As the darker days of winter descend, good works burst forth from Sheriff’s Offices in the form of toy and clothing drives, Shop with a Cop programs, meals delivery and more. Every Sheriff's Office gave their all in service to those in need, sharing its bounty of gifts that make the season more joyful for all.

Excerpted from NYSSA's Annual Honorary Member Holiday Newsletter, below is a recap of how several Sheriff's Offices made this time of year merry and bright.

— Orleans County Sheriff's Office —

The Orleans County Sheriff’s Office held its annual Shop with a Cop event. Deputies and Corrections Officers helped local children select gifts for themselves and for their families, bringing smiles and the spirit of the season to everyone involved — as shown by Sheriff Christopher Bourke (at right in photo) with a young shopper.

The Sheriff also took part in the Christmas Parade around the Villages Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Facility in Albion.

— Rockland County Sheriff's Office —

Sheriff Louis Falco III of the Rockland County Sheriff’s Office and members of the Rockland County Deputy Sheriffs’ Association (RCDSA) presented a $1,000 check to Soup Angels, an organization that serves hot meals to community members. Later, the Sheriff and staff from the Sheriff’s Office Patrol, Corrections and Civil Divisions volunteered to help distribute more than 12,000 pounds of food at the Martin Luther King Multipurpose Center in Spring Valley.

Pictured (l to r) are Detective Jake Sisco of the RCDSA; Roger Cohen, President of the Nyack Chamber of Commerce, Sheriff Falco and Elaine Philhower from Soup Angels.

— Cortland County Sheriff's Office —

The Cortland County Sheriff’s Office also held its Shop with a Sheriff event, where officers from the Road and Corrections Divisions team up with families and spend a few hours at a store picking out items.

“We would like to mention County Police Officer (CPO) Mercedes Slade” (front row center in photo), noted Sheriff Mark Helms. “For the past several years, CPO Slade has worked very hard to make Shop With a Sheriff the success that it is today. CPO Slade has continued to grow this wonderful community program and we look forward to seeing where she will take this event in the future.”

The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office hosted its 21st Annual “Shop with a Cop” event, held at local retailers. “We had so much fun, we cannot thank our sponsors enough. You really helped make the day for 58 excited young shoppers,” noted Sheriff Peter Barnett, pictured at far right with Seth Anderson and Omar McKoy of the Watertown Police Department, along with an eager participant.

Speaking of sponsors, the Sheriff’s Office works hard throughout the year for sponsorships that generate funds to support this program. In the right photo, Sheriff Barnett receives a donation from Sergeant John Gleason, President of the Jefferson County Deputy Benevolent Association (right). A number of businesses and religious organizations annually pledge money for this worthy cause.

The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office reports they have taken on the spirit of giving this holiday season by participating in programs such as the Salvation Army Toy Drive, Operation Santa’s Sled, “Adopt a Senior,” and Thanksgiving / Christmas Meals and Delivery.



Also, Sheriff Jeff Smith (pictured at left), along with 16 members from all Divisions of the Sheriff’s Office, had the privilege of meeting families in various locations to bring 21 Montgomery County youth a holiday shopping experience they won’t forget. The kids were able to pick out gifts for themselves and their loved ones. “It is a privilege to be part of this heartwarming event each year. A special thanks to everyone who made this event a success!”

The Yates County Sheriff’s Office’s Cops, Kids, and Toys Drive was started in 2016 by Investigator Megan Morehouse, former Yates County Deputy Megan Sotir, Rodney Cole and Sheriff Frank Ryan (pictured in file photo from left to right) .

Through area schools, the Sheriff's Office connects with families that could use extra help around the holidays. It sets out collection boxes at various locations in the County to collect new toys, which are then wrapped by Deputies and delivered to the families a week before Christmas.

The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office participates in Good Night Lights at the Golisano Children’s Hospital (left photo), spreading cheer to children who cannot be home during the holiday season.

Volunteers at the Henrietta Senior Center helped the Sheriff’s Office wrap gifts (above right) for children in need this holiday season. “We are grateful to all those who donated toys, as well as those who helped the magic come to life in order to put smiles on the faces of children.”

The Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office partners with local non-profits to give back to the community. Highlights include the Annual Turkey Giveaway — where hundreds of families receive turkeys and all the trimmings for a memorable Thanksgiving — and the Annual Toys and Pajamas Drive.

In the photo (l to r) are Chief Deputy Sheriff Christopher Brockmeyer, Warden Michael Franchi, Sheriff Errol D. Toulon, Jr., Undersheriff John Becker and Deputy Undersheriff Keith Taylor. 

