The New York State Sheriffs’ Association’s Committee on Policing and Safeguarding Schools (C-PASS) held its annual conference in Saratoga Springs last month, providing opportunities for School Resource Officers / School Resource Deputies and educators to come together and develop strategies on how to keep students safer throughout New York State. The conference engaged a number of well-known speakers who are experts on school safety. It also provided opportunities for networking.

School Resource Officers from the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office pause for a photo op at the podium between sessions.

Andy Arnold is from Circle of Trust Training Systems, an organization that unites real-world practitioners and credible expertise to deliver targeted, hands-on education integrating law enforcement, educators, and community stakeholders.

Over 100 School Resource Officers / School Resource Deputies attended the Conference, which kicked off on National School Resource Officer Appreciation Day.

John Callery, Vice President of Safer Schools Together (SST), addressed how schools and law enforcement agencies can minimize and manage their risks of youth violence through the development of effective practice, policy, protocols, and programs.

Attendees also took advantage of the vendor gallery, picking up the latest and greatest in products and services.

Wayne County Sheriff Robert Milby was invited to attend the annual U.S. President’s State of the Union Address last month as a guest of Representative Claudia Tenney (pictured).

“At a time when law enforcement faces unprecedented challenges, it is important to highlight leaders who serve courageously every single day,” said Representative Tenney in a press release. “[Sheriff Milby’s] presence at the State of the Union represents my solidarity with law enforcement and the men and women who keep our communities safe.”

“Justice is strongest when every level of government stands shoulder to shoulder — protecting our citizens together and ensuring that accountability and responsibility are never optional,” said Sheriff Milby in a press release.

A bonus: Sheriff Milby had the opportunity to speak with Border Czar Tom Homan (at left in photo). “I made some great connections in the name of the NYSSA, most notably with a private lunch with Tom Homan,” noted Sheriff Milby. “He is now fully aware of our Committee [on the Northern Border] and what we have been doing, which is building bridges amongst all levels of government.”

Suffolk County officials gathered to congratulate Undersheriff Steven Kuehhas (left in photo) as he marked his retirement after four decades of public service.



The ceremonial walkout, hosted by Suffolk County Sheriff Errol D. Toulon, Jr. and the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office, drew friends, family members and colleagues spanning Kuehhas’ long career in law enforcement. 

“For nearly four decades, Undersheriff Steven Kuehhas has dedicated his life to public service, and the residents of Suffolk County are better because of it,” Sheriff Toulon said during the ceremony. He credited Kuehhas’ “integrity, experience, and steady leadership” as key assets to the Sheriff’s Office over the past decade, adding that he will be missed.

Kuehhas, the son of a Suffolk County Corrections Officer, began his career in 1986 when he joined the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office. As a prosecutor, he handled numerous serious felony cases, including violent assaults, robberies, rapes, vehicular manslaughters and public corruption matters. After 30 years with the District Attorney’s Office, Kuehhas transitioned to the Sheriff’s Office in July 2016, serving as Undersheriff under then-Sheriff Vincent DeMarco and continuing under Sheriff Toulon. 

A recent Facebook post noted, “From Sheriff Toulon and all the men and women of the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office — thank you, Undersheriff Kuehhas, for 40 years of service, mentorship, and friendship. Happy retirement!"

Madison County Sheriff Todd Hood (pictured) has been nominated to run for Lieutenant Governor as the running mate to Bruce Blakeman, the Republican candidate for Governor.

On his campaign’s Facebook page, Bruce Blakeman writes:



“My running mate, Sheriff Todd Hood has spent his career protecting communities, managing complex public safety operations, and standing up for law-abiding New Yorkers. He understands what Kathy Hochul refuses to admit: reckless bail laws and anti-police policies put repeat offenders back on the street, drive businesses out of New York, and make families less safe. Todd Hood and I believe in accountability, results, and putting taxpayers first.”

Sheriff Hood said he and Blakeman would stand with law enforcement and crime victims, cut taxes, rein in state spending and work to make New York more affordable. He emphasized his experience managing budgets and crises as Sheriff and said he would bring that hands-on leadership approach to the Lieutenant Governor’s Office while focusing on safer streets, good schools, and a stronger future for families across the state.

“That's the kind of leadership that I'll bring to the Lieutenant Governor's office,” Hood said. “Bruce Blakeman and I are running to restore common sense.”

Flying High – Deputy Aaron Taylor (above) of the Erie County Sheriff's Office Aviation Unit stands in front of Air 2 holding the French National Defense Gold Medal with Bronze Star.


Erie County Deputy Sheriff Aaron Taylor, who also has served as a member of the New York Army National Guard since 2009, recently earned prestigious recognition from the French government in response to a call to service.

While on duty during his first deployment to Iraq in August 2023, Deputy Taylor was flying a CH-47F Chinook, commanding one of the two Chinooks in flight that evening. His detachment received a call to assist a team of French Special Forces engaged in a firefight in Iraq’s Kirkuk Province. One soldier was wounded with another missing. This mission was to depart Erbil Air Base, transport 30 commandos to the battlefield and eventually exfiltrate the French allies, which Taylor and his team did successfully, earning the French National Defense Gold Medal and Bronze Star as a result.

“We could not be prouder of Aaron for serving our nation and flying our French allies out of danger that night,” said Erie County Sheriff John Garcia. “I ask the residents of Erie County to join me in offering him congratulations. We should all take great pride in the fact that a hero like him is working in the Erie County Sheriff’s Office Aviation Unit and keeping our region safe.”

