In the wake of Maine's deadliest shooting, two law enforcement officers find themselves in a face-off for the position of sheriff.
The incumbent, Sagadahoc County Sheriff Joel Merry, a Democrat serving his fourth term, and his Republican opponent, patrol Sgt. Aaron Skolfield, are both entangled in the aftermath of the tragedy that claimed 18 lives and injured 13 others. The grim one-year anniversary of the incident is looming, coinciding with the upcoming Election Day.
According to ABC News, both Merry and Skolfield have faced scrutiny over their handling of the shooter, Army reservist Robert Card, prior to the massacre. Skolfield, in particular, was criticized by Democratic Gov. Janet Mills and her independent commission for not invoking Maine's yellow flag law to take Card into protective custody during a mental health crisis, which could have initiated the process of revoking his access to firearms.
Skolfield defended his actions, stating that he was unable to conduct a welfare check as Card refused to open his door. The law required a face-to-face interaction, and Skolfield argued that breaking down the door would have been illegal. The shooting took place in Lewiston, a neighboring county to Sagadahoc, where Card resided.
Merry, who was also scrutinized by the independent commission, expressed empathy for Skolfield. "I felt I defended him to the extent that I could," the incumbent sheriff said. The Sagadahoc County Sheriffs Office, which they both serve, comprises 20 full-time law enforcement officers and covers a county of over 37,000 residents spread across 370 square miles.
Despite previously stating that his current term would be his last, Merry, 66, has decided to run again, citing unfinished business following a health setback, a family loss, and the Lewiston tragedy. Skolfield, however, believes it's time for Merry to step aside, referencing Merry's own past comments about not wanting to be an aging law officer who overstays his welcome.
During his tenure, Merry has served on the board of Maine Behavioral Health and worked to secure a mental health liaison, shared with the Brunswick Police Department. He now acknowledges that the workload was too much for one person and is working to hire an individual specifically for the county. Merry is also working to improve services at the regional jail and has created a mental health and resiliency program for deputies. He hired one deputy last year and is in the process of hiring two more.
Skolfield, while supportive of the hiring, believes more deputies are needed, though Merry argues that it's hard to justify to county commissioners given the relatively stable number of service calls.
Darryl Groh, a Skolfield supporter, believes the patrol sergeant was unfairly blamed for the Lewiston tragedy. "Aaron would do a good job. Hes a results-driven guy, said Groh. Hes a straight shooter. Hes irritated people in the past because he doesnt candy-coat things. He tells it like it is.
Skolfield feels that the governor politicized the race when she singled him out during a news conference to discuss the independent commission's findings. This has emboldened him to more aggressively defend his actions.
The welfare check on Card was prompted by a warning that he was planning to "shoot up" his Army reserve units headquarters. However, Skolfield claims he was not provided with information about Cards "hit list," the extent of his mental health crisis, or the medical recommendation that he should not have access to guns. Despite feeling that military officials downplayed the threat, Skolfield took the matter seriously, consulting with military officials, Cards family, and others over three days.
Skolfield expressed frustration that the independent commission's 215-page report did not align with his recollection of events and omitted important details about his actions. "Reading the report isnt entirely accurate because theres ample evidence that the commission absolutely left out of the report, which changes the whole tone, he said.
Merry echoed Skolfield's sentiments, expressing regret that Skolfield was not given a more comprehensive understanding of Cards mental health crisis. Thats an entirely different scenario, which I think would have had an entirely different response, he said.
At the time of the welfare check, Merry was dealing with a staph infection and surgery, and was also acting as legal guardian for his brother, who died last year after a car accident. He did not fully learn the details of Skolfields welfare check until after Card had gone on his shooting rampage.
In the aftermath of the Lewiston shooting, the Sagadahoc County Sheriffs Office has begun to use the yellow flag law to remove guns from individuals experiencing a psychiatric emergency. The law is now being used more than once a day on average statewide and has been invoked about 18 times in Sagadahoc County. Both Merry and Skolfield agree that the swift action by state lawmakers to improve the yellow flag law following the tragedy speaks volumes.
As Election Day approaches, voters are left to make their decision. Vicki Sprague, an undecided voter, noted that many voters like her are probably distracted by the looming presidential race. Ive lived here all my life and Ive always had a great deal of respect for police department, fire department and the sheriffs department. I think theyve done a fabulous job, she said. The recent thing that happened? she said, referring to the tragedy. There were a lot of mistakes there. I dont know. Thats where Im at.
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