Oxford County Sheriff Dept. starts some patrols in Bethel early

Posted June 14-The Oxford County Sheriff's Department, which formally takes over coverage in Bethel July 1, began providing some coverage early because of staffing shortages in the Bethel Police Department, according to Town Manager Jim Doar.

"We're losing two part-time officers to other opportunities," Doar said Monday.

A county deputy was scheduled to patrol the town beginning Monday night.

There will be no additional cost to the town for the two and one-half weeks remaining until July 1, Doar said. Bethel is scheduled to pay the county $295,000 annually for the next three years for police coverage, following a June 9 Town Meeting vote.

Lt. S.R. White, the only remaining full-time officer, and two part-timers, Officers Rusty Daley and Mark Tibbetts, are expected to continue until June 30, said Doar.