Cattaraugus County Sheriff Announces Retirement |
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Cattaraugus County Sheriff Timothy Whitcomb (pictured), former NYSSA President and long-term career officer, has announced his retirement from the Sheriff’s Office effective August 2.
“It’s just time,” Sheriff Whitcomb said recently, noting his two oldest children grew up so fast that he wants to be there with his youngest two. “It’s time for me to spend a little bit more time with my other family, not just my law enforcement family,” he said.
Undersheriff Eric Butler is expected to become Acting Sheriff until the next election for Sheriff in November.
Whitcomb joined the Sheriff’s Office in January 1991, having previously served with the Salamanca Police Department. He spent seven years handling major crimes in the Criminal Investigation Bureau for which he was recognized as the Blue and Gold Officer of the Year in October 2000. He was appointed Undersheriff by then-Sheriff Dennis John. Upon Sheriff John’s death in August 2009, Whitcomb became Acting Sheriff and was then elected Sheriff in November 2009 to a full four-year term, running unopposed for reelection in 2013, 2017 and 2021. His law enforcement career has spanned nearly 36 years.
In addition to his leadership role at NYSSA, Sheriff Whitcomb was an Adjunct Professor for both St. Bonaventure University and Jamestown Community College and on the Board of Directors for both Leadership Cattaraugus and the Center for Family Unity. He also is a Past President of the State of New York Police Juvenile Officers Association.
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Rensselaer County Celebrates its Sheriffs for the Day Program |
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The Rensselaer County Sheriff’s Office recently hosted a young student as part of its Sheriff for the Day program. The winner, pictured left with Rensselaer County Sheriff Kyle Bourgault, was selected based on her essay.
According to a release from the Sheriff’s Office, “She had a very busy day. She started off her morning as any good Sheriff should...with some donuts!! She was then sworn in, where she read her winning essay, was introduced to all the various bureaus that make up the Sheriff's Office and learned all about what they do every day.
"She took a ride in the brand new Highway Patrol pickup truck, got to see the Emergency Services Equipment and the armored vehicle. She learned about many of the job duties of being the Sheriff, had two news interviews, and got to pick where they went to lunch . . . and what Fifth-Grader ISN'T going to pick McDonalds?"
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NYSSA Summer Training Conference Concludes |
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The New York State Sheriffs’ Association held its annual Summer Training Conference at the Turning Stone Resort and Casino last month in Verona, Oneida County. It was the first time in the Association’s 90-year history that the Summer Conference has been held in Oneida County.
The three-day session was full of informative programs in the morning, followed by social activities each afternoon and evening. Having a casino nearby did not hurt, either!
Here are some scenes from the Conference.
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Hot Shots – Members of the Oneida County Sheriffs’ Color Guard and the Oneida Nation Color Guard (in red) kick off the opening ceremonies.
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Master of the House – NYSSA President and Delaware County Sheriff Craig DuMond (pictured) served as MC, introducing each session, and hosting the Business Meeting portions of the Conference.
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A Sure Bet – Turning Stone CEO Ray Halbritter (at left in photo) welcomed Sheriffs on the first day of the Conference. With him is Oneida County Sheriff Rob Maciol.
Halbritter is a Harvard Law graduate and the current Representative of the Oneida Indian Nation.
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Eyes Front – From left to right, Cayuga County Sheriff Brian Schenck, Seneca County Sheriff Timothy J. Thompson Jr., Greene County Sheriff Peter Kusminsky, and Ontario County Sheriff Dave Cirencione, who is partially hidden behind Wayne County Sheriff Robert Milby, take in details at one of the morning programs.
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From-the-Top Update – Rossana Rosado (seated in photo), Commissioner of the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services, and Executive Deputy Commissioner Joseph Popcun provide statistical and operational updates from their agency.
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All In – Fulton County Sheriff Richard Giardino (foreground, center) provides pertinent commentary on a topic during a morning session.
