Law Enforcement Leaders Bring Their Concerns to the Table |
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Fulton County Sheriff Rich Giardino (standing) emphasizes the need for law enforcement to do a better job of promoting its positive message to counteract the constant anti-police rhetoric being pushed by activists and some in the media. |
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NYSSA hosted a joint meeting of the officers and leadership of the Sheriffs’ Association, the State Chiefs’ Association, the New York State Police and the New York City Police Department on September 9 in Albany. The four organizations met to discuss a wide range of topics that have taken on increasing prominence due to the COVID Pandemic and national civil unrest involving law enforcement officers.
Among the topics discussed were the response to community unrest, training, civil service rules vs. diversity recruitment, Governor Cuomo's Executive Order 203, bail and discovery reform and NY Pause complaints. The four groups agreed to continue such leadership meetings at least twice a year, to foster better communications among agencies.
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The head table at the joint meeting of New York’s law enforcement leadership was occupied by (facing camera, l to r) Mike Ranalli, Chief (ret.), NYSACOP board member; Oleg Chernyavasky, Deputy Commissioner, NYPD; Terry Monahan, Chief of Department, NYPD; Jeff Murphy, President, Sheriff’s Association; Pat Phelan, President, Chiefs’ Association; and Kevin Bruen, First Deputy Superintendent, NY State Police. |
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86th Annual NYSSA Summer Fall Training Conference Looks at Current Events Affecting Law-Enforcement
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Professor Edward Lawson, Jr., JD, MBA, of the Black Studies Department, SUNY New Paltz, speaks to Sheriffs about the Diversity Equity and Inclusion Framework (DEIF) at the Fall program in Saratoga Springs, NY. |
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This year the Sheriff’s Association, for the first time, held its annual training conference in the Fall. Thirty-two Sheriffs and five Undersheriffs gathered at the Embassy Suites in Saratoga Springs to discuss, and receive training on, the important issues of the day.
There were only two outside speakers for the three-day conference: Dr. Edward Lawson, introduced by Ulster County Sheriff Juan Figueroa, spoke on a framework for developing a local action plan, where individuals, communities and the Sheriff’s Office can engage in practices that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, which will allow all the stakeholders to prosper, grow, heal and thrive.
Dr. Mark Montgomery, introduced by Oneida County Sheriff Rob Maciol, spoke on the avenues during concerning times such as these for leadership to promote positive social changes through empowering others, as demonstrated through current and historical best practices, with social cohesion as an outcome.
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Monroe County Sheriff Todd Baxter (pictured), along with Monroe Captain John Kennedy and Monroe Deputy Lakisha Shepard, reported on their comprehensive research paper on suicides and suicide attempts in the Monroe County jail, along with a review of related literature and state and national statistics, which revealed some important information which can benefit other jails in their quest to reduce and eliminate jail suicides. Deputy Shepard also spoke movingly on the impact a jail suicide can have on jail staff.
The Sheriffs also saw a video offered by Sheriff Jim Quattrone, “Walking While Black,” which powerfully showed the negative perception of police officers by many Blacks, and discussed ways to change that perception for the better.
The conference was also unusual in that there were no vendors on site, but we still had several vendors sponsor the conference and various events. Major conference sponsors were: Coalition Against Bigger Trucks (CABT), The Partnership for Safe Medicines and Active Solar Development LLC. Other event sponsors were Cushing Systems Inc., Mac Group Solution Services and Cooley.
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Sheriffs Across the State |
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Congressman Reed on the Road with Chautauqua
County Sheriff Quattrone
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Congressman Tom Reed (pictured, left), representing New York's 23d Congressional District, spent part of his day recently in a patrol car. He took part in a ride-along with Sheriff Jim Quattrone (right) to learn more about the challenges that law enforcement officers face daily. They discussed key issues, including the importance of holding bad cops accountable for their actions, New York’s bail reform law, and how Governor Cuomo’s recent Executive Order to reform police will impact the Sheriff's Office.
During the ride, the Congressman said he stands with "our communities and the vast majority of police officers, who are honorable people that need our support to keep us safe. Working together, we must enact meaningful changes that stand up against acts of police brutality while giving law enforcement the tools" they need.
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Sheriffs Comment on State Guidance Document Encouraging Reinvention of Policing Practices in New York |
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Clinton County Sheriff David Favro |
Delaware County Sheriff Craig DuMond |
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Sheriffs are responding to recently released guidance from Governor Cuomo's staff encouraging New York's local law enforcement agencies to review their relationships and protocols with the communities they serve and to consider a “reinvention’ of their policies.
The document, "New York State Police Reform and Reinvention Collaborative," devotes nearly 30 pages to a discussion of the importance of community policing and engagement.
Clinton County Sheriff David Favro has been a practitioner of community policing throughout his career, including service as a school D.A.R.E. officer with the Plattsburgh Police Department. Favro believes uniformed SROs in school buildings are a valuable form of community policing. “If we don’t start with our youth, where is this going to end?” he asked.
The report also discusses the need for improved training for police as well as an “honest and thoughtful discussion” between police executives, community members and government leaders.
