High Honors – Governor Kathy Hochul presents the Governor’s Police Officer of the Year Award to Cortland County Sheriff’s Captain Anthony Phelps. Pictured above from left are Cortland County Sheriff Mark Helms; Captain Phelps’s wife Lauren; Captain Phelps; Governor Hochul and Joe Popcun, Executive Deputy Commissioner for the New York State Department of Criminal Justice Services.

Last month in Albany, Governor Kathy Hochul presented Cortland County Sheriff’s Captain Anthony Phelps with the New York State Police Officer Medal of Honor — also known as the Governor’s Police Officer of the Year Award — for demonstrating exceptional courage and bravery for actions taken during an incident last year. A similar award was presented to New York State Police Captain Richard Albert for his response during a separate incident.

“Each of these officers displayed extraordinary bravery while under lethal threat by armed individuals who shot at police,” Governor Hochul said. “Their instincts and training kicked in, and their quick thinking and swift action saved their own lives while also protecting the lives of others.”

On Jan. 29, 2024, Cortland County Sheriff’s Deputies attempted to serve an eviction warrant at a home, where the tenant was found with a shotgun. Officers attempted to de-escalate the situation. Phelps, a then-Investigator Sergeant, arrived at the residence just as the tenant opened fire. While the other officers sought cover, Phelps advanced toward the shooter, striking him in the leg and ending the threat. Phelps then secured the scene and applied a tourniquet to the tenant’s leg, saving his life.

“I am proud of all the officers who responded to this incident, but Captain Phelps stood out for his swift, decisive, and professional actions,” said Cortland County Sheriff Mark E. Helms. “His quick assessment and immediate response prevented what could have been a tragic outcome, protecting the lives of his fellow officers. Captain Phelps exemplifies the very best of the Cortland County Sheriff’s Office.” 

A Lasting Remembrance – From left, Jefferson County Sheriff Peter Barnett, State Senator Mark Walczyk, Linda Finerson, Tammy Finerson-Beerman, State Assemblyman Scott Gray and members of the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office Color Guard during the bridge naming ceremony

Fifty-five years ago in September, Jefferson County Deputy Sheriff Micheal J. Finerson was killed in the line of duty during a domestic violence call in the Town of Watertown.

And fifty-five years later to the same day of his passing, the fallen Deputy’s wife Linda Finnerson and their daughter Tammy — who was two at the time of the Deputy’s death — attended the dedication ceremony of the Michael J. Finerson Memorial Bridge in Chaumont, NY. Due to legislation passed with the help of state Assemblyman Scott Gray and Senator Mark Walczyk, Chaumont’s newly renovated bridge now bears his name.

Jefferson County Sheriff Peter Barnett was proud to be part of the dedication and noted it was an honor to help keep Deputy Finerson’s legacy alive.

“It’s one of the most humbling experiences I’ve had since I’ve been in office, but also a true honor. This wasn’t a day of mourning. It was a day of celebration, and all about the Finerson family,” he said.

Sheriffs’ Week is over, but reminders of the excellent work Sheriffs do for their communities continue on. Following are a few scenes from various Sheriff’s Offices during the week – many of which opened their doors to host events on site. We also have a summary reel from the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office.

Welcome! — Delaware County Sheriff Craig DuMond (pictured at left) stands ready to greet visitors at the Office’s Open House.

The Way They Were — The Livingston County Sheriff's Office opened its online reflections of Sheriffs' Week by posting vintage photos — including the one above — of the Office from days gone by.

Fall into the Role —Montgomery County Sheriff Jeff Smith (pictured left) gives a recently deputized member a tour of the Sheriff's Office during its open house.

At the Ready — The Orange County Sheriff’s Office (above), with Sheriff Paul Arteta at far left.

Time for K-9s — At the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office

A 23-year veteran of the Onondaga County Sheriff's Department (pictured) died of injuries suffered in an off-duty motorcycle crash.

“It is with profound sadness that we share the heartbreaking news of the passing of one of our own, Deputy William “Bill” Pufky,” Onondaga County Sheriff Toby Shelley noted in a Facebook post.

In his Facebook tribute, Sheriff Shelley commended Pufky's kindness and commitment to helping others.

“True to his generous spirit and lifelong dedication to serving others, Bill’s family made the selfless decision to donate his organs — a final act of compassion that speaks to the man he was.” Sheriff Shelley said.

On the Road Again . . . As Always — From left, DCJS Commissioner Michael Bonse, Cayuga County Sheriff’s Chief Deputy Richard Flanagan, Undersheriff Stuart Peenstra, Sheriff Brian Schenck and DCJS Executive Deputy Commissioner Joe Popcun

Last month, the Cayuga County Sheriff’s Office Road Patrol Division was accredited by the New York State Law Enforcement Agency Accreditation Council at a meeting of the Council held in Albany, NY.

Sheriff Schenck recognized the current and past accreditation team, consisting of Undersheriff Stuart Peenstra, Clerk Kristin George, IDO Deputy Leszczynski, Deputy Raftis, and Sergeant Tim Axton (Ret.). Undersheriff Peenstra was also presented with the “John Kimball O’Neil Certificate of Achievement” for serving as the Department’s Accreditation Program Manager.

“I am proud of the dedicated men and women of the Sheriff’s Office who serve our communities by providing responsive, caring, unbiased professional law enforcement,” noted Sheriff Schenck. “This recognition marks the second division within the Cayuga County Sheriff’s Office to become accredited this year." [NB - the Office's Jail Division was accredited last Winter.] "These assessments speak to the hard work our staff does every day.”