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Break Time, Vendor Time – In the vendor hall, Rensselaer County Sheriff Kyle Bourgault (at left, foreground) and Columbia County Sheriff Donald Krapf (second from left) scope out the newest products and services.
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Vanguard of the People – Sheriff attendees pose for a group photo during the evening dinner program.
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Meanwhile, on the Other Side of the Room – Left to right, Yates County Sheriff Frank Ryan, Steuben County Sheriff James Allard, Chemung County Sheriff William Schrom, Herkimer County Sheriff Scott Scherer (in back row) and Saratoga County Sheriff Michael Zurlo listen to another session during the Conference.
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The Right Moves – Dr. Michael Masaracchio (right) explains how physical therapy can help prevent occupational injuries in policing and corrections settings, speed up recovery and help address staffing issues caused by extended leave due to injury.
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Afternoon events during the Conference included a golf scramble, skeet shooting and a visit to the Phaeton Motors Rosenblum Car Collection. |
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Go Fore It — Rensselaer County Sheriff Kyle Bourgault (at left) and Montgomery County Sheriff Jeff Smith wait their turn on the links, while Madison County Sheriff Todd Hood (below) appears pleased with his drive off the first tee.
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Sheriff’s Office Chaplains Convene and Converse |
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With Faith and Service — During the Conference, Cameron Lienhart (pictured), Chaplain for the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office, speaks to Sheriffs on a proposal to create a Committee of Sheriff’s Office Chaplains through NYSSA, similar to C-PASS.
A breakout session (below) followed his presentation, with a number of Chaplains present to discuss the structure and format of the new group.
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Proof There is Life after Sheriffing |
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Four retired Sheriffs met recently to look at large vehicles, and discuss and compare their golf handicaps with that of Joe Biden. Left to right: Barry Virts, retired Wayne County Sheriff; Alan Riley, retired Madison County Sheriff; Tim Luce, retired Seneca County Sheriff; and, Chris Farber, retired Herkimer County Sheriff.
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Oneida County Civil and Corrections Divisions are Reaccredited |
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In front of members of the Oneida County Legislature, Peter Kehoe (pictured at far left), NYSSA Executive Director, presents the Reaccreditation plaques for both the Corrections Division and the Civil Division of the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office to Sheriff Rob Maciol (standing, right) at a recent ceremony.
The Oneida County Sheriff’s Office has received state-level accreditation for all of its Divisions, including Law Enforcement, through the NYSSA and the NYS Division of Criminal Justice Services.
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The New York State Sheriffs’ Association is excited to host the first annual NYSSA Golf Tournament on September 10, 2024 at Normanside Country Club in Delmar, New York. This will be a great opportunity to support the Association while having a fun time out on the golf course with friends. Lunch, longest-drive, closest to the pin, prizes, and more will be provided. Click the link above for more information and/or to register. |
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The 2024 Law Enforcement Supervisors Conference will take place at the Embassy Suites in downtown Saratoga Springs. The conference will provide updates on Legislative activity and the latest from DCJS, as well as case studies of real-world scenarios from law enforcement professionals over the past year. Click the link above for further information. |
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The 2024 Jail Administrators Conference will be held this year at the Crowne Plaza / Desmond Hotel in Albany. Jail Administrators manage and maintain operations of County Jail facilities, with a wide range of inmate capacity. This event is typically attended by well over 100 Jail Administrators and over 30 exhibitors. Register now by clicking the above link!
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The Committee on Policing and Safeguarding Schools (C-PASS) has relayed information from the New York State Education Department and the New York State Center for School Safety on free trainings for New York’s school leaders and staff to assist in emergency planning and developing a comprehensive District-Wide School Safety Plan and Building-Level Emergency Response Plan(s). Click the link above to download information and training schedule. |
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Dispatches from Sheriffs' Summer Camp |
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(Top) A supporter of the Sheriffs’ Institute Summer Camp receives a heartfelt note of thanks from a camper.
(Bottom) Campers enjoy a Dance / Social night.
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