Standing Against Threats – Orange County Sheriff Paul Arteta (at podium) announces the formation of the Orange County Threat Advisory Committee (OCTAC), a multi-agency team aimed at preventing violence in the community.

The Orange County Sheriff’s Office has created a Threat Advisory Committee, which Sheriff Paul Arteta said represents a new chapter in how law enforcement serves the community.

“OCTAC is about bringing people together. Law enforcement, educators, health professionals, and community leaders are all united by one mission: Keeping Orange County safe,” Sheriff Arteta said. OCTAC is not just about responding to crises, it’s about prevention, connection, and outreach.”

The Allegany County Sheriff’s Office announced the implementation of its “Handle With Care” program, an initiative designed to promote safer, more informed interactions between first responders and individuals with autism, developmental disabilities, cognitive impairments, medical conditions, the elderly, and other vulnerable populations within our community.

“Our goal is to ensure every member of our community is treated with understanding, dignity, and respect,” said Sheriff Scott Cicirello (pictured). “This program helps first responders approach situations more effectively and compassionately when interacting with individuals who may communicate, behave, or respond differently in stressful situations.”

This year, the New York City Sheriff’s Office celebrates 400 Years as the First Law Enforcement Agency in New York.

A short history: In 1626, the first Sheriff’s Office was established. Each New York City County would come to have its own Sheriff, representing five different Sheriff’s Offices. Generally, Sheriffs represent only one County.

On January 1, 1942, all five County Sheriff’s Offices joined together. They were renamed as the “Office of the Sheriff of the City of New York.”

The New York City Sheriff is the only Sheriff representing the five Counties that comprise the City of New York. (Bronx, Kings, New York, Queens, and Richmond Counties).

Happy Anniversary and many more successful years of protection and service!

Among the ways Sheriff’s Offices protect their communities, they connect with youth of various ages. Following are a few examples of their work. These events are a great reminder of the importance of positive community interaction and educating youth about law enforcement and safety.

Sworn to Serve – Members of the Rensselaer County Sheriff’s Office had a great time visiting the Stephentown Library to meet with local kids and families for a discussion on stranger danger and personal safety.

Sheriff Kyle Bourgault (standing at right) and Deputy Ryan Condo spoke about ways young people can stay safe, who they can go to for help, and the importance of trusting their instincts in uncomfortable situations. The kids asked some great questions and were very engaged throughout the visit.

At the end of the program, each child was sworn in as an honorary Junior Deputy and received a badge to mark the occasion. They also had the opportunity to check out the patrol car—complete with lights and sirens—which quickly became a crowd favorite.

Love That Hat! – No event is too tough for Sheriffs to manage. Pictured is Montgomery County Sheriff Jeff Smith, who enjoyed his time with a kindergarten class at Fonda-Fultonville Central School for Read Across America Day. The Sheriff joined the students for story time, rocked a very special red and white hat, and helped celebrate the joy of reading with some amazing young learners.

Building positive connections with schools and encouraging a love of reading are just a few of the ways the Sheriff’s Office supports the community’s future leaders.

Back in Rensselaer County, another team from that Sheriff’s Office had the privilege of reading to four classrooms, sharing some great stories and spending time with the students.

Undersheriff Michael Dinardo (at right in back row) read a few of his personal favorite books, while Deputy Ryan Condo kept up the tradition by reading “The Bad Seed,” a fun story that reminds students about personal responsibility and making the right choices.

Programs like this are a great opportunity to connect with young people in the community and reinforce positive messages about character, integrity, and learning.

Suffolk County Sheriff Errol D. Toulon, Jr. (standing at far left) recently launched the SKILLS program (Sheriff’s Kids Improving Leadership and Life Skills), a new 10-week curriculum designed for sixth graders to foster leadership and positive decision making.

The SKILLS program replaces the GREAT program (Gang Resistance, Education and Training). SKILLS is an in-house initiative currently launching in several school districts to address modern challenges and strengthen ties between law enforcement and youth.

Accreditation Building – The New York State Law Enforcement Agency Accreditation Council (LEAAC) conferred Certificates of Reaccreditation to Seneca County Sheriff Tim Thompson (center) and Undersheriff Melinda Marquart (right), which were presented by DCJS Deputy Commissioner Michael Bonse in Albany recently.

During the presentation, Undersheriff Marquart was also honored with the John Kimball O’Neil Certificate of Achievement, recognizing her outstanding leadership and dedication in maintaining the agency’s accreditation standards as a program manager.

“We are proud of this accomplishment and remain committed to upholding the standards that help us best serve the residents of Seneca County,” the Sheriff’s Office noted in a Facebook post.

Strength Through Accreditation – Greene County Sheriff Peter Kusminsky (pictured, left) traveled to Albany to receive a plaque from DCJS Deputy Commissioner Michael Bonse, recognizing reaccreditation of the Sheriff’s Office Law Enforcement Division. 

As noted in a Facebook post from the Sheriff’s Office, “Much thanks to our Accreditation Manager, Sergeant Shawn Marriott, for all of the work he does on a continual basis to help us meet and exceed NYS Standards for Policing.”

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.

Let's Moooove it Along, or 

The reel link below shows a Dutchess County Sheriff’s Deputy and his efforts to corral an unruly road-hogging herd of cows.

From the Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page:

“A Dutchess County Deputy Sheriff safely moved cattle out of the roadway today after they caused a traffic hazard.

“Everyone, two-legged and four-legged, made it home safely!”

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