York County residents can learn all about these topics and more at the second annual York County Sheriff’s Office Citizen Police Academy, set to begin January 8.

When Colton Sweeney was looking for work back in the early 2000s, what he found at York County Jail was stability, and a tight-knit work family. Now Sweeney, 48, who began his career at the county jail in Alfred as a reserve correctional officer in 2002, became fulltime in 2003, and has worked his way through the ranks, is now a captain.

The Maine Sheriff’s Association Summer Retreat was hosted by the York County Sheriff’s Office. Attendees heard a number of presentations and spent time networking with each other. York County Sheriff William L. King said Sen Susan Collins was enthusiastic in her acceptance of the invitation to speak at the MSA event. “I am very pleased that Senator Collins took the time to meet with us,” said King. “She has always been a great ally to law enforcement."

York County Commissioners approved the hiring of correctional officers and other county personnel at their Sept 3 meeting, voted on a bid for six vehicles at York County Sheriff’s Office and heard a positive update on the York County Jail food services and commissary contracts.