The New York State Sheriffs’ Association unveiled its new statewide initiative to protect individuals on the autism spectrum. The Blue Envelope Program is similar to the Association’s Yellow Dot Program, which assists first responders providing medical care to individuals unable to communicate to emergency personnel or police officers in traffic stops.

“We all know that traffic stops can be a tense situation for any of us,” observed Sheriff Craig DuMond during a press conference announcing the program. “But for people with autism, there are special concerns with those individuals. The bright flashing lights, the sirens and the sudden sounds; they can create stressful situations for people with autism. It’s also a stressful situation for the police officer making that traffic stop; they don’t know what to expect when these traffic stops are happening.”

Drivers place their license, car registration and insurance card inside the blue envelope and when stopped by a police officer, show that officer the envelope. This alerts the officer that interpretations of and reactions to the situation may require a different approach.

NYSSA is promoting blue envelopes to every Sheriff’s Office in the state. Shortly after the Association’s press conference, numerous Sheriff’s Offices released their own statements launching the program within their jurisdictions.

“This program helps reduce misunderstandings, lowers anxiety, and fosters a less stressful and safer environment for everyone,” Washington County Sheriff and former NYSSA President Jeffrey Murphy said. “Together, we can promote understanding and safety on the road.”

The start of the new year often spurs people to announce their new plans, professionally and personally. For two Sheriffs, they started off the year with their plans in place.

Saratoga County Sheriff Michael Zurlo and Columbia County Sheriff Donald Krapf have both announced they won’t seek reelection this year when their terms end.

“Throughout my time in office, we’ve worked together to enhance the safety, well-being and quality of life in our community,” noted Sheriff Krapf (pictured). “I am most proud of the relationships we have built with the community.”

Krapf has been a part of the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office since 1998. He served as Sergeant, Station Commander, Senior Sergeant and First Sergeant in charge of the Security Services Division.

Sheriff Zurlo (pictured) has over 40 years of law enforcement experience. He previously worked with the Mechanicville Police Department and served as a Deputy, Sergeant, Lieutenant and Senior Criminal Investigator with the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office for more than 30 years before being elected Sheriff.

“For the past eleven years, I have had the honor and privilege of serving as your Sheriff in Saratoga County. Together, we have made tremendous strides in enhancing public safety and ensuring that our community remains one of the safest in New York State,” said Sheriff Zurlo during his announcement. “It has been an immense privilege to serve as your Sheriff, and I will continue to dedicate myself fully to my duties throughout the remainder of my term."

Both Sheriffs have endorsed their current Undersheriffs to succeed them: Jacqueline Salvatore in Columbia County and Jeffrey Brown in Saratoga County. Undersheriff Salvatore already has announced she will seek the office of Sheriff for Columbia County.

Genesee County Sheriff Joseph Graff is shown above at his swearing-in ceremony, having replaced retiring Sheriff William Sheron, Jr.

“I would hope to continue the tradition of service the Sheriff’s Office has in this County and, at the same time, look to continue to evolve the Sheriff’s Office and keep it in step with current law enforcement procedures,” Graff said after the ceremony.

Sheriff Sheron noted that he and Graff worked together for about 20 years.



“I’m thrilled to have somebody like Joe taking over as Sheriff. The County’s in great hands,” Sheron said. “He’s a remarkable individual. I’m very, very, very pleased that he decided to pursue the Sheriff’s position.”

From the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page:

“After 28 1/2 years, it's time to bid farewell and good luck to my Undersheriff and friend Kevin D. Braunius (pictured).

"Retirement is always bittersweet, but Kevin has definitely earned it. Best of luck on your path ahead and thank you for your dedication and commitment to the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office and everyone you served. You were a true public servant. God Bless - Sheriff Karl G. Abrams."

Two of a Kind – Columbia County Undersheriff Jacqueline Salvatore, (pictured, above right) is welcomed by Ulster County Sheriff Juan Figueroa to the State Interoperable and Emergency Communications (SIEC) Board. Undersheriff Salvatore was appointed to a four-year term on the Board by New York State Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie. Sheriff Figueroa was appointed earlier by New York State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins.

