Orange County Sheriff's Investigator Honored |
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For Exemplary Service – The second of the three Sheriffs’ Institute Deputy of the Year Awards was presented to Investigator John O’ Brien, who was unable to attend the award ceremony at the Sheriffs’ Association Conference in April. Pictured (l – r) are Christopher O’Brien, Executive Director, New York State Sheriffs’ Institute; Sheriff David Bartlett, Columbia County, President of the New York State Sheriffs’ Association; Investigator O’Brien; Orange County Sheriff Carl DuBois and Orange County Undersheriff Ken Jones.
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Orange County Sheriff Will Not Seek Reelection |
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Sheriff Carl DuBois (pictured), currently the longest-serving Sheriff in Orange County, announced he will not run for reelection and is retiring after his term concludes in December 2022.
The Sheriff began his career when he entered his name as a candidate for Orange County Sheriff in 2002, winning the election and assuming office January 1, 2003. He has since been re-elected for four subsequent terms.
During his tenure, the Office created a dedicated firearms training center for deputies, began a civilian firearms program and has regularly been nationally recognized for policing and corrections excellence.
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Historic Presidential Pardons for Local Inmates Preserved by Monroe County Sheriff's Office |
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Of Historic Significance – President Abraham Lincoln’s signature graces one of three pardons issued to Monroe County Jail inmates over 150 years ago.
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Todd Allen serves as historian for the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office and knew about the existence of several presidential pardon documents from the 1800s, issued to Monroe County Jail inmates.
Allen’s search brought him to the home of the late Monroe County Sheriff Andy Meloni, who had rescued 3 hand-written pardons from loss more than 20 years ago. They were in decent shape, according to Allen, but in need of serious care. Sheriff Meloni’s family delivered the pardons to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, which then had them conserved and framed. The newly protected and preserved pardons were recently unveiled and will soon hang in a room at the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office named after Sheriff Meloni.
While one of the pardons is signed by Ulysses S. Grant, the highlight is the one signed by Abraham Lincoln – a pardon for a man convicted of counterfeiting.
Current Monroe County Sheriff, Todd Baxter, couldn’t believe what he was seeing when he first set eyes on Lincoln’s signature.
“I was literally moved to tears, no exaggeration,” Baxter said.
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Monroe County Sheriff’s Office Publishes History Book |
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To commemorate the 200th Anniversary of the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, Mr. Allen also has been busy compiling and publishing its official history. In addition to a detailed review of the Office since its inception, the hardcover book showcases some of the Office’s partner law-enforcement agencies and first responders, community organizations and the citizens they have served. The book is available for purchase and costs $40. For more information, contact Historian Allen.
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Eightieth NSA President Sworn In |
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Sheriff Vernon Stanforth (pictured), of the Fayette County Sheriff's Office (OH), was sworn in as the 80th president of the National Sheriffs' Association for the 2021 - 2022 term.
Sheriff Stanforth assumed the role early, as the 2020 - 2021 President, Sheriff David Mahoney, retired from the Dane County Sheriff's Office (WI) to take a role in the private sector.
“We as a country are facing some very difficult times," Sheriff Stanforth said after being sworn in. "I pledge to you, as an Association, my total commitment to the Association, making sure this works and we do the things to make it work and make it work well.”
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NSA Annual Conference Resumes | June 22 – 24
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After a hiatus due to the pandemic, the NSA Annual Conference and Exhibition is back on track for a live event June 22 – 24 in Phoenix, AZ. It is one of the largest of its kind and displays products and equipment relevant to every facet of police work, jails, prisoner transport, and courtroom security. There are also numerous seminars and workshops covering all aspects of the duties and responsibilities for sheriffs’ offices, including – but not limited to – law enforcement, jail operations, service of process, transportation of prisoners, and court and judicial security. Click the link above for more information and to register.
The New York State Sheriffs' Association encourages New York Sheriffs to participate in the National Conference. NYSSA will help subsidize conference costs for those who attend. Contact Peter Kehoe for further information.
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News from the New York State Sheriffs' Association |
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NYSSA Undersheriffs' Conference | June 7 – 9 |
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As before, there are several new Undersheriffs this year, and hopefully all will be able to attend. Click the above link to register and for additional information.
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NYSSA Civil Supervisors Training Program | June 21 – 23 |
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The 2021 Civil Supervisors Training Conference will be held June 21 – 23, 2021 at the Embassy Suites in Saratoga Springs, NY.
There will be presentations on 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 all records are accurately maintained. The conference provides not only helpful speakers and presentations, but affords all supervisors the ability to network with their colleagues around the state. A small number of exhibitors participate in and support the conference each year. Find out more about the program and how to register.
