Dutchess County K-9 on the Prowl for Electronics | | Power to the Pooch – Above from left to right: Dutchess County Sheriff’s Sergeant Jeffrey Cohen, K-9 Bear and Sheriff Kirk Imperati. | | |
The Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office has an innovative new asset to locate potentially crucial evidence in electronics and computer-related crimes.
Sheriff Kirk Imperati recently introduced K-9 Bear, a 16-month-old Black Lab. Bear is the first Electronic Storage Detection (ESD) K-9 deployed by the Sheriff’s Office. ESD K-9s help Law Enforcement agencies catch child predators, human trafficking and combat other computer-related crimes.
Bear is certified to detect the odor of the chemical component Triphenylphosphine Oxide (TPPO), used in the manufacturing of electronics to prevent overheating. Bear is trained to locate hidden electronics such as smart phones, hard drives, thumb drives, cameras, GPS devices and micro-SD cards. He will often be used in the execution of search warrants for a less intrusive and more targeted search for electronics.
Additionally, Bear is cross trained as a comfort support dog for victims/children; he will also serve as a wellness dog for members of the Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office and the Community.
| | A Good Reason to Meet . . . and to Celebrate | | |
A Veteran Gathering – Saratoga County Sheriff Michael Zurlo (at left in photo) and Albany County Sheriff Craig Apple met up at the graduation ceremony of the FBI National Academy in Quantico, VA. Members of their respective Offices were graduates of Academy Session 293: Saratoga County Sheriff’s Captain George R. Maxfield and Albany County Sheriff’s Chief Deputy Chris Kopec. Sheriff Apple provided the following commentary in a Facebook post:
“Congratulations to Chief Deputy Chris Kopec on successfully completing the FBI National Academy. Congratulations to Session 293. It was a pleasure to return to the Academy since my graduation from Session 206.
Additionally, it was great to run into my good friend Sheriff Micheal Zurlo from the Saratoga County Sheriff's Office.”
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Pleased to Greet You – FBI Director Kash Patel (at left in photo) meets Chautauqua County Sheriff and NYSSA President James Quattrone during a trip to the Washington, D.C. area. Sheriff Quattrone shared his thoughts in the following Facebook Post:
“Had an opportunity to hear firsthand from Kash Patel, our newly appointed FBI Director and the plans he has moving forward for the FBI. It was also nice to hear they are moving many agents from the DC office out into the field where they can focus on violent crime.
“The bonus was the great opportunity to network with 20 other Sheriffs and many Police Chiefs from around the country. I appreciate the New York State Sheriffs' Association and National Sheriffs' Association for giving me this opportunity.”
| | Public Safety Panel Includes Leaders from Two Sheriff's Offices | | | | |
Standing Tall for Safety – Monroe County Undersheriff Korey Brown (left in photo) and New York City Sheriff Anthony Miranda served on the panel “Public Safety: A New York Agenda for Criminal Justice” held recently in Albany.
They, along with additional panelists, discussed how safe residents feel and the need for legislative action to ensure New York laws and policies protect the communities served by Sheriff’s Offices.
| | Chemung County Sheriff's Investigator: One Year Later | | |
A year after Chemung County Sheriff's Investigator Michael Theetge (pictured) was critically injured when he was thrown from a speeding car, the woman on trial for driving the car was found guilty of Assault of an Officer and Assault in the Second Degree.
In March 2024, Investigator Theetge and other members of the Chemung County Sheriff's Office were working with New York State Police on a joint retail theft operation. Theetge ended up chasing an attempted shoplifter through a parking lot, with both the shoplifter and Investigator Theetge jumping onto the hood of a moving car driven by the shoplifter’s ex-girlfriend. She accelerated the vehicle, throwing the Investigator to the ground and leaving him in critical condition with a skull fracture and a brain bleed.
