The New York State Sheriffs’ Association 92nd Annual Winter Training Conference took place in Albany last month, recognizing the best of law enforcement personnel during its awards program and the installation of the Association’s 2026 Officers and Executive Committee. Following are some highlights from the meeting.

Award Presentations


The Annual Awards Presentation is sponsored by the New York State Sheriffs’ Institute, and profiles the commitment of Deputies and the Court, Corrections, School Resource Officers and others have to their jobs and to their communities throughout the State. These awards represent the very best of law enforcement across New York State — dedicated, professional, and an unwavering commitment to public service. The honorees have distinguished themselves through hard work, leadership, and service. Such recognition is well deserved.

Deputy of the Year

First presented in 1977, the Deputy of the Year award recognizes a Deputy Sheriff for an act of exceptional valor and heroism, above and beyond the normal call of duty.

Because of the sterling qualities and heroic actions performed by many qualified candidates, the New York State Sheriffs’ Institute selected four Deputies for this year’s award.

Deputy of the Year - Chautauqua County

Two of the four awardees were from the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office — Deputy Joshua Summers (above left) and Deputy Jacob Dietzel pose with their plaques following recognition on the dais.

"Deputy Dietzel and Deputy Summers represent the very best of the Chautauqua County Sheriff's Office," noted Chautauqua County Sheriff Jim Quattrone. “Their dedication, professionalism, and willingness to go above and beyond in service to others make them truly deserving of this honor."

Deputy of the Year - Putnam County

Next, Putnam County Sheriff’s Investigator John Kerwich (second from right) stands with (from left) Executive Committee Chair and Chenango County Sheriff Ernest Cutting, Chautauqua County Sheriff James Quattrone, New York State Sheriffs’ Institute Chair and Steuben County Sheriff James Allard and Putnam County Sheriff Brian Hess (at far right).

During an attempt to arrest an armed suspect wanted for multiple serious offenses, Investigator Kerwich was struck and run over by the suspect’s vehicle. Despite sustaining injuries, he continued to direct the investigation and pursuit, which resulted in the suspect’s apprehension.

Deputy of the Year - Sullivan County

Above from left, Sheriff Cutting, Sullivan County Sheriff Michael Schiff, Sheriff Quattrone, Deputy Sheriff Andrew Foertsch and Sheriff Allard.



Sullivan County Deputy Sheriff Andrew Foertsch was recognized for his actions on April 10, 2025, during an armed confrontation in Monticello. Authorities say Foertsch exchanged gunfire with a suspect and was not injured. He wounded the man, stopping what officials described as aggressive actions. The suspect was recently convicted of attempted murder of a police officer.

Sheriff Karl Draxler Award

First presented in 1982, the Sheriff Draxler award recognizes a Sheriff’s Office employee for exceptional achievement over the course of their career, demonstrated by conscientious devotion to duty and a spirit of selfless public service. The award is named for the late Chemung County Sheriff Carl Draxler, who personified these qualities.

The Sheriffs’ Institute selected Monroe County Sheriff’s Chief Deputy Michael Fowler (pictured above left) as this year’s awardee, seen here providing remarks at the podium following receipt of the award. Watching the Chief Deputy are Sheriff Quattrone (center) and Monroe County Sheriff Todd Baxter.

First presented in 1995, this award recognizes a Correction Officer or Deputy Sheriff for an act of extraordinary valor and heroism, above and beyond the normal call of duty, or for demonstrating exceptional dedication and leadership over the course of their career.

Deputy David Passino (above left) and Deputy Erik Francis from the Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office received this award in recognition for their heroism during a dangerous incident on January 10, 2025, when an inmate launched an attack on Deputy Francis with a knife. Thanks to their training, professionalism, and level-headed response under extreme pressure, Deputy Francis and Sergeant Passino was able to quickly subdue the inmate and bring a potentially life-threatening situation to an end.

First presented in 1993, this award recognizes a Civil Deputy who has exhibited exceptional dedication and leadership over the course of their career to civil law enforcement, either in their own County or statewide through involvement in training and accreditation programs.

