New York State Governor Kathy Hochul issued a proclamation recognizing Sheriffs' Week 2024 from September 15 to September 21. This distinction is celebrated annually by many Sheriff's Offices.

County Legislatures issued their own proclamations – including one held by Genesee County Sheriff William Sheron, Jr. (pictured, at left).

Sheriff's Offices held events and activities, such as the Wreath Laying Ceremony at the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office (below), led by Sheriff Todd Baxter to honor those who paid the ultimate sacrifice.

There were also social media posts introducing residents to the various Divisions and job responsibilities of Sheriff’s Office personnel. Below is a full staff shot of the Livingston County Sheriff’s Office (below).

Thank you to the women and men who protect the citizens of their Counties. Keep rolling!

Acting Cattaraugus County Sheriff Eric Butler (pictured) will run as the Republican candidate for a four-year term as Sheriff in November’s General Election. Butler became Acting Sheriff upon the retirement of former Sheriff Timothy Whitcomb in August. Butler served as Undersheriff to Sheriff Whitcomb and oversaw the daily operations of a 150-bed jail, the 911 County Dispatch Center, the Sheriff’s Road Patrol, SRT Team and Criminal Investigation Bureau and exercised direct oversight of all Office operations. He will face Democratic candidate Denny J. Whitmore.

Acting Sheriff Butler named Nate Root (pictured) to the role of Undersheriff. Undersheriff Root has served in law enforcement for 25 years, 22 years with the Sheriff’s Office and three years with the Salamanca Police Department.

Rutberg Breslow, a Sullivan County law firm, raised $50,000 at a summer golf-and-gamble fundraiser, the proceeds of which were shared between two charities selected by Sullivan County Sheriff Mike Schiff and Dutchess County Sheriff Kirk Imperati.

Sullivan County Sheriff Mike Schiff contributed $25,000 to help fund the New York State Sheriffs’ Institute Summer Camp.

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“This $25,000 donation will help offset the costs of some ongoing facility and recreational improvements that will enhance the overall experience for our kids who otherwise wouldn’t have access to this type of experience,” remarked Sheriff Schiff.

The Sullivan County Team — Pictured (left to right) are Chuck Benfer of Pamal Broadcasting, Sullivan County Sheriff Mike Schiff and Undersheriff Eric Chaboty, Marty Rutberg and Larry Breslow of the Rutberg Breslow Personal Injury Law Firm.

Dutchess County Sheriff Kirk Imperati designated the DC 10-13 Foundation of the Hudson Valley as the beneficiary of the remaining $25,000 generated from the fundraiser.

“One of the most dreadful radio calls for law enforcement is 10-13, the signal that an officer is down and needs assistance. It strikes fear in the heart of every officer that hears it, and they respond to help their fellow officer immediately,” explained Sheriff Imperati. “The Foundation has become a vital source of assistance for the men and women of the Hudson Valley law enforcement community who have suffered some type of hardship.”

A Gift From Dutchess — At the official announcement (left to right) are Dutchess County Undersheriff Jason Mark, Brian Tarpey (DC 10-13 Vice Chair), Marty Rutberg, Dutchess County Sheriff Kirk Imperati, Mike DeRosa, Larry Breslow, Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office Captain Todd Grieb and Chuck Benfer.

Fulton County Sheriff Richard Giardino was pleased to announce on his Office’s Facebook page that Deputy Nicole Buckley (pictured) received the 2024 National School Safety Award at a ceremony in Orlando, FL for her outstanding dedication to keeping students, staff and schools safe.

“Although Deputy Buckley came to our agency as a certified School Resource Officer, she has excelled in other trainings in just two short years and has dedicated herself to the Broadalbin-Perth School District as the SRO,” noted Sheriff Giardino in his post.



“We are proud of the work Deputy Buckley has already accomplished.”



Congratulations Deputy Buckley!

It’s been a busy summer for Ulster County Sheriff Juan Figueroa. In addition to his regular duties, Sheriff Figueroa (pictured at left sporting his new Open Road Deluxe Stetson hat) attended the retirement ceremony for United States Coast Guard Commander Frank Fiumano (pictured, right) on Staten Island.

“Commander Fiumano has played an integral role in protecting the waters of the Hudson River,” noted Sheriff Figueroa. “Through his assistance and guidance, our Office applied for and was awarded funding through the FEMA Port Security Grant program that allowed the purchase of our marine vessel M27 “Liberty.”

In August, the Ulster Regional Gang Enforcement Narcotics Team (U.R.G.E.N.T.) received the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) New York Investigative Group of the Year Award, presented to Sheriff Figueroa and members of U.R.G.E.N.T. by U.S. Department of Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent in Charge Ivan Arvelo during a ceremony held in New York City.