Reaccredited I — From left, DCJS Commissioner Michael Bonse, Warren County Sheriff's Office Lieutenant Russ Lail and DCJS Executive Deputy Commissioner Joseph Popcun

The Warren County Sheriff’s Office received reaccreditation of its Law Enforcement Division at the September meeting of the Law Enforcement Agency Accreditation Council.

“Maintaining NYS Law Enforcement Accreditation is a continued priority of our team.” Observed Warren County Sheriff Jim LaFarr in a Facebook post. “We are currently accredited in Police Services, Corrections, Communications, and Civil Operations. The Accreditation Council’s recent vote is an independent testament to the quality of police service that we provide to the community. A sincere THANK YOU to our Accreditation Program Manager Lieutenant Russ Lail for his efforts.”

Reaccredited II — From left, NYSSA Executive Director Peter Kehoe, Yates County Sheriff Frank Ryan and Undersheriff Brandon Jensen.

The Yates County Sheriff's Office received its reaccreditation of its Civil Division from the New York State Sheriff's Association at the September meeting of the County Legislature.

The Sheriff’s Office thanked the entire staff of the Office for their efforts in keeping to the rigorous standards that are required to remain an accredited agency. In addition to a plaque recognizing this achievement by the Sheriff’s Office, Civil Clerk Jean Hubbel-Lenton, Lieutenant Kevin Campbell and Sergeant Chad Daggett were presented with certificates recognizing their work in demonstrating their agencies qualifications for receiving reaccreditation.

Cortland County Sheriff Mark E. Helms announced that Undersheriff Chad Burhans (pictured) has graduated as a member of the 295th session of the FBI National Academy. The graduation took place at the National Academy in Quantico, Virginia, on September 4, 2025.

Undersheriff Burhans is the sixth officer in the Cortland County Sheriff’s Office history to complete this training program. Nationally, fewer than one percent of officers has had the opportunity to attend the program.

Sheriff Helms noted, “I was extremely happy for the opportunity for Undersheriff Burhans to attend this prestigious training. The Undersheriff is an excellent example of the type of officers I have here at the Sheriff’s Office. I’m proud of what he’s been able to accomplish and look forward to the future with him at my side.”

Ulster County Sheriff Juan Figueroa (pictured fourth from left above) and Chautauqua County Sheriff / NYSSA President James Quattrone (far right, second row) successfully completed the inaugural session of the National Sheriffs’ Institute (NSI) Communicating for Impact program last June at the FBI Academy in Quantico. This course is provided at no cost to the Sheriff’s Office by the National Institute of Corrections and U.S. Department of Justice, in collaboration with the Major County Sheriffs of America.

Sheriffs Figueroa and Quattrone were selected to join 16 other sheriffs from across the country to attend the NSI’s first offering of this course, which focuses on enhancing a Sheriff’s ability to inspire, motivate, inform, build trust, and lead change, while promoting and supporting their organizations’ mission, vision, and values. Congratulations, Sheriffs Figueroa and Quattrone.

Still in the Game —

Retired Cattaraugus County Sheriff Tim Whitcomb is still engaged in helping law enforcement officers dealing with PTSD and stress. Pictured is Sheriff Whitcomb presenting his training program to members of the Cayuga County Sheriff’s Office.

Law Enforcement Supervisors and Jail Administrators Conferences

The New York State Sheriffs’ Association sponsored its annual Law-Enforcement Supervisors’ and Jail Administrators’ conferences last month in Saratoga. Following are some of the presenters and the topics they discussed.

Law Enforcement Supervisors

Onondaga County Sheriff’s Captain Jesse Welch (above) recounts the fatal ambush of Onondaga Sheriff’s Lieutenant Michael Hoosock in an after-action case study.

Above left – Jordan Muraskin, Ph.D., of de Cervo LLC presents a session on the "Neuroscience of High-Stakes Decision Making in Law Enforcement."

Above right, Ontario County Sheriff’s Lieutenant Chris Drake outlines "Local Cannabis Regulations: Early Lessons."

Retired New York State Police Senior Investigator Matt Stegner (pictured left), offers his insights during a presentation of "Leading with Courage and Compassion: The Guardian–Warrior Path in Policing."

Jail Administrators

Amber Ryan (left) and Jason Cooper from the NYS Office of the Comptroller review Retirement Issues for Correction Officers and Supervisors.

Raven Manchester (at left) is a Regional Coordinator for Matters (Medication for Addiction Treatment and Electronic Referrals). She presented options on treatment issues.

Vendor time saw Sheriffs and Undersheriffs making the rounds, including Chenango County Undersheriff Dustin Smietana (at left in photo) . . .

. . . former Herkimer County Sheriff Chris Farber

(pictured, right) and Chautauqua County Sheriff / NYSSA President James Quattrone (below left).



Former Niagara County Sheriff Jim Vouture (at left) spoke to attendees on behalf of Axon Enterprise, Inc. on the topic of “No Shadows in the Cells: The Power of the Axon Lens Behind Bars.”

And Rockland County Sheriff Louis Falco (pictured at right) provided input during a question-and-answer session. Rockland County Undersheriff Mary Barbera is next to the Sheriff.

NSA Call for Annual Award Nominations

The National Sheriffs' Association annually presents eleven prestigious awards, recognizing outstanding achievements. Applications for these awards are due this year by December 15 and award winners are selected in February. Some of the awards include free travel to the Luncheon in June.  Click here for more information.

Suffolk County Deputy Adopts Kitten After Rescue

From the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page:

“On Labor Day evening, Deputy Sheriffs on patrol in Yaphank heard faint cries from a storm drain and discovered a trapped kitten. With help from our Emergency Management Section, they carefully freed the tiny feline. The best part is that one of our Deputies adopted the kitten (pictured), now named Foley, after the John J. Foley Building where he was rescued.”

A purrfect ending to the day . . .

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