Fifteen counties throughout New York State held elections for Sheriff this year. Most of the races were uncontested, with only three Counties holding contested races. Below is a summary of who will begin and who will continue their terms as Sheriff on January 1, 2026.

Chenango County — Sheriff Ernest Cutting ran unopposed.

Sheriff Cutting began his career with the Chenango County Sheriff’s Office on January 1, 1987. He has risen through the ranks in the office, holding the positions of Deputy, Sergeant, Lieutenant, Jail Administrator and Undersheriff.

Sheriff Cutting was appointed to the position of Sheriff in June 2009 upon the retirement of former Sheriff Thomas Loughren. He was elected to a full four-year term in the November 2009 elections. He will start his fifth term as Sheriff this January.

Columbia County — Current Undersheriff Jacqueline Salvatore is elected Sheriff.

Undersheriff Jacqueline Salvatore is a lifelong Columbia County resident. She began her career with New York State at the Crime Victims Board as an assistant to legal counsel, then worked for the NYS Office of Developmental Disabilities, Rate Appeals Unit, where wages were negotiated for persons providing direct care. 

Jackie entered the New York State Police Academy in March 1988 and became a State Trooper. In 2022 she was appointed Columbia County Undersheriff by Donald Krapf, who later announced he would not seek reelection for a second term.

She is the first Black women elected Sheriff in New York State history.

Delaware County — Sheriff Craig DuMond ran unopposed.

After serving as a Military Police Officer in the United States Army, Craig DuMond was employed as a Correctional Officer by the NYS Division for Youth, as well as a Police Officer for the Village of Walton. During the next 22 years he rose through the ranks, serving as a Juvenile Correctional Facility Director.

In 2012 he was appointed Undersheriff by Sheriff Tom Mills. He became Acting Sheriff In 2017 and was subsequently elected Sheriff of Delaware County in 2018. During the election, Sheriff DuMond was endorsed by both major political parties; a distinction for which he is proud as he believes the Office of Sheriff should never be politicized.

Erie County — Sheriff John Garcia ran unopposed.

A native of Spain, Sheriff Garcia is Erie County’s 54th Sheriff and only the 5th person to serve as Sheriff in the past 45 years. He became Sheriff on January 1, 2022.

Previously, his tenure with the Buffalo Police Department included such roles as uniformed police officer, gang suppression unit officer, district detective, narcotics detective, homicide detective, Commander of the Crisis Management Team and Commander of the Dignitary Protection Team. He will begin his second term as Sheriff this January.

Livingston County — Sheriff Thomas Dougherty ran unopposed.


Sheriff Dougherty began his law enforcement career in 2005 as Deputy Sheriff for the Livingston County Sheriff’s Office. He was elected the 50th Sheriff of Livingston County in November 2013 and has completed his third term as Sheriff. He took over from Sheriff John York, who served as Sheriff for 24 years before retiring. Sheriff Dougherty is active with Geneseo Kiwanis as well as the Cops for Kids Day.

Madison County — Sheriff Todd Hood ran unopposed.

Sheriff Hood is a lifelong resident of Madison County. He began his career with the Madison County Sheriff’s Office as a Corrections Officer and graduated from the Mohawk Valley Police Academy in 1991. He worked in various positions for several local law enforcement agencies, including the Syracuse Police Department, where he retired after 22 years.

He became the Madison County Sheriff in January 2018. As such, he begins his second term as Sheriff in January.

Monroe County — Sheriff Todd Baxter ran unopposed.

Sheriff Baxter has served two terms as Monroe County Sheriff. Previously, he was with the Rochester Police Department for 23 years, where he achieved the rank of Captain and served as SWAT Team Commander. Sheriff Baxter was a Master Sergeant in the United States Army.

Putnam County — Acting Sheriff Brian Hess is elected Sheriff.

Acting Sheriff Brian Hess earned his bachelor’s degree from John Jay College. He spent 20 months as a communications operator with the Fire Control Division of Westchester County’s Department of Emergency Services before joining the New York Police Department. He left to join the Westchester Police Department and founded the Westchester-Putnam Real Time Crime Center.

He was appointed Putnam County Undersheriff by then-Sheriff Kevin McConville in August 2025. Sheriff McConville passed away shortly after the appointment was announced, elevating Hess to the rank of Acting Sheriff.