Pictured above from left to right are New York City Sheriff Anthony Miranda, former New York City Police Department Commissioner Edward Caban, DEA New York Special Agent in Charge Frank Tarentino, New York State Police Superintendent Steve James and Ulster County Sheriff Juan Figueroa.

Additionally, Sheriff Figueroa (above, center) currently serves as First Vice Chair of the Public Safety Committee for the New York State Association of Counties, which met recently . . .

. . . and at the end of the day, the Sheriff enjoyed a joke and a chat with Timothy Cardinal Dolan of the Archdiocese of New York, during the Annual Hooley on the Hudson event in Kingston.

Keep up the good work, Sheriff!

Last month Orange County Sheriff Paul Arteta announced the addition of K-9 Yoda to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. A certified Health and Wellness Service Dog, Yoda comes from the esteemed organization, Puppies Behind Bars.

The K-9 Team, consisting of Yoda and First Sergeant Jeremy Yela (pictured at left), is uniquely equipped to provide comfort and support to emergency services personnel throughout Orange County. By simply interacting with Yoda, these dedicated professionals can reduce stress following critical incidents.

Sheriff Arteta emphasized the importance of mental wellness for law enforcement officers. “It is unfortunate that the suicide rate among our colleagues is nearly double that of line-of-duty deaths each year,” says Sheriff Arteta. “The Orange County Sheriff’s Office is committed to reducing this alarming statistic while promoting peace, comfort, and wellness for those who serve our community.”

The Office of New York Governor Kathy Hochul recently issued a statement noting a 28% reduction in statewide shooting incidents. Delaware County Sheriff and New York State Sheriffs’ Association President Craig DuMond (pictured) responded to that statement on behalf of the Association, shown below:

“While the New York State Sheriffs’ Association of course welcomes the decline in reported shootings and applauds the Governor’s financial support for GIVE and other violence reduction programs, our members urge adoption of an additional, no-cost change which would lead to an even further decline in gun violence: give judges greater discretion to remand dangerous individuals charged with serious offenses.

The line of duty murder of NYPD Officer Jonathan Diller last March was a tragic illustration of how radical bail legislation enacted in Albany jeopardizes the lives of police officers and the public at large.

The reported decline in gun violence would not have happened had it not been for the often-unappreciated efforts of brave police officers working day and night to protect our communities.”

This Summer was also a busy time for many Sheriff's Offices that completed the (re)accreditation process and received certificates recognizing the work done on behalf of their Divisions and law enforcement operations. Following is a brief summary.

Pictured above from left to right: Columbia County Sheriff’s Office Jail Administrator Captain Patrick Delaney, NYSSA Executive Director Peter Kehoe, Columbia County Sheriff Donald Krapf and Undersheriff Jacqueline Salvatore.

The Fulton County Sheriff's Office received law enforcement accreditation for the first time from the New York State Law Enforcement Agency Accreditation Council. Pictured above from left to right are Gregory Austin, Council Chair and Chief of the Rye Brook Village Police Department; Mike Bonse, DCJS Deputy Commissioner; Fulton County Sheriff Richard Giardino; Sergeant Joshua Serpa; Undersheriff Daniel Izzo and Captain Matthew VanValkenburgh.

The Madison County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Division has again earned reaccreditation from the New York State Law Enforcement Agency Accreditation Council. The Sheriff's Office received its first reaccreditation in 2019.

“Being awarded reaccreditation is an honor," noted Madison County Sheriff Todd Hood. “This recognition acknowledges the outstanding job the members of the Madison County Sheriff’s Office do day in and day out.”

Pictured are Madison County Undersheriff William Wilcox (left) and Corporal Michael Currier.

The Oswego County Sheriff’s Office received Reaccreditation from the Law Enforcement Agency Accreditation Council at its September meeting.

“Being part of the 31% of New York State law enforcement agencies that are accredited is a testament to the dedication and hard work of the entire Oswego County Sheriff’s Office team,” noted Oswego County Sheriff Don Hilton.

Pictured above are (left to right) Sheriff Hilton; Gregory Austin, Council Chair and Chief of the Rye Brook Village Police Department; Mike Bonse, DCJS Deputy Commissioner; and Law Enforcement Accreditation Program Manager for the Oswego County Sheriff's Office, Lieutenant Bill Bazzell.

