Just after press time today The Lincoln County News has learned of the passing of former Lincoln County Sheriff William C. Carter. He was 72-years-old.
More information will be posted as it becomes available.
Carter served as Sheriff for 37 years. When he was first elected in 1965, he was essentially a one-man department working with a $38,000 budget, supported by several part time employees.
At the time of his retirement in 2002, the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office employed 42 full time employees and 30 part-time staff members and required a $2.3 million budget.
Undefeated in 14 elections, Carter is believed to be the longest serving sheriff in Maine history. Carter started his law enforcement career as a patrolman in Damariscotta, before he was elected sheriff.
During his tenure, Carter was known for embracing innovation, training and technology.
He is credited with establishing a DARE program for the LCSO and creating LCSO’s highly regarded Criminal Investigation Division.
Among his many professional accomplishments, Carter was an honorary lifetime member of the Maine Sheriff’s Assn., and he was recognized by the Maine Police Chief’s Assn., as Maine’s Police Chief of the Year in 1988.
