Det. Matthew Ryan was named Lincoln County “Deputy of the Year” March 5 at a recognition ceremony prior to the county commissioners meeting. Ryan is a four-year veteran with the sheriff’s department. He has worked in the criminal investigation unit and patrol division. 

During the presentation, Sheriff Todd Brackett praised Ryan for his work on domestic violence, child abuse and sexual abuse cases. “He has done an exemplary job working with the DHHS (Department of Health and Human Services), Brackett said. “Matthew has demonstrated professionalism and commitment to his job and became acclimated pretty quickly during some complicated domestic violence cases.”

Brackett detailed a recent Dresden case involving a veteran he said was “spiraling out of control” due to substance abuse and mental health issues. The department received several domestic violence complaints over a two-year period before Det. Ryan became involved. “The suspect shot up her car, and Matt chased the investigation over various jurisdictions traveling from Dresden, Chelsea, and finally Milo,” he said. “Det. Ryan followed the information and stayed on top of it. He obtained arrest warrants and after six search warrants which led to the suspect being apprehended in an armed standoff by the state police. He’s done an outstanding job, and well-deserving of Deputy of the Year.”