On Boating Safety, Sheriffs Stress the Need to Plan and Prepare |
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As the summer recreation season begins, Sheriffs from across the state held press conferences and briefings to remind boaters about the importance of safety on waterways.
NYSSA held its own conference earlier this month at the Albany Yacht Club, and a number of Sheriffs whose Counties border the Hudson River attended.
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NYSSA President Craig DuMond (pictured at left) emphasized how everyone on the water — captains, passengers and paddlers — should wear a life jacket.
“U.S. Coast Guard statistics show that drowning was the reported cause of four out of every five recreational boating fatalities, and 83% of those who drowned were not wearing life jackets,” said Sheriff DuMond.
Sheriff Juan Figueroa (pictured below), himself an avid boater, also had some advice for younger boaters.
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“Remember that you're responsible as the captain for everyone on your vessel. Don't let anybody put pressure on you. Go check the weather, check the currents. Also, listen to your fellow boaters that are in the marinas who are more seasoned and may have advice for junior boaters.”
Sheriffs also marked the fifth anniversary of Brianna’s Law — a New York boating safety measure named after an 11-year-old girl who died in a 2005 boating accident — reminding everyone that all boat operators regardless of age will need to earn a boating safety certificate as of January 2025.
“We just want to keep you safe,” said Albany County Sheriff Craig Apple. “Don’t booze up and operate your boat . . . have your PFDs [and] all necessary equipment, because God knows you break down on this waterway,” he said, pointing to the Hudson River, “the current can take you quickly.”
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In Force to Enforce — Above (l – r), Saratoga County Sheriff Michael Zurlo, Rensselaer County Sheriff Kyle Bourgault, Albany County Sheriff Craig Apple, Ulster County Sheriff Juan Figueroa and Delaware County Sheriff Craig DuMond stand ready to assist boaters and ensure safety for everyone.
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Law Enforcement Leadership and Partnership |
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Meet and Greet — NYSSA President and Delaware County Sheriff Craig DuMond, representing New York Sheriffs, attended the recent graduation of 228 New York State Troopers, as well as the annual Memorial Day observance ceremony for fallen State Police members in 2023.
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At the graduation, Sheriff DuMond had the opportunity to discuss law enforcement issues with New York State Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado (pictured, left).
And during the Memorial Day observance, the Sheriff met with the new State Police Superintendent, Steven James (pictured, right), and pledged continued support, cooperation and partnership in keeping New Yorkers safe throughout New York State.
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This legislative season, New York Sheriffs have continued visiting their representatives and promoting their agendas. Recently, Monroe County Sheriff Todd Baxter teamed up with Oneida County Sheriff Rob Maciol to discuss with their lawmakers a number of issues, including:
• Expanding the use of tools to combat overdoses
• Improve agencies' ability to retain experienced cops
• Better retirement benefits for corrections deputies
• Improving the hiring process for Law Enforcement
“When it comes to these non-partisan issues, we're encouraged by the support of our representatives to build up law enforcement. This only stands to benefit those we serve," said Sheriff Baxter. "We also remain focused on improvements to public safety legislation to safeguard our communities from those who refuse to comply with basic rule of law.”
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Governor Shows Her Support for Law Enforcement Wellness |
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Sheriff Summit — Pictured above (l – r), are NYSSA President and Delaware County Sheriff Craig DuMond, First Vice President and Chautauqua County Sheriff James Quattrone, Executive Committee member and Oneida County Sheriff Rob Maciol, New York State Governor Kathy Hochul, Third Vice President and Madison County Sheriff Todd Hood, Second Vice President and Ulster County Sheriff Juan Figueroa, NYSSA Executive Director Peter Kehoe and Monroe County Sheriff Todd Baxter.
Onondaga County Sheriff Toby Shelley was also at the reception (pictured at right with the Governor).
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In recognition of Law Enforcement Appreciation Month, New York State Governor Kathy Hochul hosted a roundtable discussion (below) on ways to improve officer wellness, which was attended by Onondaga County Sheriff Toby Shelley and Monroe County Sheriff Todd Baxter. Participants shared their practices and experience with wellness programs for Deputies.
The session was followed with a reception — also hosted by the Governor — at the Executive Mansion, where Sheriffs had a conversation with the Governor about supporting law enforcement officers. The Governor mentioned the need to shift the public’s perception of law enforcement to one of respect and recognizing the important work done by law enforcement personnel. She also said she has no room in her administration for anyone who calls for defunding the police. Thank you, Governor, for your support.
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Better and Better — Recently, the Chemung County Sheriff's Office had a surprise visitor in the form of Investigator Mike Theetge (pictured, above left) who was seriously injured during a retail theft prevention operation earlier this year.
"Investigator Theetge was released from rehab for the weekend, and made it a point to stop in and see everyone at the Sheriff’s Office," noted Sheriff William Schrom (at right). "He’s making great progress and we were very happy to see him stop in and say hi!"