From left to right, Tompkins County Sheriff Derek R. Osborne; Gregory Austin, Council Chair and Chief of the Rye Brook Village Police Department; Mike Bonse, DCJS Deputy Commissioner; Tompkins County Undersheriff Jennifer K. Olin and Tompkins County Sheriff’s Lieutenant Kyle Koskinen pose to acknowledge receipt of a Certificate of Accreditation for the Tompkins County Sheriff’s Office’s Law Enforcement Division, the first time the Sheriff’s Office attained such accreditation.

Sheriff Osborne noted, “Accreditation has been a goal of our administration for the past six years, and achieving it is a testament to our commitment to serve our community to the best of our ability.” He gave credit to Undersheriff Olin who served as the program manager during the process. “Without her, none of this could have happened.”

The Ulster County Sheriff’s Office Corrections Division was reaccredited by the New York State Sheriffs' Association through March 2029. The recognition plaque was presented by NYSSA Executive Director Peter Kehoe (above, far left) during a meeting of the Ulster County Legislature's Law Enforcement and Public Safety Committee. Also pictured (left to right) are Ulster County Sheriff's Captain Charles Stracuzzi, Sheriff Juan Figueroa, Jail Superintendent Anthony Maggio, Ulster County Legislator and Chair of the Law Enforcement and Public Safety Committee Gina Hansut and Ulster County Sheriff's Corporal Scott Burke.

“We are proud of the men and women of the Ulster County Sheriff's Office Corrections Division for continually maintaining the high level of professionalism and dedication to their profession,” remarked Sheriff Figueroa.

The National Sheriffs’ Association (NSA) has issued a call for nominations for its 2025 Awards and Service Medals, as detailed below:

Awards

The NSA annually presents eleven prestigious awards, recognizing outstanding achievements. Applications for these awards are accepted until December 15 of the given year.

Learn more about the NSA Awards!

Service Medals

NSA also issues three different Service Medals; The Medal of Valor, The Medal of Merit, and The Purple Heart Medal. Service Medals are issued as nominated and approved. The medals will be sent to the Sheriff’s Office to be presented by the Sheriff.

Learn more about the NSA Service Medals!

The Chemung County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page noted the passing of former Chemung County Sheriff Patrick Patterson last month in Boerne, Texas where he had been living.

Sheriff Patterson had an extensive career in law enforcement, starting with the Sheriff’s Office as a turnkey in 1968. He later was transferred from the Corrections Division to the Road Patrol Division as a Deputy Sheriff. In 1973 he was promoted to the rank of Sergeant and in 1974 transferred to the Agency’s Criminal Investigation Division. Mr. Patterson remained in that capacity until 1978 when he went to work for the Chemung County District Attorney’s Office as a Special Investigator.

In 1982, Mr. Patterson was elected Sheriff of Chemung County and remained in that position until April 1983 when he accepted a position as an Agent for the FBI. Mr. Patterson served the FBI for 22 years, retiring in 2005 after 37 years as a law enforcement officer.

Chautauqua County’s presiding Undersheriff, Richard Telford (pictured), passed away at age 54 on September 23, after a lengthy illness.

“It is with heavy hearts that the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office announces the passing of Undersheriff Richard Telford,” the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office wrote in a Facebook post earlier this week. “Undersheriff Telford passed with his family by his side. He was a great leader . . . and no task was too big or too small for him,” as shown in the photo at left.

A 1988 Jamestown High School graduate, Undersheriff Telford studied criminal justice at Jamestown Community College and briefly worked for the Ellicott Police Department before being hired in April 1991 with the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office. He was appointed Undersheriff in 2021. A full obituary is available here.

The Clinton County Sheriff's Office notes the loss of long-serving member and former Undersheriff Jerry Maggy, who passed away this month at the age of 73.

Before joining the Clinton County Sheriff's Office, Maggy worked as a Corrections Officer in Attica and later as a Sergeant at the Clinton Correctional Facility in Dannemora.

He was appointed Undersheriff in 2003 after an extensive career in corrections.

Sheriff David Favro emphasized Undersheriff Maggy's exceptional character and commitment to serving others.

"Jerry was truly a compassionate person. He cared about people. He cared about doing what was right and really enjoyed helping people. And that's why he took this job so seriously and with such great pride, because he had an opportunity to make a big difference. And he did make a big difference."

Maggy retired in 2016 with nearly 40 years of service.

Summer has departed, but the success of the 2024 season at the Sheriffs’ Institute Summer Camp remains, supported by a record-breaking attendance of over 900 campers from throughout the state. Congratulations and thank you to Institute staff and all Sheriff’s Offices for your hard work to support this vital program for youth!

To learn more about the camp, click here for an in-depth profile and podcast by Monroe County Sheriff Todd Baxter and / or an overview on the Camp’s Facebook page (posted September 4).

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