To the Residents, Business Owners, and Community Members of Sabattus,

As of February 17, 2026, we are pleased to announce that Chief Jeff Goss has joined the Sabattus Police Department as Interim Chief (replacing previous Chief Dave Lyons submitted his resignation, effective Monday, February 9, 2026). Chief Goss recently retired from the Mechanic Falls Police Department and brings many years of leadership experience. We welcome him to Sabattus and look forward to working with him during this transition.

The Selectboard and the Town Manager want to assure all residents that your safety and well being remain our highest priorities. We are committed to maintaining public trust and ensuring a reliable, professional policing presence in our community. We recognize that the police department has faced significant instability, with five Chiefs and multiple officers serving over the past five years. We understand the impact this has had on both our officers and the community. Addressing these issues is essential to restoring confidence and ensuring long term stability in our public safety services. The Selectboard and Town Manager are actively exploring all available options to ensure Sabattus continues to receive high quality, dependable policing.

Exploring Future Policing Options

While we continue to advertise and recruit for both the Chief and Officer positions, we are also evaluating alternative approaches that will ensure uninterrupted public safety. These options are being reviewed carefully to address both immediate needs and the long term future of law enforcement in Sabattus.

Options under consideration include:

• Rebuilding the current department
• Contracting with the Androscoggin County Sheriff’s Office
• Partnering with the Lisbon Police Department

It is important to note that the Androscoggin County Sheriff’s Office already plays a role in supporting our community. The RSU 4 School Resource Officer is provided through the Sheriff’s Office, giving them an established presence within our local school district. This existing partnership is one of several factors being considered as we evaluate future policing models.

We also recognize that Sabattus is not alone in facing staffing challenges. Several neighboring communities are struggling to find qualified police officers, reflecting a broader trend across the region and the state. Fewer individuals are entering the law enforcement profession, making recruitment increasingly difficult for towns of all sizes. These realities underscore the importance of exploring sustainable, long term solutions for our community’s public safety needs.

The Selectboard will discuss these matters at the upcoming selectboard meeting scheduled for March 3, 2026. We anticipate holding a Special Town Meeting in early April to present our findings and determine the best path forward.

We strongly encourage all residents to participate in these discussions. Your input, concerns, and perspectives are vital as we work together to shape the future of public safety in Sabattus.

Sincerely, Sabattus Town Manager and Selectboard