The Lincoln/Sagadahoc Jail Authority got some unwanted news at their October 3 meeting when Colonel Wayne Applebee, the Two Bridges Regional Jail Corrections Administrator, announced he is the only finalist for a position in Florida and could be leaving in a few months.

The position that Applebee is being considered for is in Sarasota County, as the Criminal Justice Coordinator. "It's a great opportunity," Applebee said. "The Florida county plans to build a 750-bed facility and part of my job will be to help with that, and to work with the county to improve efficiencies within the department."

According to Applebee, if he is selected, he wouldn't be leaving perhaps until late December or early January. He has told his prospective employers he would need to give at least a two-month notice to the jail authority.

Applebee was hired as the corrections administrator in January 2005, to oversee the construction of the new jail. Prior to becoming the corrections administrator, Applebee was appointed Lincoln County Chief Deputy, after the election of Todd Brackett as Sheriff.

He, along with Brackett, Sagadahoc Sheriff Mark Westrum, Darla Jewett, John O'Connell, and others worked to convince the voters in Lincoln and Sagadahoc County about the need for the jail before the referendum passed to build it at a cost of $24.5 million in November 2003.

Since becoming corrections administrator Applebee has been complimented several times for his administrative skills, dedication, and ability to deal with difficult situations, by the Lincoln/ Sagadahoc Jail Authority.

Applebee became a part-time Wiscasset police officer in 1988, and was subsequently a full-time police officer for five years. He resigned from the police department in 1998 to accept a position at the Wiscasset Community Center, where he served as director until his appointment as Chief Deputy.

Applebee once said, "My personal goals for myself and my staff are simple. Always do the right thing, employ the Golden Rule, and treat others as you would want your mother and sister to be treated in the same situation."

Lincoln County Commissioner Sheridan Bond, who also serves as chairman of the jail authority said, "Wayne has the highest integrity of any man I have ever met. I can't say enough good about him. He has done an outstanding job. If he decides to leave, he will be greatly missed by everyone."

Bond made it clear that Applebee had not offered his resignation. He merely told the Authority he was a finalist in the process.

"We know that Wayne will do the right thing. If he chooses to leave us, it is a great opportunity for him, and he will leave knowing that we wish him well," Bond said. "We are thankful for the time we had him."