. And, probably most importantly, it’s the wonderful staff I have to work with at the sheriff’s office … You know, they’re the ones in the trenches, on the frontlines, making a lot of these things happen and they are equally as dedicated, maybe ten times more, as I am and it’s certainly an honor to serve in the capacity of sheriff with them. So, thank you everybody!”

Highlight videos of the event can be seen by visiting the LCDC website at https://lincolncountydemocrats.com/2020fpa.

The LCDC’s grassroots mission is to organize volunteers and communicate with voters in support of candidates who believe in the Democratic ideals and principles of government by, of, and for all the people.