FARMINGTON – Franklin County Deputy Aaron Turcotte has been asked to serve as full-time instructor at the Maine Criminal Justice Academy, according to Sheriff Dennis Pike.
Pike told county commissioners Tuesday that his hope is to be able to permit Turcotte to serve as an instructor from January to May next year, though final details have not yet been negotiated, he said.
The academy will reimburse the county no less than $12,000 to employ the deputy, he said. Deputy Chief Ray Meldrum estimated it will cost the county about $10,000 in wages and taxes, plus transportation costs to the school in Vassalboro.
Commissioner Fred Hardy asked if Turcotte’s absence would require the Sheriff’s Department to use overtime money. Pike said the department will attempt to work with only two deputies rather than the usual three on a shift. He also said he could be available to patrol if needed. They may also need to use reserve officers, he said.
“The information is very, very raw at this point,” Pike told them, reading Meldrum’s estimates from a small piece of paper with information obtained at a gathering earlier that morning.
The academy’s request is an honor, Pike said. “It demonstrates confidence in our personnel,” he added.
Commissioners made no final decision on the proposal Tuesday.
In other matters, they unanimously voted to erect a “children at play” sign and request the Maine Department of Transportation to reduce the speed limit from 45 to 25 mph on Gilkey Hill Road off Route 142 in Freeman Township, as requested by Maria Logan, a resident there.
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