According to Theetge, the end of the trial wraps up a chapter for him and his family. His goal has been to get back to work and help serve his community, and he calls the trial outcome a relief.
| | | "I feel good," said Theetge. "I mean honestly, overall, I just feel so lucky to be here, to be alive. I'm very hopeful and very eager to try to make it back to work. That's a role and a position I'm very proud of. It's something I enjoy doing. I like serving the community." | | Oneida County Sheriff STRIVEs to Prevent Domestic Violence | | |
STRIVE to Stop DV – Oneida County Sheriff Rob Maciol (center) was honored to be one of several panel members presenting to more than 200 law enforcement members and domestic violence service providers as part of the NY STRIVE Grant Orientation.
The NY STRIVE grant refers to “New York's Statewide Targeted Reductions in Intimate Partner Violence,” a $35 million state funding initiative to improve public safety and response to domestic violence. It is administered by the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services (NYS DCJS).
Sheriff Maciol spoke about his role on the NYS Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence Fatality Review Team. He also spoke about the Oneida County Domestic Violence High Risk Assessment Team, one of only a handful of high-risk assessment teams in the entire state.
| | Wayne County Undersheriff Honored by the American Legion | | |
Wayne County Undersheriff Tammy Ryndock (pictured) has been named the American Legion Law Enforcement Officer of the Year, recognizing her 25 years of dedication to public service.
Undersheriff Ryndock became the county’s first female Undersheriff in 2022. She was nominated for this award by a local veteran, highlighting her commitment to law enforcement and community service.
Throughout her career, Undersheriff Ryndock has taken on numerous roles within the Sheriff’s Office, as well as playing a key role in local advocacy efforts. She is a board member for both the Wayne County Child Advocacy Center and the Survivor Advocacy Center of the Finger Lakes, working to protect children and support survivors of abuse. Additionally, she serves on the Citizens Implementation Committee for the Town of Lyons, which seeks ways to improve the local community. Congratulations, Undersheriff!
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| With Gratitude on Behalf of the Kids | | |
Sheriffs United! – Pictured above at the Sheriffs’ Institute Summer Camp fundraiser, which was held in Montgomery County and hosted by Sheriff Jeff Smith (from left to right): Schoharie County Sheriff Ron Stevens, Schenectady County Sheriff Dominic Dagostino, Albany County Sheriff Craig Apple, Fulton County Sheriff Richard Giardino, Herkimer County Sheriff Scott Scherer, Montgomery County Sheriff Jeff Smith, Rensselaer County Sheriff Kyle Bourgault and Saratoga County Sheriff Michael Zurlo.
From Montgomery County Sheriff Jeff Smith in a Facebook post:
“On behalf of the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office, I want to sincerely thank everyone who joined us for the dinner to benefit the NYS Sheriffs’ Summer Camp. With nearly 170 attendees and approximately $34,000 raised, your generosity and support help provide unforgettable summer experiences for children across New York State. Your support helps send kids to camp – kids who might not otherwise have the chance.
"The New York State Sheriffs' Institute & Summer Camp gives children the opportunity to build confidence, make new friends, and have experiences that can truly change lives. We're proud to support this program and grateful to all who help make it possible."
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| Ready to Talk . . . and Inform – From left to right: Chemung County Sheriff William Schrom, Steuben County Sheriff James Allard and Schuyler County Sheriff Kevin Rumsey convened with a local broadcaster – WETM's Jim Turpin in Elmira, New York (pictured right) – for an hourlong on-air forum, fielding viewer-submitted questions regarding law enforcement in the community, the relationship between New York State and correction officers on the County level, how the HALT Act has presented challenges and dangers to both officers and inmates, and more. Thank you for your time, Sheriffs. |
| Chemung County Sheriff's Office Road Patrol is Reaccredited | | |
Roll On – Above, left to right, are Michael Bonse, DCJS Deputy Commissioner; Chemung County Undersheriff Douglas Houper; Joe Popcun, DCJS Executive Deputy Commissioner; Chemung County Sheriff’s Captain Thomas Argetsinger and Accreditation Manager / Investigator James Ritter (Ret.).
