FARMINGTON – County commissioners unanimously voted Tuesday to hire Douglas S. Blauvelt to be the new administrative assistant at the jail.

They also approved a $1,389 salary for every two-week pay period during a six-month probationary term beginning April 30.

Blauvelt has lived in Farmington since 1971 and is currently a Franklin County corrections officer holding the rank of sergeant.

He will replace current Assistant Administrator Carl Stinchfield who is retiring April 30.

Jail Administrator Sandra Collins told commissioners that a hiring committee interviewed three candidates and Blauvelt was the No. 1 choice.

County Commissioner Fred Hardy, Oxford County Jail Captain Ernest Martin, Franklin County Sheriff’s Chief Deputy Raymond Meldrum, Lt. Niles Yeaton and Collins served on the selection committee.

“I know all of the employees there and I work well with them. I think together we can make the Franklin County jail a safer place for Franklin County and make the town of Farmington safer and also plant seeds with inmates to make them more productive in society,” Blauvelt said after the meeting.

“I’m excited to start this new adventure,” he said.

Prior to becoming a corrections officer, Blauvelt worked as a supervisor and warehouse manager for 14 years at Farmington Farmer’s Union.

There is an open house retirement party for Stinchfield from 3:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, May 4, at the American Legion Hall in Strong.