How York County deputies keep their cars and equipment in top shape

ALFRED, Maine — York County Sheriff’s Office patrol deputies polished and cleaned away the road dirt from their cruisers, making sure the vehicles were gleaming outside and inside. They took inventory of the equipment they carry, making sure it was where it was supposed to be and ready to be used when necessary.

Then, smartly attired in their Class A uniforms, the officers stood to attention as Sheriff William L. King, Chief Deputy Jeremy Forbes, and Majors Paul Mitchell and Kathryn L. Mone looked each deputy in the eye, had a conversation, and then checked the cars. They checked the cleanliness, looked to see if the vehicle needed tires, or was showing signs of rust – and that the equipment, from spike mats to firearms, radar to spit hoods – was in good order.

Command staff at the sheriff’s office say the event’s purpose is two-fold. There’s the equipment and car piece, but there’s more. King said the inspection, held Tuesday, Oct. 17, was a good opportunity for members of the sheriff’s office to gather together. Following the inspection, the day’s events included training and a staff meeting.

“Not only is the inspection part of the Maine Law Enforcement Accreditation Program, patrol deputies work in the field and only occasionally come into the station, unlike municipal officers that report to the station before and after each shift,” said King. “Consequently, I do not have the opportunity to interact with my deputies as often as I wish.”

Forbes, the chief deputy, said the inspections built a sense of camaraderie among the deputies. Also, he said, because of the nature of the work – rural patrol – command staff don’t always see deputies in the field or have conversations with those working different shifts.

“It gives us a chance to connect with everyone at one time,” Forbes said.

Among those attending were Susan Wiswell, Janet Drew, and Bob McCormack of the York County Jail Board of Visitors and York County Commissioner Donna Ring – the district Ring represents includes several communities patrolled by the York County Sheriff’s Office.

Ring, who worked with the sheriff’s office for 40 years before retiring and running for office, recalled the pride she had in the work done when she was a part of the agency and said it continues.

“I am proud of the management team who put the inspection program together and all those who took part,” said Ring. “I had the opportunity to speak to almost every one of the deputies and I could see and hear in their voices the pride of showing off themselves, their equipment and their professionalism.”

Many of the deputies have been part of the department for decades, others are new to the agency, like Cameron Mayhew, who began his duties in mid-August. A Waterboro native, he served six years in the U.S. Navy before joining the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office, where he served for a year before returning east.

He said his military and law enforcement experience prepared him for the inspection – and he thinks they’re a good thing.

“It maintains a level of professionalism,” Mayhew said.

King, the sheriff, said it was a good day.

“It offered me an opportunity to get caught up with the outstanding deputies who keep our communities safe,” King concluded.

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: York County Sheriff’s Office host inspection and training day