County OKs two new drug enforcement officers

By Elna Seabrooks
Staff Writer
    HOULTON — Referring to the constant threat of drug trafficking across Aroostook County’s borders, Sheriff James Madore recommended that the county commissioners approve moving Craig Holder from part-time to full-time status as deputy sheriff for an assignment with the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency (MDEA).
    That recommendation was approved by Paul Adams and Norman Fournier at the Nov. 18 county commissioners’ meeting changing Holder’s status to full-time with the understanding that he will move back to part-time status if the position ends.    
    MDEA Division Commander Darrell Crandall addressed the commissioners saying “this particular grant is for two years and we would obviously attempt to extend that in some form through another grant or through attrition in another location.”
    Holder’s salary and expenses are being covered by money from a congressional earmark, according to Crandall. He said stimulus money is being used to pay salary and expenses for another position in the department which will be filled by Jared Sylvia of the Houlton Police Department.
    Both officers “will be based in Aroostook County to conduct drug investigations with direct links to Aroostook County,” said Crandall in a follow-up interview for the Pioneer Times.
    “The drug problem is very significant statewide. Typically, it varies from area to area. In Aroostook County, prescription drug abuse is a big problem. This resource is sorely needed here and I want to express my appreciation for the consistent support shown by the town of Houlton and Aroostook County.”
    In other business, the commissioners accepted a bid of $1,525 from Jon Emack for a 2004 Ford Crown Victoria surplus vehicle. And, John Babin’s bid for snow removal at the Stockholm garage was approved pending documentation of his liability insurance.
    The next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, Dec. 2, 5:30 p.m. at the Registry of  Deeds office in Fort Kent.