Saratoga County — Current Undersheriff Jeffrey Brown is elected Sheriff.

Jeff Brown is a lifelong Saratoga County resident. He received his associate’s degree in criminal justice and joined the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office where he has served for 27 years.

He was promoted to Investigator in 2005 and appointed Undersheriff in 2023 by current Sheriff Michael Zurlo, who is retiring after 30 years of service with the Sheriff’s Office, including the last 12 years as Sheriff.

Schenectady County — Sheriff Dominic Dagostino ran unopposed.

Sheriff Dagostino has been a lifelong resident of Schenectady County and has many years’ experience in law enforcement. Prior to his election to the Office of Sheriff he was a member of the Rotterdam Police Department. During his tenure with the Police Department, he served as Patrol Officer, Investigator, Patrol Sergeant and Lieutenant. Sheriff Dagostino has received extensive law enforcement training throughout his career.

He is a graduate of the Zone 5 Regional Law Enforcement Training Academy and has taken and attended numerous in-service training courses and seminars.

Schoharie County — Sheriff Ron Stevens did not seek reelection.

Candidate Albro Francher ran unopposed.

Albro Francher served as Investigative Supervisor of a Major Crime Unit of the New York State Police, with over 10 years supervision experience and more than 30 years of experience in law enforcement, including criminal investigations into major crimes and violent felonies.

He has developed expertise in the culture of law enforcement and investigative skills, as well as conducting and reviewing pre-employment background investigations including giving and reviewing completed pre-employment polygraph examinations.

Schuyler County — Sheriff Kevin Rumsey ran unopposed.

Sheriff Rumsey was sworn in as Sheriff of Schuyler County in January 2022. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and served for 4 years where he rose to the rank of a non-commissioned officer in charge of entry-level Marines in his unit. Sheriff Rumsey began his career as one of Corning Community College’s first Campus Peace Officers, holding the rank of Sergeant.

He began working for the Schuyler County Sheriff’s Office in 2005 and was promoted to Deputy Sheriff Sergeant in 2012. In 2017, he was promoted to the rank of Investigator assigned to the Department of Social Services where he worked with the welfare fraud, child protective, and adult protective units.

Suffolk County — Sheriff Errol Toulon ran unopposed.

Errol Toulon, Jr. was elected Sheriff of Suffolk County in 2017. He will start his third term in January. Mr. Toulon has 30 years of criminal justice experience, including 22 years as a uniformed Member of Service with the New York City Correction Department.

He has since served as Deputy Commissioner of Operations for the New York City Correction Department and as Suffolk County Assistant Deputy County Executive for Public Safety, where he supervised eight public-safety departments.

Sullivan County — Sheriff Michael Schiff ran unopposed.

Sheriff Schiff began his law enforcement career with the New York State Police in 1977. He served as a Trooper assigned to the Wurtsboro, Ferndale and Liberty Barracks in Sullivan County. He was also a canine handler and firearms instructor. Sheriff Schiff spent the last five years of his Trooper career assigned to Governor Pataki’s anti-organized crime initiative at the Jacob Javits Convention Center in New York City.

He was elected Sheriff in November 2005 and will start his sixth term as Sheriff for Sullivan County.

Wayne County — Sheriff Rob Milby ran unopposed.

Sheriff Milby began his first term in January 2022, after steadily ascending the ranks of the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office. In 1995 he was appointed a Deputy Sheriff assigned to road patrol. Four years later he was promoted to Road Patrol Sergeant. In 1999, he was assigned to the Sheriff’s Drug Task Force / Criminal Investigations Division. Four years after that he was promoted to Road Patrol Lieutenant overseeing the Office’s uniform division.

In 2015, he was named Lieutenant-in-Charge of the Criminal Investigation Division. Six years later, he was promoted to Chief Deputy overseeing Corrections, Civil Enforcement and Records.

Former Chenango County Sheriff Thomas J. Loughren has penned his experiences in law enforcement with a new book available through Amazon.

“When Crisis Meets Courage,” details the Sheriff’s career not only with the Chenango County Sheriff’s Office, but also during his service at agencies in Florida before returning to New York State.