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St. Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office Receives Significant Summer Camp Donation |
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Generosity Unbounded – St. Lawrence County Undersheriff Sean P. O’Brien (left) and Sheriff Brooks J. Bigwarfe (center) receive a generous $5,000 contribution to NYSSA’s Summer Camp Program on Keuka Lake from SeaComm Federal Credit Union of Massena, NY. SeaComm President and CEO Scott A. Wilson (right) was on hand to present the gift. "We are most grateful to SeaComm for its extraordinary contribution," noted Sheriff Bigwarfe.
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More News from Sheriffs . . . |
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Allegany County Sheriff’s Drone Leads to Rescue |
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The value of drones in law enforcement was demonstrated once again when the Allegany County Sheriff’s Office drone helped locate a 75-year-old man who was reported missing after being overdue returning from an ATV ride in the forested countryside.
Several other law-enforcement agencies had joined in the search with the Allegany County Sheriff’s Office, but when the Sheriff’s Radio Tech Matt Evans and Deputy Dale Thomas arrived on scene with the County’s night-vision equipped drone, the search was soon over. “I think it was 11 minutes from the time they put the drone up to when they found the man,” said Allegany County Sheriff Rick Whitney (pictured). “It worked out very well.” The missing man had had an accident with the ATV, but suffered no significant injuries.
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Niagara County Sheriffs to Assist Seniors in Joint Project |
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The Niagara County Sheriff's Office and the County’s Office for the Aging have partnered to offer free senior ID cards to any Niagara County resident 60 years of age and older. These cards will display a picture and identifying information similar to a driver’s license on the front, and will list two emergency contacts and pertinent medical information on the back. The individual’s personal information will not be stored by the Sheriff’s Office but only printed on the ID card. “Whether it’s a missing person case, a medical issue or some other emergency situation, these ID cards can be invaluable in providing help to a person in distress,” said Niagara County Sheriff Michael Filicetti (pictured).
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Ulster County Sheriffs Attend Change of Coast Guard Command |
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Goodbye . . . and Hello – Ulster County Sheriff Juan Figueroa (at right in both pictures) congratulates outgoing Coast Guard Sector Captain Jason Tama (left photo) and incoming Captain Zieta Merchant (right photo) during a Change of Command ceremony on Staten Island.
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Last month, the Change of Command of the U.S. Coast Guard Sector New York — a time-honored tradition that represents a transfer of responsibility, authority and accountability from one individual to another — took place at Fort Wadsworth on Staten Island. Sheriff Juan Figueroa and Deputy Sheriff Joseph Steyer were honored to attend and represent Ulster County, which serves as home to the Aids to Navigation Team Saugerties, and the USCG Wire (WYTL-65612). Sheriff Figueroa noted that the Ulster County Sheriff’s Office is a proud partner with the Coast Guard and looks forward to expanding the relationship, to help keep Ulster’s waterways safe and secure. |
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Sheriffs on Board for National Safe Boating Week |
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National Safe Boating Week was observed May 22 - 28, 2021 and the New York State Sheriffs' Association – along with the Albany, Columbia, Ulster, and Schenectady County Sheriff's Offices; the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary; the Mohawk-Hudson Council of Yacht Clubs and the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation – hosted an awareness event May 26 at the Albany Yacht Club in Rensselaer, NY.
The event promoted National Safe Boating Week and Sheriffs' commitment to safe boating through support for the WEAR IT campaign, promoting the value of voluntary, consistent wearing of a life jacket by recreational boaters.
"I cannot stress too much the importance of knowing your vessel, the weather and the tides," said Ulster County Sheriff Juan Figueora at the event. "The currents on the Hudson River can be strong at times, safety is paramount. Be responsible, know your surroundings and wear a life jacket."
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Anchors Aweigh for Safe Boating - Ulster County Sheriff's Office crew (l-r) Deputy David Schaller, Sheriff Juan Figueroa, Deputy Joe Steyer, and firemen FN Garrison Conkel of the U.S. Coast Guard stand guard on the Ulster County Sheriff's Office patrol boat, piloted up the Hudson River by Deputy Steyer from its berth in Saugerties NY to attend the May 26 event. The Sheriff's Office berth in Saugerties is co-located with the Coast Guard.
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Committee Reappointment for Sheriff Spike |
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Yates County Sheriff Ron Spike has been reappointed by Governor Andrew Cuomo to another term on the Municipal Police Training Council. Sheriff Spike was first appointed to the MPTC by Governor Pataki in 1997, and has received reappointments from Governors Spitzer, Patterson and Andrew Cuomo. Since 1997, Sheriff Spike has also held the position of Chairman of the Council, except for a brief hiatus when Westchester County Sheriff Tom Belafiore held the chair.
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Police Week has ended for 2021, but law-enforcement agencies – including Sheriff’s Offices – were showered with recognition by the citizens they serve. |
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The Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office received a batch of artfully designed cupcakes (above right), while Yates County was presented with a beautiful flower arrangement (left) “From Grateful Citizens.” |
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