Jesse Genter, the Chief Civil Deputy of the Broome County Sheriff’s Office, was named Civil Deputy of the Year. He poses with (from left) New York State Sheriffs’ Institute Executive Director Christopher O’Brien, Broome County Undersheriff Sam Davis, Steuben County Sheriff James Allard, Mr. Genter and Broome County Sheriff Fred Akshar.

A veteran of the Broome County Sheriff’s Office for over 20 years, Mr. Genter currently oversees the Broome County Sheriff's Office Civil Division as one of the longest-serving Civil Chiefs in New York State. He also serves as an instructor for the New York State Sheriff’s Institute’s Civil School, which provides training programs for Sheriffs’ civil personnel statewide.

“Ever since our administration began, there has never been a question of trust when it comes to Chief Civil Deputy Genter’s expertise and ability,” noted Sheriff Fred Akshar and Undersheriff Sam Davis. “We trust that he’s doing a great job, taking care of his team and taking care of his students by teaching them the right way to administer their duties. Time and again, that trust has been affirmed. We sincerely appreciate his work and his crucial role to the success of the Broome County Sheriff’s Office.”

This award recognizes Sheriff’s Court Security Officers for demonstrating exceptional dedication and leadership over the course of their career or for an act of exceptional valor and heroism, above and beyond the normal call of duty.

Allegany County Sheriff’s Deputy Casey McRae (above right) was honored with the award this year. The Sheriff's Office noted that Deputy McRae was the County’s first ever New York State Sheriffs' Institute award recipient.

Above left is Allegany County Sheriff Scott Cicirello, with Sheriff Quattrone at center.

In 2022, the Sheriffs’ Institute Award’s Committee established the Sheriff Colleen M. O’Neill Award to be given in recognition of a female officer who has contributed to both the advancement of women in law enforcement and the advancement of the Office of Sheriff. Jefferson County Sheriff O’Neil is the first elected female Sheriff in New York State history.

Sullivan County was featured a second time with the presentation of the Sheriff Colleen O’Neill Award to Sullivan County Sheriff’s Lieutenant Cheryl Crumley. Above from left are Sheriff Cutting, Sheriff Allard, Sheriff Schiff, Lieutenant Crumley and Sheriff Quattrone.

Lieutenant Crumley received the Sheriff Colleen O’Neill Award for her response on Oct. 3, 2025, when she encountered a distraught woman on a highway overpass above State Route 17 in Monticello. Lieutenant Crumley was able to intervene and prevent the woman from jumping into traffic below.

This award was named in honor of former Yates County Sheriff Ron Spike, who retired in 2023 after a 53-year career in law enforcement. Sheriff Spike was hired as a Deputy in 1970 and elected to his first term as Sheriff in 1992.

Ulster County Sheriff’s Deputy Justin Watson (above center), winner of this year’s Award, poses with (from left) Sheriff Cutting, Sheriff Quattrone, Ulster County Sheriff Juan Figueroa, and Sheriff Allard.

Deputy Watson was hired for part-time service in 2021 and began full-time work in 2022. He began his career on Road Patrol and later transitioned to a role as a School Resource Officer. Throughout his career, he has gone above and beyond in coordinating events throughout the community. In a statement released by the Ulster County Sheriff’s Office, “We are proud of this wonderful accomplishment and congratulate him on this recognition!”

The Sheriffs Community Engagement Team (CET) of the Erie County Sheriff’s Office was recognized with this year's Innovative Program Award.

CET is comprised of Police Services Division Deputies of the Erie County Sheriff's Office. They enhance police-citizen interaction by offering an open line of communication between citizens and the Erie County Sheriff's Office. CET interacts with town supervisors, village mayors, school superintendents, and block clubs in the areas the Erie County Sheriff’s Office patrols.

Congratulations to all award winners!

In Continued Service – Ulster County Sheriff Juan Figueroa (left) is sworn in as 2026 President of the New York State Sheriffs’ Association by the Honorable Bryan E. Rounds, Ulster County Court Judge. Below, Immediate Past President and Chautauqua County Sheriff James Quattrone watches as Sheriff Figueroa makes his first remarks as the new 2026 NYSSA President.

