Sheriff's Office renews Cellebrite contract, awards patrol vehicle bids and accepts chief deputy's retirement

Sheriff Todd Brackett asked the board to approve a budgeted renewal of a Cellebrite license used for extracting data from cell phones during investigations; the board approved the $16,327.65 renewal on a 3-0 vote.

The commissioners opened sealed bids for replacement patrol vehicles and later accepted Sheriff Brackett’s recommendation to award several purchases: three Durangos from Key of Newcastle (including one patrol and two unmarked units) and one Ford Interceptor from Quirk Ford in Augusta. The board also approved a conditional Stonegarden grant purchase of a Chevrolet Tahoe for $56,553, contingent on allowable use of Stonegarden funds.

Sheriff Brackett announced the retirement of Chief Deputy Rand Maker, effective March 30, 2026. Brackett said Maker "has been a key part of the Sheriff's Office for over 30 years, working his way up from Patrol Deputy to Detective to Patrol Commander and then Chief Deputy." Commissioners Blodgett and Goodkowsky moved and seconded acceptance of the resignation "with regrets," and the motion passed 3-0.

Sheriff Brackett and Chief Deputy Maker will return with any recommended vehicle spec clarifications and a final procurement recommendation when contracts are ready for signature.