The season of Christmas is the season of hope, of happiness and of community. Sheriff’s Offices put the needs of their communities ahead of everything else. They respond with generous hearts and helping hands, so that people’s hopes and happiness may be realized.

Members of the Broome County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) partnered with other local law enforcement and first responder organizations to purchase and donate over 700 turkeys to help Catholic Charities of Broome County feed local families over Thanksgiving.



The Sheriff’s Office thanked the participation of members from the BCSO unions and local first responders for giving even more to the communities they serve and protect.

The Ontario County Sheriff’s Office Holiday Luncheon is an annual celebration recognizing the hard work and dedication of Sheriff’s Office staff throughout the year. Selected members are honored with awards for STOP DWI, Law Enforcement, Communications, and Corrections Officers of the Year. It’s a chance to share a meal and celebrate the outstanding service and commitment to Ontario County. In the photo, Undersheriff Michael Rago (left) and Sheriff Dave Cirencione (right) present last year’s STOP DWI award to Deputy Robert Duliba III (center).

The Chenango County Sheriff’s Office participated in the annual Lt. Richard Cobb Shop with a Sheriff event, when Sheriff’s Deputies took approximately 30 children from across Chenango County shopping to buy gifts for themselves and their families. Each child was given $200 to spend, which helped make the holiday season a little brighter for local families.

This program is made possible through local businesses, citizens of Chenango County, and the generosity of Sheriff’s Deputies — many of whom donate from their own pockets — with all contributions matched by the Chenango County Law Enforcement Association. Pictured are Deputy Cole Rifanburg (left) with a happy shopper.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year for the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office, because it hosts the popular Shop With a Cop program! Kids from various school districts are sponsored to receive Christmas gifts, and they get to select those gifts with their School Resource Officer. Local businesses participate by donating their time and treasure, making the experience even better by donating Christmas dinners to the kids’ families!

In the photos below, kids (left photo) – and even K-9s (center photo) – get to make their choice of gifts. Wayne County Sheriff Robert Milby (center in right photo) visits with some special guests.

Sheriff Jeff Smith (pictured above, center) and the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office once again took part in the annual “Adopt a Family for Thanksgiving” program, delivering full holiday meals to 200 families in need (photo at right). This tradition brings staff and volunteers together to ensure everyone in the community can enjoy a special holiday meal.

Sheriff Smith and his team also participated in the “Convoy for Christmas,” collecting new unwrapped toys for the Salvation Army. The convoy traveled through Montgomery and Fulton Counties, helping bring joy to children and families throughout the area.

These annual events highlight the Sheriff’s Office’s ongoing commitment to service, compassion and community spirit during the holiday season.

The Yates County Sheriff’s Office’s Cops, Kids and Toys Drive was started in 2016. With help from 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 for 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 the:

• Shop with a Cop program (top photo), where Deputies help the children pick out a gift they will enjoy;

• Holiday Gift Wrapping with Senior Citizen Community Center partners (center photo), who put the finishing touches on all of the gifts purchased to help families in need; and

• Good Night Lights (bottom photo) a heartwarming holiday tradition in which Monroe County Sheriff’s Deputies and professional staff members light up the night with support for children and their families who have to spend the holidays at the Golisano Children’s Hospital in Rochester.

As in years past, the Greene County Deputies Union, in conjunction with the Greene County Sheriff’s Office’s Administration, Corrections Division, and civilian staff, hosted a toy giveaway — complete with a visit from Santa, his elves, and even the Grinch! Kids get cookies, hot cocoa, candy canes, and toys that are donated from area businesses. Everyone at the Sheriff’s Office loves taking part in this event and spending a fun-filled afternoon with the community.

Greene County Sheriff Peter Kusminsky (at left in photo) is shown with two of his favorite colleagues.

Sheriff Kirk Imperati (pictured, center) of the Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office joined other volunteers at Holy Trinity Church in Poughkeepsie to support their incredible food pantry outreach. More than 100 turkeys were collected to be distributed to families in need throughout the community.



“It is an honor to support my parish and to stand with our local partners who work tirelessly to support families across Dutchess County,” noted the Sheriff. “Their compassion and commitment truly make a difference.”

The Fulton County Sheriff’s Office, led by Sheriff Richard Giardino (pictured far left), proudly took part in the 2025 Salvation Army Toy Drive, joining forces with the Romano Acro Dance Elite Dancers to deliver toy collection boxes throughout Fulton and Montgomery Counties. The boxes were placed in schools, businesses and community spaces across both Counties and the toys collected will stay within the community, so every child can experience the joy of the holidays.

The Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office (with Sheriff Michael Schiff in photo at center) participated in the 11th Annual Murph’s Toy Drive. The toys collected will be distributed through the United Way of Sullivan County.

The Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office had an outstanding turnout for the 12th Annual Convoy for Tots. In fact, it was the largest ever! This event collects new, unwrapped toys for distribution by Capital Region Toys for Tots during the holiday season. Saratoga County Sheriff Michael H. Zurlo expressed his heartfelt thanks to everyone who participated, and who made his final convoy as Sheriff one to remember.

Below, Undersheriff (and Sheriff-Elect) Jeffrey Brown and Sheriff Zurlo (fifth and fourth from right, respectively) pose with volunteers who helped make this year’s event a success.