Other executive leaders were also sworn in at the ceremony:

• Madison County Sheriff Todd Hood as 1st Vice President,

• Wayne County Sheriff Robert Milby as 2nd Vice President,

• Fulton County Sheriff Richard Giardino as 3rd Vice President,

• Rockland County Sheriff Louis Falco III as Secretary,

• Montgomery County Sheriff Jeff Smith as Treasurer, and

• Broome County Sheriff Fred Akshar serving as Sergeant-at-Arms.

Sheriffs at Their Word – Sheriffs take an oath for their NYSSA leadership roles in 2026.

The Executive Committee works year-round on behalf of Sheriffs and their offices across New York State— advocating on legislative priorities, coordinating training and professional development, and strengthening partnerships that support public safety in every County. This installation marks not just a change in leadership, but a continued commitment to collaboration, service, and the hard work that happens behind the scenes all year long.

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Chenango County Sheriff Ernest Cutting -Chairman

Cortland County Sheriff Mark Helms - Vice Chairman

Albany County Sheriff Craig Apple

Delaware County Sheriff Craig DuMond

Chautauqua County Sheriff James Quattrone

Washington County Sheriff Jeffrey Murphy

Oneida County Sheriff Robert Maciol

TRUSTEES

Livingston County Sheriff Thomas Dougherty

Rensselaer County Sheriff Kyle Bourgault

Oswego County Sheriff Don Hilton

Special Guest Appearance – New York State Governor Kathy Hochul attended the Conference (above) and provided remarks to Sheriffs (below), pledging support for the work they do and promising to stand with them in their efforts to protect the safety of New York State residents.

But Wait, There’s More — Sheriffs attended other presentations including:

• Monroe County Sheriff Todd Baxter on the “Protect Act;” 


• “AI 101: Demystifying Artificial Intelligence” (above) by Lindsey Sample and Ryan Kather from IBM, and 


• “Strategies for Combating Illegal Vapes,” a roundtable discussion led by Rensselaer County Sheriff Kyle Bourgault and Ulster County Sheriff Juan Figueroa.

Also on hand, Dr. Mitch Javidi (shown below), Ph.D. spoke on “Elastic Leadership: Reflect, Reclaim and Rise,” the materials for which included an article written by Dr. Javidi, Albany County Sheriff Craig Apple and Chautauqua County Sheriff James Quattrone.

And Wayne County Sheriff Robert Milby (pictured) provided an update from the Northern Border Security Committee, which dovetailed with a presentation on “Cartel Intrusion into the United States.” Late last year, Sheriff Milby appeared on a podcast with Sheriff Mark Lamb discussing the border, which you can view here.

Just as important as the sessions were opportunities for Sheriffs to meet in an informal setting, such as breaks to visit with vendors. Above, Oswego County Sheriff Don Hilton (left) catches up with Lewis County Sheriff Michael Carpinelli.

The Legislative Reception at the Fort Orange Club during the Winter Meeting provided further opportunities for Sheriffs to connect with their state representatives, including Assemblyman Chris Tague (above center) with (from left) Delaware County Sheriff Craig DuMond, Chenango County Sheriff Ernest Cutting, Assemblyman Tague, Greene County Sheriff Peter Kusminsky and Schoharie County Sheriff Albro Fancher.

The start of 2026 saw the departure of two long-term Sheriffs from their posts: Schoharie County Sheriff Ron Stevens and Saratoga County Sheriff Michael Zurlo, both of whom opted for a more leisured life, but who will always be a part of the Sheriffs’ community. NYSSA wishes them all the best in their future endeavors.

A Neighborly Send Off — Above from left, Greene County Sheriff Peter Kusminsky, retiring Schoharie County Sheriff Ron Stevens, and Montgomery County Sheriff Jeff Smith.

From the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page: “

Congratulations to Schoharie County Sheriff Ronald R. Stevens on his retirement . . . 50 years of Law Enforcement service is absolutely incredible; you should be very proud. On behalf of everyone at the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office and Sheriff Jeffery T. Smith, we wish you the best and thank you for your partnership.”