The Chemung County Sheriff’s Office received reaccreditation from the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) for its Road Patrol Division, one of four divisions within the Sheriff’s Office that has been accredited or reaccredited throughout the years. Aside from the Road Patrol Division, the Sheriff’s Office Corrections Division, Civil/Community Services Division, and E-911/Communication Division, also have accredited status.
“This status is attributed to the commitment and professionalism of the men and women of the Chemung County Sheriff’s Office and without their efforts would not be possible,” noted a statement from the Sheriff’s Office posted on Facebook, which also recognized former Accreditation Manager Dan Mandell (Ret.) for his work.
| | Delaware County Sheriff's Office Attains LEAAC Reaccreditation | | |
Time for Recognition – From left to right: Michael Bonse, DCJS Deputy Commissioner; Delaware County Sheriff Craig DuMond; Joe Popcun, DCJS Executive Deputy Commissioner and Delaware County Undersheriff Kim Smith.
The Delaware County Sheriff’s Office Law Enforcement Division was awarded reaccreditation status by the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) for continuing to meet the standards set forth by the Law Enforcement Agency Accreditation Council (LEAAC).
The Delaware County Sheriff’s Office is one of 186 accredited law enforcement agencies across the state and one of 37 Sheriff’s Offices currently accredited in New York State.
“I am incredibly proud to receive this prestigious award on behalf of The Delaware County Sheriff’s Office,” noted Sheriff Craig DuMond. “I am blessed to work alongside a team of individuals that understand the importance of integrity, professionalism and what it means to serve the public. We hold our expectations and standards high to ensure the excellent quality of the services we provide and will continue to provide to the residents of Delaware County.”
Additionally, Undersheriff Kim Smith, who serves as Law Enforcement Program Manager, was awarded the John Kimball O’Neil Certificate of Achievement, recognizing her tireless efforts and commitment to ensure the Sheriff’s Office continues to meet professional standards.
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| Saratoga County Sheriff's Office PSAP Division is Reaccredited | | |
On Call – Pictured above, from left to right, NYSSA Executive Director Peter Kehoe, Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office Desk Sergeant Timothy A. Johnston, Director of Communications Steven G. Gordon, Undersheriff Jeff Brown, Sheriff Michael Zurlo, Saratoga County Administrator Steve Bulger, and Ulster County Sheriff and NYSSA First Vice President Juan Figueroa.
The Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) recently received its reaccreditation from the New York State Sheriffs’ Association. The Sheriff’s Office is one of 16 PSAPs in New York State to have earned this distinction. It received its first accreditation in 2009 and has been reaccredited every five years since to maintain compliance.
“The continued reaccreditation of our PSAP shows that we will constantly pursue excellence,” said Undersheriff Jeff Brown. “The ones who truly deserve the credit are the men and women who make up our Communications Division.”
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The New York State Sheriffs’ Association's Committee on Policing and Safeguarding Schools (C-PASS) and the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services (NYS DCJS) are sponsoring a Basic School for the SRO course created by the NYS DCJS. This MPTC-certified course will equip an officer with the necessary knowledge on how to navigate the difficult task of policing in a school setting. Click the link above for more information and to register.
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Each year, civil supervisors from around the state attend the Civil Supervisors’ Training Conference in Saratoga Springs, NY. This training conference focuses on best practices for the service of process of funds handled for the County. Presentations cover such issues as new technology, case law and statute updates, handling and preserving public records, and working with county and state accounting agencies to make sure that all records are accurately maintained. Click the link above for more information and to register.
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From the Ontario County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page:
“We want to give a big shout-out to Deputy Pat Fitzgerald (pictured), who has dedicated 21 years on Road Patrol and a total of 26 years with the Ontario County Sheriff's Office. But he doesn’t do it alone —meet K-9 Sandy, his trusted partner who patrols alongside him!
“Thank you, Deputy Fitzgerald, for your years of service and commitment to keeping our community safe. And of course, K-9 Sandy, you’re looking good as always!”
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