1. Chief deputy‘s powers. If the office of sheriff becomes vacant because of death, resignation or otherwise, the chief deputy shall have and exercise the same rights and powers and be subject to the same duties and liabilities as a sheriff until the vacancy in the office of sheriff is filled as provided in the Constitution of Maine and the new sheriff has qualified under law.

2. Other deputies. During the vacancy in the office of sheriff, all other deputies of the sheriff vacating the office shall continue to have and exercise the powers and duties of deputy sheriffs and are subject to the direction and control of the chief deputy in the same manner and to the same extent as if the chief deputy were sheriff.