The 25-member Board is housed under the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services and is comprised of state agency heads, state legislative representatives, representatives of first-responder organizations and experts in the field of interoperable and emergency communications.

Madison County Sheriff Todd Hood (at right in photo) welcomes James Quatrone as the new Undersheriff.

During his distinguished career, Undersheriff Quatrone served 32 years with the Syracuse Police Department in various capacities and continued to serve with the Camillus Police Department. He also spent 9 years with the Onondaga County District Attorney’s Office Homicide Unit.

Welcome aboard, Undersheriff.

The Niagara County Sheriff’s Office is using a biometric tool to identify people — one of the first agencies in the nation to do so. The Office uses this resource in situations where subjects don’t have identification.

“You're pulling up a picture, looking, confirming," said Sheriff Michael Filicetti. "People change their appearances . . . so you're doing your best to say, 'this looks like this could be the person who could have warrants, be a missing person [or] a person of interest in a case.’”

The process is simple: Someone puts a device up to your eyes and an image is taken.

“It's like a fingerprint," said Filicetti. "Everybody's unique.”

The Sheriff’s Office says scans are only taken if the subject doesn’t have, or refuses to hand over, their ID. Those field scans aren’t saved and only compared to those already on file if someone’s been to jail.

“If you're a law-abiding citizen and carrying your ID, you have zero to worry about," said Sheriff Filicetti. "If you're a criminal and you're trying to hide your identity, then yeah, you'd probably have something to worry about.” 

The Erie County Sheriff's Office and the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) of Buffalo and Western New York announced recently they are launching a 'Handle with Care' registry. 

Caregivers who take care of those with special needs, including Autism, Down Syndrome, Alzheimer's, dementia and substance abuse, are encouraged to register. The registry allows the caregiver to share a brief description of the person's special needs, any triggers they might have and ways that would help calm them if needed. 

The goal of the program is to help first responders better react to the person's needs should they be called to their home and interact with them. 

“In policing, information and intelligence is so important,” said Sheriff John Garcia (pictured). “As our deputies respond to calls, they need as much of it as they can get. That’s why the ‘Handle with Care’ Registry is so vital. Having details about individuals with special needs and what we can do to help them goes a long way toward providing quality public safety services and promoting a safe environment through police and citizen interaction. It is a win for everybody across Erie County.”

Local Sheriffs are backing a proposed bill by the New York Republican Congressional Delegation called the SERVE Act (Stop Enabling Repeat Violence and Endangering Our Communities), which aims to combat crime and support law enforcement. The Act authorizes $10 million in Department of Justice grants for states with laws allowing courts to consider a defendant’s dangerousness in bail or pretrial decisions. To qualify, states must show efforts to hire and retain law enforcement or run campaigns to counter anti-police sentiment and improve community relations.

“I support any legislation that supports training and educating those in the legal system who are charged with determining the custody status of repeat offenders,” stated Ontario County Sheriff David Cirencione (pictured).

Cayuga County Sheriff Brian Schenck (pictured) noted, “To ensure public safety in our communities, we must hire and retain law enforcement officers that meet the highest standards in policing. At the same time, we must hold criminal offenders accountable, especially those repeat offenders that continue to victimize others and continually reoffend.”

“Public safety should always be our priority, and we have all seen what the lack of consequences have done in our country. This bill would also help law enforcement agencies in their recruitment and retention while building positive connections with their communities. This is a great bill, and I stand behind it,” said Seneca County Sheriff Timothy Thompson (pictured).

The New York State Sheriffs’ Association wrapped up its most recent winter meeting in Albany, with 45 Sheriffs, 18 Undersheriffs and 60 vendors in attendance. This meeting sets the scene for the Sheriffs’ Institute Annual Awards Ceremony and the Installation of new leadership within the Association, both detailed below.

Starting the Day Off Right – Attendees begin the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance.

Notes from NYSDCJS – Joe Popcun (pictured), Executive Deputy Commissioner from the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services, provides an updated summary on what’s happening at the Division and how their work impacts Sheriff’s Offices.

Sobering Statistics – Monroe County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Eric Perkins (above), along with Dr. Mark Gestring of the University of Rochester Hospital (not pictured) present information on “Responsible Gun Ownership – Gun Safety and Your Health.”

