Major Hart Daley of Dixfield, right, the new administrator at the Franklin County Detention Center, stands recently with Sheriff Scott Nichols Sr. at the county courthouse. Daley has 40 years experience in law enforcement. Donna M. Perry/Sun Journal

FARMINGTON — A veteran law enforcement officer who was Franklin County Sheriff’s Office chief civil deputy has been promoted to major and is the new administrator of the Franklin County Detention Center.

Hart Daley of Dixfield has 40 years of experience including as a corrections officer at the Maine Department of Corrections in Windham, Oxford County Sheriff’s lieutenant, captain and chief deputy, Oxford County interim sheriff overseeing patrol deputies and the jail, a sergeant for Rumford Police Department, and a detective for Lewiston Police Department.

Daley has worked as Franklin County’s chief civil deputy for the past seven years after he retired from the Oxford County Sheriff’s Office, Sheriff Scott Nichols Sr. said.

Franklin County commissioners accepted and approved Hart’s appointment and hiring at their meeting on Tuesday.

Daley’s first day as major and jail administrator was on Monday.

“Hart brings years of experience as an administrator, which will serve us well in Franklin County,” Nichols wrote in an email. “Personally, I look forward to the anticipated teamwork between Lt. (John) Donald (deputy jail administrator) handling day-to-day operations inside the jail.”

“Together they will be a formidable (team) not only benefitting the staff, but also the residents at the jail. Hart’s administrative abilities will be key with the implementation of our new COSSUP grant, as well as overseeing the addition of the new medical wing,” Nichols wrote.

The county received a $1 million Comprehensive Opioid, Stimulant and Substance Use Program Grant in November 2024 to be paid over three years. The purpose of the grant is to develop, implement or expand efforts to identify, respond to, treat and support those affected by illicit opioids and stimulants and other drugs. The county’s hope is to help get people who come to the jail off drugs and reduce recidivism for offenders to help them stay out of jail.

Daley said Tuesday he plans on attending the Maine Criminal Justice Academy’s five-week corrections academy program this fall to get fully certified and to “give me a more well-rounded vision of what current and best practices are for corrections officers now.”

He said he hopes in the new role to “provide clear leadership here at the Franklin County Detention Center and to build on the existing professionalism and pride within the agency. My goal is to assist all of my staff in reaching their full potential and to impart on them just how valuable they are to this agency and the community they serve.”

Nichols said there were two in-house applicants that applied for the position. A five-member selection committee interviewed applicants and selected Daley for the position.

Johanna Cullenberg, front center, was recognized Tuesday as 911 Dispatch Employee of the Quarter. In front from left are Brad Timberlake, director of the Regional Communications Center, Cullenberg, Jace Poulin, a dispatch supervisor. In back are Commissioners Thomas Skolfield, Tom Saviello, Fen Fowler and Jeff Gilbert. Donna M. Perry/Sun Journal

Daley will be paid about $85,000, said Tiffany Baker, county deputy administrator/human resources director.

Commissioners also accepted and approved the hiring of Lexi Daggett of New Vineyard as the deputy director of the county’s Emergency Management Agency. Daggett replaces Sara Bickford, who left the position last year and is now the deputy director of Somerset County EMA.

Daggett has a bachelor’s degree in environmental studies and a double minor in biology and geographic information systems.

She will start her new position on May 5. She is currently a selectman in the town of New Vineyard.

Additionally, dispatcher Johanna Cullenberg was recognized by Brad Timberlake, director of the Regional Communications Center, as “our very first 911 Dispatch Employee of the Quarter. Johanna is being honored for her outstanding professionalism, steady composure under pressure, and unwavering dedication to delivering exceptional service. Her contributions have had a lasting impact on both our team and community we serve.”

She “consistently goes above and beyond, approaching each call with care, efficiency, and a calm presence that exemplifies the highest standards of our professionalism,” Timberlake said.

Timberlake recognized the important work of all 13 county dispatchers during this week’s National Public Safety Telecommunications Week. Timberlake also shared that Cullenberg submitted her resignation effective April 30.