Sheriff Kirk Imperati and the Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office completed a successful Thanksgiving Food Drive with the assistance of its Youth Cadet Program and the community. Several thousand dollars’ worth of grocery donations were received and the items distributed to two local food pantries.

The Office also led a Holiday Toy Drive, with the Youth Cadets again involved collecting new toys for distribution to families in need.

Deputies from the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office – with newly elected Sheriff Joseph Graff (at center in photo) – participated in the 10th annual Shop with a Cop event, supported by local retailers, the Genesee County Sheriff’s Employee Association and donations made in memory of Sgt. Thomas Sanfratello. The Sheriff’s Office also had another successful Stuff the Cruiser event, with donations surpassing that of last year!

At the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office, Santa Claus arrived early with a gift of $1,000 from the Putnam County National Bank for the New York State Sheriffs’ Institute Summer Camp.

Bank President Wayne Ryder, (pictured, center) made the handoff to Sheriff Kevin McConville (right) and Undersheriff Thomas Lindert. More than 600 Putnam County children have benefited from the Institute’s Summer camp experience.

In the photo above, members of the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office gathered to meet and present the County Director of Veterans’ Services with the proceeds of their participation in “No Shave November,” where staff donate money to sport beards and moustaches in support of charity. The money raised totaled $2,000 and supports the needs of local veterans’ programs.

Pictured above from left to right are Sergeant Sulger, Corrections Officer Ford, Sergeant Blincoe, Lieutenant Weaver, Sergeant Simonds, Senior Investigator Erwin, Deputy Roche, Sergeant Clark, Director Mark Dunlop and Sheriff Craig DuMond.

Additionally, the Sheriff’s Office proudly displayed the trove of toys that were generously donated by the employees of the Sheriff's Office (photo at right) to Delaware Opportunities, highlighting its annual commitment to spreading joy and kindness throughout the County during the Christmas season.

Gift cards provided by the local Knights of Columbus Council #207 were distributed by staff from the Cayuga County Sheriff’s Office to numerous residents.

Victim Specialist Tracy Bozeat-Cook joined Jen Hayes, Deputy Val Stephens, Sergeant Brian Myers, and Sheriff Brian Schenck (at far right in photo) to deliver the cards to children, families and veterans. “We appreciate the Knights for providing the gift cards and for all the great things they do to make our community a better place,” said Sheriff Schenck.

The Niagara County Sheriff’s Office hosted the 13th annual Shop with a Cop event, which pairs children with a law enforcement officer for shopping, then followed by lunch. The Sheriff’s Office — along with other community partners — sponsored 30 children, a number that continues to grow each year.

The Erie County Sheriff's Office Mounted Reserve Unit held its biannual “Mounted for Meals” food and funds drive to benefit the Response to Love Center. It raised 750 pounds of food and about $3,800 for the Center. No horsing around . . . it was a great turnout!

The Chenango County Law Enforcement Association has worked closely with the Chenango County Sheriff’s Office and its Sheriff, Ernest R. Cutting, Jr., since 2016 to offer deserving kids in the community a chance to Shop with a Sheriff during the holiday season. 

Since its inception, Lt. Richard Cobb worked tirelessly to promote the program, even into his retirement. With his untimely passing in 2023, the event has been renamed the Annual Lt. Richard Cobb’s Shop with a Sheriff. The program and its volunteers are cherished by the entire community. Pictured with a shopper-to-be is Chenango County Undersheriff Dustin Smietana.

From the Seneca County Sheriff’s Office: the Seneca County Deputy Sheriffs’ Police Benevolent Association (PBA) held its “Shop with a Sheriff” event in December. This annual event provides underprivileged children an experience to purchase Christmas gifts while connecting with members of the Sheriff’s Office. It is completely funded by PBA members and community donations.

“I am very proud of the PBA for their continued dedication to this annual event. The connections and positive impacts made with the families and children are immeasurable,” remarked Sheriff Timothy Thompson, at far right in photo.

The Sheriffs’ Winter Training Conference coincides with the start of the New York State Legislature session, emphasizing an analysis of legislative matters of concern to Sheriffs and identifying legislative priorities for the future. Programs also address current topics of importance to Sheriffs in law enforcement, corrections, court security and civil matters.

Sheriffs also meet personally and informally with many state legislators and top state administrators to discuss important legislative and administrative issues. Click the link above to register for the Conference.

Travel to Washington, DC and meet high-level leadership from federal agencies, members of Congress and very active Sheriffs who come together to explore current legislation, learn about relevant topics and explore trending technologies and products. Click the above link for more information and to register.

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.