Awards Ceremony

The Heroes’ Luncheon profiled a number of well-deserved personnel from several Sheriff’s Offices.

Sheriff Colleen O’Neill Award – Rockland County Undersheriff Mary Barbera (pictured, left) with Sheriff Louis Falco III, was honored for her 40-years of law-enforcement service.

Sheriff Carl Draxler Award – Erie County Sheriff’s Captain Scott Joslyn (pictured) provides remarks from the podium after receiving the award, which recognizes exceptional achievement over the course of a career. Captain Joslyn has honorably served with the Erie County Sheriff's Office since January 1999.

Deputy of the Year – This year, a trio of deputies from the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office were recognized for their heroic work. From left to right, Deputy Victor Altheim, Corporal Kyle Karcher and Deputy Justin Mohr, whose plaque is held by Sheriff Craig DuMond as Deputy Mohr was unable to attend.

Emergency Dispatcher Award – This year’s award was shared by two deserving recipients: Chautauqua County Emergency Dispatcher Services member Marvin Cummins (above right) with Chautauqua County Sheriff James Quattrone.

The second award was presented to Alan DuMond, who is pictured in the photo above right with his father, Delaware County Sheriff Craig DuMond. A commitment to public service runs in the family!

Sheriff Spike School Resource Officer Award – Another duo, both from the Greene County Sheriff’s Office, was recognized as exemplary School Resource Officers. From left to right, Greene County Sheriff Peter Kusminsky stands with Deputies Joanne Rivera and Stephen Espel, Jr.

Civil Deputy of the Year – Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Deputy Stephen Romanik (pictured, right) listens to Sheriff James Quattrone's description of the Deputy’s work in civil law enforcement for the Sheriff’s Office.

Correction Officer of the Year and Innovative Program Award – The Niagara County Sheriff’s Office returned home with these two awards. Pictured at left, Correction Officer Scott Mendola displays his award plaque for Correction Officer of the Year next to Niagara County Sheriff Michael Filicetti.

And the Niagara County Sheriff’s Office Jail was the recipient of the Institute's Innovative Program Award, for the development and implementation of Niagara County Correctional Facility programs. Pictured at right with Sheriff Filicetti is Chief Jail Administrator Anthony Suess.



Winner Times Two – The highlight of the awards ceremony is the Grover Cleveland Award, presented to the Sheriff whose commitment to law enforcement and community safety is exemplified by their actions and innovations. Sheriffs receiving the award do not know they are the recipient until their name is mentioned from the podium.

This year was a two-fer as Albany County Sheriff Craig Apple was called to the stage to receive the award . . . first. Sheriff Apple then revealed the second winner, Saratoga County Sheriff Michael Zurlo, who will retire this December when his term ends. Together, they have a combined 75 years of service. Congratulations to both. Above, left to right are Chenango County Sheriff and Chair of NYSSA’s Executive Committee Ernest Cutting, Sheriff Apple, Sheriff Zurlo and Sheriff Zurlo’s wife, Jane.

Shop Talk – During program breaks, Sheriffs gather in the vendor hall to check out exhibits and catch up. From left to right, Onondaga County Sheriff Toby Shelley, Oneida County Sheriff Rob Maciol and Oneida County Undersheriff Joseph Lisi have an informal chat.

Return Visit – Canyon County Idaho Sheriff and National Sheriffs’ Association President Kieran Donahue (pictured) reprises his visit to the Conference with a review on the Mexican Cartel and the Battle for Control of America’s Borders.

A Sign of Things to Come – During the business meeting of the Sheriffs’ Institute, attendees were treated to a glimpse of the proposed all-season, 8,000 square-foot wellness center at the Sheriffs’ Camp on Keuka Lake. Fundraising is underway to make this vision a reality.

Installation Ceremony

Ready to Serve – Chautauqua County Sheriff James Quattrone, shown at right in the photo above, is sworn in as the new President of the New York State Sheriffs’ Association. Administering the oath is former Yates County Sheriff Ron Spike (left), while Sheriff Quattrone’s wife Nancy holds the Bible.