Following a long-time tradition, the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office once again teamed up with the Ancient Order of Hibernians — John C. Devereux Division — to deliver 500 turkeys and 5,000 pounds of potatoes to 13 different food pantries and organizations to help those in need this holiday season. The potatoes were grown locally at the Pryputniewicz Farm in Waterville, and the turkeys came from various vendors; it’s the most food ever distributed to date.

Pictured from left are Lt. Carey Phair, Undersheriff Joseph Lisi, Ms. Deborah Clark from Trinity Foods and Sheriff Robert Maciol.

The Niagara County Sheriff’s Office hosted the 14^th Annual Shop with a Cop event. It provides a positive impact during the holiday season with participation from members of the Sheriff’s Office and other local law enforcement agencies, made possible by generous donations from community partners.

Shop with a Cop pairs children chosen by the Niagara County Victim's Assistance Unit with local law enforcement, who travel with them by patrol car to shop for gifts for themselves and / or family members. Sheriff’s Office volunteers include staff from Road Patrol, Communications, Corrections Division, Mounted Patrol, CSU, Office of Traffic Safety, and the Victim’s Assistance Unit. “The agency looks forward to hosting Shop with a Cop for many years to come,” noted Niagara County Sheriff Michael Filicetti (above left) posing with friends.

Sheriff James Allard (pictured left) of the Steuben County Sheriff’s Office noted that Deputies hosted the “Toys for Tots, Fill the Patrol Car and Coats for Kids” events, with toys and coats collected for Steuben County children.

This event has grown over the past five years, and the generosity and charitable spirit was overwhelming and indicative of the sense of community in Steuben County.



Sheriff Allard thanked everyone who worked to make these programs a success, which will benefit hundreds of Steuben County families during this holiday season.

Suffolk County Sheriff Errol Toulon, Jr., distributed holiday meals for those in need at the 8th Annual Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office Thanksgiving Food Distribution. Over 500 turkeys with the trimmings (gravy, stuffing, sides) were handed out at the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office START Resource Center to preselected residents and non-profit groups.

In the photo above from left are Lt. Robert Meunkle; Captain Kevin Hunt; Correction Officer Investigator Dominick Verni; Deputy Undersheriff Keith Taylor; Undersheriff John Becker; Sheriff Errol D. Toulon, Jr.; Undersheriff Steven Kuehhas; Deputy Undersheriff Kevin Heavey; Chief of Staff Charles L’Hommideu; Correction Officer Stacey Brooks; Correction Officer Gregory Stawski; and Correction Officer Investigator Monique McCray.

The Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, along with other local law enforcement agencies, collected new toys, clothing, small gift cards, personal care items, hats, gloves and non-perishable foods at local retailers. All donations remain in Genesee County to support local children, teens and families during the holiday season. Last year, over 550 children benefited from the community’s donations. Pictured left is Genesee County Sheriff Joseph M. Graff, with Undersheriff Ryan DeLong at right.

The Delaware County Sheriff’s Office successfully completed its annual No-Shave October and November fundraiser, in which members of the Road Patrol Division and Corrections Division raised $2,500 to support veterans in Delaware County.

This year’s proceeds were donated directly to Director Mark Dunlop (at right in photo) of the Delaware County Veterans Service Agency. The funds will help support critical services and resources for veterans throughout Delaware County.

Sheriff Craig DuMond (at left in photo) commended their efforts. “Each year, our Deputies and Corrections Officers look forward to No-Shave October and November—not just for the beards, but for the chance to give back," noted Sheriff DuMond. "We are honored to support the Veterans Service Agency and the important work they do for the men and women who wore our nation’s uniform.”

The Sheriff’s Office also provided a donation of $2,500 worth of toys to Delaware Opportunities, shown in the photo above. Delaware Opportunities distributed the toys to families throughout the County, ensuring that children in need experience the joy and magic of the Christmas season.

The above examples are only a few of the statewide efforts by Sheriff's Offices to bring comfort and joy to their communities . . . now and throughout the year. Thank you to all the members of Sheriff's Office staff for your continuned support and dedication!

The Sheriffs’ Winter Training Conference — held at the Crown Plaza Albany / Desmond Hotel — coincides with the session of the State Legislature, 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.

At the NSA Winter Conference in Washington, DC, join 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.

C-PASS Conference | February 17 – 19, 2026

The New York State Sheriffs’ Association Committee on Policing and Safeguarding Schools is pleased to announce its fourth annual C-PASS School Safety Training Conference in Saratoga. The highlight of the Conference is the Networking Dinner, which brings attendees together in a social and collegial setting. Click the link above for registration and program information.

He's a Mean One . . .

From the Chemung County Sheriff's Office Facebook page:

"Chemung County, we may have a situation…

"Our agency received multiple reports this morning of the Grinch lurking around the City of Elmira, attempting to “case” holiday decorations and size up Christmas spirit levels.

"He was last seen:

Sneaking around downtown Elmira

Side eyeing wreaths

Taking notes on whose lights are the brightest

"If you spot him, don’t worry, he’s mostly mischievous. Just snap a photo, secure your cocoa, and continue spreading cheer. Our agency is on Grinch Patrol!

"The Sheriff would like to take this opportunity to remind everyone that keeping your vehicles secure, locking up valuable goods, and staying alert are all important, not only during the holiday season but throughout the year. One of the first steps to prevent neighborhood crimes, such as burglary or package theft, is to deter them. Most break-ins and package thefts are crimes of opportunity. So, you'll need to secure all the possible entryways to your property, including doors, gates, fences, vehicles, and windows.

"Stay tuned for more updates!"

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