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The More, the Merrier — Four Sheriffs had the pleasure of attending Fulton County Sheriff Richard Giardino’s 2024 Appreciation Breakfast. Pictured left to right are Saratoga County Sheriff Michael Zurlo, Warren County Sheriff Jim LaFarr, Sheriff Giardino and Rensselaer County Sheriff Kyle Bourgault.
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Ontario County Sheriff's Office Announces New Registry |
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The Ontario County Sheriff’s Office has launched its new “Handle with Care” Registry, where individuals can be registered through the dispatch center, arming first responders with advance information on the condition of callers prior to arrival.
The registry can be used to identify those with Autism, Down Syndrome, Alzheimer’s, Dementia, Substance Abuse and more.
Development of the registry resulted from an inquiry by a County resident who had adopted a family member with a developmental disability. Knowing an emergency response could upset this person’s emotional stability, the resident worked with the Sheriff’s Office to create this new resource.
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Seneca County Undersheriff is a Woman of Distinction |
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Well-earned — Seneca County Undersheriff Melissa Marquart (pictured, at right), poses with New York State Senator Thomas F. O’Mara, who selected the Undersheriff as a 2024 Woman of Distinction.
“Melinda Marquart has had a distinguished and groundbreaking career in law enforcement serving and protecting the communities and residents of Seneca County,” noted Senator O’Mara, whose district includes seven Southern-Tier Counties. “She fully exemplifies the bravery, and the unwavering and deep commitment to service and sacrifice that defines all of our dedicated law enforcement officers here at home, throughout New York State, and across the nation.”
The New York State Senate’s Women of Distinction program annually recognizes nearly 60 women from throughout the state, each selected by their Senator based on the honorees’ personal and professional achievements. Congratulations, Undersheriff Marquart.
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Monroe County Sheriff's Office Pitches in with Cemetery Cleanup |
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Many Hands Make Light Work — Members of the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office joined dozens of other volunteers and groups to clean up the historic Mt. Hope Cemetery in Rochester before the Memorial Day Weekend. What began as an invitation to clean up the graves of firefighters who were laid to rest quickly grew to include the graves of the veterans buried there as well. After raking and beautifying the burial grounds, Sheriff's Office personnel placed flags at the headstones of both firefighters and veterans as a sign of recognition and thanks for their service to country and community.
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Erie County Holding Center, Correctional Facility Earn NCCHC Accreditation |
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The Right Staff — Members of the Erie County Sheriff’s Office pose in front of the Holding Center.
Back Row: Julie Cotton, Superintendent Michael Phillips and First Deputy Superintendent Sandra Amoia. Front Row: Crystal Quinn and JoAnne McVey.
Erie County Sheriff John C. Garcia announced his Office recently obtained accreditation in Health Services, for both its Holding Center and the Correctional Facility, by the National Commission on Correctional Health Care.
“I promised to the people of Erie County that I would modernize the Sheriff’s Office. Seeking and achieving accreditation is a key component of that,” said Erie County Sheriff John C. Garcia. “We are adhering to the best practices as identified by experts around the country. I would like to thank Superintendent Michael Phillips, First Deputy Superintendent Sandra Amoia and our Division of Correctional Health for their hard work leading to this accomplishment.”
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Schenectady County Sheriff's Civil Division is Reaccredited |
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Five More Years — Schenectady County Sheriff Dominic Dagostino (left in photo) is presented with a plaque from NYSSA Executive Director Peter Kehoe in recognition of the reaccreditation of the Office’s Civil Division.
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Sheriffs throughout New York State receive and account for hundreds of thousands (if not millions) of dollars each year.
NYSSA's Civil Supervisor Training Conference focuses on best practices for the service of process and handling of funds for the County, with 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 that all records are accurately maintained. Click the link above for more information and to register.
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The New York State Sheriffs' Association Undersheriff Training Conference provides training in such areas as labor management, employee discipline, and management of employee benefits (such as disability payments and family, health and military leave).
Since all major divisions of the Sheriff’s Office — Law Enforcement, County Jail, Civil Division and Court Security — report directly to the Undersheriff, the conference also provides training in those areas, with representatives from State and Federal agencies presenting relevant programs. Click the link above for more information and to register.
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The NSA Annual Conference is one of the premier Law Enforcement Conferences in the country and will take place in Oklahoma City.
It is the largest of its kind, including a trade show displaying products and equipment relevant to every facet of police work, jails, prisoner transport, and courtroom security. The four days include highly curated seminars and educational content covering cutting-edge content for law enforcement at all levels.
The topics range from recruitment and retention, jail operations, officer wellness, LEO technologies just to name a few. Click the link above for more information and to register.
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Rain Can't Dampen His Duty to Serve Others |
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From the Broome County Sheriff’s Office Facebook Page:
“Outstanding job by BCSO's own Deputy Mike Reksc, who was spotted walking a young student to her Nana’s house when her after-school activities were canceled and she began walking home in the rain.
“Sheriff Fred Akshar said, ‘Couldn’t be prouder of Deputy Mike Reksc. An ultimate display of kindness, humanity and most importantly service above self. Our deputies are the absolute best!’"
Photo Credit: Randall Hartz Jr.
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