Loughren (pictured below) served with the Chenango County Sheriff’s Office for 28 years, the last 18 in the role of Sheriff. He began his career as a Cadet Deputy Sheriff in 1971 and was sworn in as a full-time deputy sheriff the following year before being promoted to Sergeant in 1977 and Master Sergeant in 1978.

The promotional copy that accompanies Sheriff Loughren’s book reads: “Tom Loughren has lived a life marked by courage, chaos, and the unseen moment that define true policing and community service. From policing in the Florida Everglades to standing at Ground Zero, Tom has seen the best and worst of humanity. This is more than an action-packed chronicle of his chases, investigations, and arrests.

"It's also the lessons learned - lessons in leadership, loyalty, and love for the work of law enforcement and the communities they serve. If you love a novel-style tale of heroism and bravery, this book is for you.”

The Rockland County Sheriff’s Office Communications Division announced that it will host the Center Manager Certification Program (CMCP), a premier educational course offered by the National Emergency Number Association (NENA), from August 17–21, 2026. The intensive 40-hour program is designed for current and prospective managers and supervisors of Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs) and 9-1-1 authorities.

“This is an extraordinary opportunity for public safety professionals in our region,” the Sheriff’s Office said in a statement. “The CMCP is rarely offered in the New York area, and we’re proud that Rockland County was selected as one of the few national host sites for 2026.”

The course is intended to equip both newly promoted and seasoned emergency communications leaders with practical skills in business writing, human resources, financial management, and operational oversight — all critical areas for effective 9-1-1 center management.

For more details or to register, visit www.nena.org/cmcp or contact 911-edu@nena.org.

The Oswego County Sheriff’s Office announced the passing of former Sheriff Raymond Cotton (pictured), who served the community for over 18 years before his retirement in 1973. Sheriff Cotton passed away in Florida last month at the age of 98. He was predeceased by his wife Shirley, who also served the Oswego County Sheriff’s Office as a Matron at the Jail and Special Deputy.

Sheriff Cotton began his career at Fulton Police Department. He joined the Oswego County Sheriff’s Office on New Year’s Day in 1955, rising through the ranks to serve as Undersheriff from 1960 to 1963 and then as Sheriff for another 10 years. He played a key role in advancing important causes, including working alongside Governor Rockefeller to help establish the Oswego County Sheriff’s Department pension system—an achievement that benefited countless officers and their families.

After his retirement in 1973, Sheriff Cotton remained active as a member of the Oswego County Republican Committee and the NYS Sheriff’s Association and will be remembered for his dedication, integrity and mentorship.

“Sheriff Cotton left a lasting impact on our department and the community he served,” said Oswego County Sheriff Don Hilton. “His leadership, character and lifelong commitment to public safety will never be forgotten.”

The Sheriffs’ Winter Training Conference coincides with the session of the state Legislature and emphasizes 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.

NSA Call for Annual Award Nominations

The National Sheriffs' Association annually presents eleven prestigious awards, recognizing outstanding achievements. Applications for these awards are due this year by December 15 and award winners are selected in February. Some of the awards include free travel to the Luncheon in June.  Click here for more information.

Candy and Monsters and Sheriffs, Oh My! It's Trunk or Treat Time

With each successive year, Trunk or Treat events gain in popularity where families can treat up and meet up with representatives from law-enforcement and first-responder agencies, their vehicles filled with goodies and ghouls. Who can resist that? Here are some shots . . . um . . . photos of 2025 Trunk or Treat festivals joined by Sheriff’s Offices:

Broome County with Sheriff Fred Akshar

Cayuga County with Sheriff Brian Schenck

Chemung County with Sheriff William Schrom

Columbia County

Cortland County Sheriff's Office Ghoulish Jailhouse and Gaolers

Essex County Sheriff’s Office Channels Monsters, Inc.

But wait . . . there's more . . .

In addition to its own Trunk or Treat event, the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office featured staff members in fun costumes (above) and a young recruit (below) ready for his test drive.

And let’s not forget national Coffee with a Cop Day, observed this year on October 1. Above, Genesee County Sheriff Joe Graff (at right) meets with customers at a local shop.

Events such as these provide excellent opportunities for Sheriffs interact with members of their communities.

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