NYSSA 2025 Leadership – Sheriffs comprising NYSSA’s leadership team in 2025 take a group oath to serve on their respective positions for the Association.

In the front row, left to right: Immediate Past President and Delaware County Sheriff Craig DuMond, President and Chautauqua County Sheriff James Quattrone, Second Vice President and Madison County Sheriff Todd Hood, Executive Committee Chairman and Chenango County Sheriff Ernest Cutting, Executive Committee member and Oneida County Sheriff Robt Maciol, Executive Committee Vice Chair and Cortland County Sheriff Mark Helms, Trustee and Putnam County Sheriff Kevin McConville and Third Vice President and Wayne County Sheriff Robert Milby.

In the second row (left to right) are: First Vice President and Ulster County Sheriff Juan Figueroa, Sergeant-at-Arms and Montgomery County Sheriff Jeff Smith, Sheriff Ron Spike, Treasurer and Rockland County Sheriff Louis Falco III and Secretary and Fulton County Sheriff Richard Giardino.

For Safety’s Sake – Dr. Matt Miraglia, President of CLPS, based in Fort Lauderdale, FL, presents a session on “Comprehensive School Safety: Preparedness, Prevention and Protection.”

Upstate Meets Downstate – Allegany County Sheriff Scott Cicirello (at podium) and Suffolk County Undersheriff Steven Kuehhas speak about their joint efforts to create an effective Employees Wellness Program Model for their Sheriff’s Offices.

Knowledge IS Power – Amanda Mcglinchy-Tudor of the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services, is Manager of the Division’s Knowledge Bank for Law Enforcement. She spoke about the various resources at Sheriffs’ disposal through the Knowledge Bank.

Cayuga County Sheriff's Office Jail Division is Accredited

A Significant Achievement – NYSSA Executive Director Peter Kehoe (far left in photo) recently traveled to Cayuga County to confer accreditation on the Cayuga County Sheriff’s Office Jail Division. The Sheriff’s Office is one of only 33 accredited County Jails in New York State.

“This is yet another example of just incredible work being done by a lot of great people within our County government, certainly within our Sheriff’s Office (and) within our jail,” said Sheriff Brian Schenck.

Above, left to right, are NYSSA Executive Director Kehoe, Cayuga County Undersheriff Stuart Peenstra, Jail Administrator Captain John Mack, Sheriff Schenck and Chief Deputy Richard Flanagan.

Chenango County Sheriff's Office is Reaccredited by LEAAC

Reaccreditation Recognized – The Chenango County Sheriff’s Office Law Enforcement Division was reaccredited by the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) Law Enforcement Agency Accreditation Council. Shown above, left to right, are Sheriff Ernest Cutting, DCJS Deputy Commissioner Michael Bonse, Director Johanna Sullivan of the DCJS Office of Public Safety, Undersheriff Dustin Smietana, Lt. Jeff Barton and Sgt. Nate Warner.

Westchester's Civil Unit Receives Reaccreditation

Joining a Select Rank – The Westchester County Police Department Civil Unit has received reaccreditation from the New York State Sheriffs’ Association. NYSSA Executive Director Peter R. Kehoe (at right in photo) awarded the reaccreditation plaque to Commissioner-Sheriff Terrance Raynor (center) and Lt. Samuel Fagin, Commanding Officer of the Civil Unit.

Only 30 of the State’s 62 Counties have received this accreditation. Congratulations to the sworn and civilian staff assigned to Civil for their professionalism and hard work.

Registration is now open for the Committee on Policing and Safeguarding Schools (C-PASS) Annual Conference in Saratoga Springs.

This not-to-miss event for School Resource Officers and School Resource Deputies will feature numerous speakers from various backgrounds and specialties to keep members connected with current issues.

Twice the Service, Double the Value

From the Warren County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) Facebook page, with Sheriff Jim LaFarr pictured far left:

“We had a very special ceremony at our Sheriff’s Office. Twin brothers Jacob and Jaden Smith were sworn in as Patrol Officers. Their father, WCSO Lieutenant Robert Smith (pictured, far right), administered the Oath of Office to his sons. Certainly, a PROUD moment for a father and joyous time for our WCSO family.”