Saying Goodbye to One of Their Own — Sheriffs gather to recognize Saratoga County Sheriff Michael Zurlo’s 30-plus years of law-enforcement work in Saratoga County.

Above from left, Hamilton County Sheriff Karl Abrams, Greene County Sheriff Peter Kusminsky, Warren County Sheriff Jim LaFarr, Ulster County Sheriff Juan Figueroa, Washington County Sheriff Jeff Murphy, retiring Saratoga County Sheriff Michael Zurlo, Albany County Sheriff Craig Apple, Fulton County Sheriff Richard Giardino, Montgomery County Sheriff Jeff Smith, and newly elected Saratoga County Sheriff Jeff Brown.

Wyoming County Sheriff David P. Linder (pictured) has announced he will retire at the end of his term this year after nearly 35 years of law enforcement. Serving as Undersheriff in 2022, he was named Acting Sheriff when Sheriff Gregory Rudolph retired on July 31 of that year. The following November, Linder was elected Sheriff.

Prior to his election, he held key leadership positions, including Patrol Division Captain. He also served 12 years as a Road Patrol Sergeant, during which he supervised the Civil Division. 

Current Wyoming County Undersheriff Colin P. B. Reagan has announced his candidacy for Sheriff in the 2026 election. His candidacy was endorsed by Sheriff Linder.

Dive, Dive! — Monroe County Sheriff’s Office staff participated in a Polar Plunge (left) to support the Special Olympics of NY and its athletes. The Plunge took place as temperatures plummeted and snow flurries kept things very much on the cool side.

Additionally, male staff grew out hair on their chins for a good cause. From October to January, Deputies and professional staff generously donated to two wonderful organizations for the hirsute privilege. Female Deputies and professional staff were allowed to wear a navy blue or pink tee under their uniforms and/or dye a portion of their hair blue or pink. As a result, they raised $3,770 for Rochester Community Inclusive Rowing and nearly $10,400 for the Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester. Keep up the good work, everyone!

Noah Conghlan is on the run . . . and Sheriff’s Offices across the state are helping him.

Last October, Noah began his fifth and final Run across America totaling 5,500 miles across 20 States, a tribute to highlight the American Spirit and stories of the 350 million American People, meet rare-disease families, and interview some of the 70,000 remaining World War II Veterans. Noah has crossed 36 States previously with 14 States remaining. When Noah finishes his final American run on America's 250th Semi quincentennial birthday on July 4th, 2026, in Hawaii, he will become only the third person ever to have crossed all 50 States on foot.

The Erie County Sheriff’s Office is hardly the only Sheriff's Office providing an escort for Noah Coughlan as he runs across New York State. Still, it was a special meeting for Erie County Deputies Miller and Malican (above) as they gifted Coughlan (left) a Josh Allen jersey to welcome him to Bills Mafia.

Below are a few more stops Noah made on his trek across New York State . . .

Noah on the run in Livingston County (above), in Oneida County with Sheriff Rob Maciol (below) . . .

. . . and in Ontario County with Sheriff Dave Cirencione. Godspeed, Noah!

The local chapter director of the FBI National Academy Association is sending this renewal reminder to NYSSA members who are also graduates of the FBI National Academy. Please consider taking a moment to renew your membership if you have not done so. Click anywhere on the above ad to visit the website.

Administrative Assistants Conference | April 20 – 22, 2026

This year’s Administrative Assistants Training Conference will be held at the Embassy Suites in Saratoga. It is a professional-development opportunity for Administrative Assistants within the Sheriff’s Office to learn more about important topics related to being effective within the occupation while also gaining a better understanding of the function and benefits of the New York State Sheriffs’ Association and New York State Sheriffs’ Institute. Click the link in blue above for more information and to register.

Guess Who?

From the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office Facebook Page:

“We have a special Throwback Thursday today! Pictured above left is Christopher M. Bourke at his graduation from the Niagara County Community College Law Enforcement Academy (Class of 1986), where he finished at the top of his class in defensive tactics, beginning his career as a Deputy Sheriff.”

And look at him now . . . Way to go, Sheriff!

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