“Practically everything in this [guidance] we are doing already,” Delaware County Sheriff Craig DuMond said. “I look at this as a positive, because it gives us an opportunity to showcase the good work being done that the Governor doesn’t recognize.”
Sheriff DuMond noted his office is accredited by the Law Enforcement Agency Accreditation Council, a state body that Governor Cuomo controls, as are many other Sheriff's Offices that are facing the mandate. The Sheriff said the push for police reform should be extended to all law enforcement agencies, including those controlled by the Governor that are not included in the mandate (for example, State Police, SUNY Police and DEC Police).
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Celebrate Sheriffs' Week - September 20 - 26, 2020 |
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Governor Andrew Cuomo has signed a proclamation recognizing September 20 - 26, 2020 as Sheriffs Week throughout New York State.
The proclamation – issued annually by all Governors since the George Pataki Administration – brings public awareness to the historical and contemporary importance of the Office of the Sheriff in New York, and highlights the work done by Sheriffs to protect and serve their communities.
Sheriff's Offices are encouraged to publicize the Proclamation, and use whatever means available to tell their positive stories to their citizens as part of the celebration of Sheriffs Week.
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Congratulations to 2020 Finger Lakes Law Enforcement Academy Deputy Sheriff Graduates |
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You can't see it, but Cayuga County Sheriff Deputies Brian J. Kelly, Abby K.A. Murphy, Donald Helmer II, and Valerie A. Thurston (above) are all smiles behind their masks, along with their Commanders during FLLEA graduation ceremonies. |
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Sheriffs from six counties convened to celebrate 26 new graduates of the Finger Lakes Law Enforcement Academy on August 31.
Opening remarks were presented by Sheriff Ron Spike, with closing remarks by Sheriff Barry Virts. The deputies graduated from basic training, which started February, and are now in field training for the next several weeks.
The graduating deputies have joined the Cayuga, Livingston, Ontario, Seneca, Yates and Wayne County Sheriff's Offices.
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Putnam County Deputy Sheriffs and Investigator
Awarded Medals for Heroism
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Award Day - Deputy Sheriffs Benjamin Levine and Kevin Osika (second and third from right) with NY State Senator Peter Harckham (r), Putnam County Sheriff Robert L. Langley, Jr. (l) and Investigator Ryan McMahon (second from left). |
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Two Putnam County Sheriff’s Department deputies were awarded Liberty Medals for their heroic efforts last year in rescuing two men who in separate incidents were threatening to jump off area bridges.
State Senator Peter Harckham presented medals to Deputies Benjamin Levine and Kevin Osika during a special ceremony in Carmel.
The Liberty Medal is the highest honor bestowed upon an individual by the New York State Senate. Along with their medals, Harckham presented the deputies with Senate resolutions thanking them for their heroism.
Deputies Levine and Osika and Investigator Ryan McMahon also received the National Sheriff’s Association Medal of Valor, given for an act of outstanding personal bravery, intelligently performed, in the line of duty at eminent personal hazard of life. Additionally, the National Sheriff’s Association Purple Heart was presented by Sheriff Langley and Undersheriff Kevin Cheverko to Investigator McMahon and Deputy Levine. The Purple Heart is given for having sustained personal injury in the intelligent performance of duty, inflicted by an assailant with a dangerous and deadly weapon.
“This is the finest group of officers I have ever worked with,” said Putnam County Sheriff Robert L. Langley, Jr. “The pride I have in them is unmatched. They are true representatives of professional law enforcement and fulfill their duties with the utmost integrity and compassion.”
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County Sheriffs Combine Efforts to Bring "Felony Lane Gang" Members to Justice |
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Putnam County Sheriff Robert L. Langley, Jr. (pictured), noted recently how coordinated efforts by several county Sheriff's Offices throughout New York State and in cooperation with the FBI resulted in a federal indictment of nine people for a bank fraud and identity-theft scheme affecting hundreds of victims, some of whom are residents in Onondaga and Albany counties.
The defendants were collectively involved in more than 700 smash-and-grab thefts and approximately 1,000 fraudulent bank transactions in the Northern District of New York and across the country, netting themselves more than $1.5 million.
With the FBI, the Putnam County Sheriff’s Department led the investigation and received additional assistance from the Columbia County Sheriff's Office, Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office and Warren County Sheriff’s Office.
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Former Chautauqua County Undersheriff Jerome Ernewein Dies |
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Jerome C. “Jerry” Ernewein, 81, of Mayville, passed away earlier this month. He graduated from Jamestown Community College and the FBI National Academy.
Jerry was appointed Deputy Sheriff with the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Department in 1963 and rose through the ranks. He was appointed Undersheriff by former Sheriff Joseph Gerace, where Ernewein served until his retirement in 2002.
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From the Western Front . . . |
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GO BILLS! . . . Wait, Don't Go!! |
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The Buffalo Bills officially kicked off their 2020 regular season at home on September 13.
However, no fans are allowed inside or outside Bills Stadium in Orchard Park on game days, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Bills and the Erie County Sheriff's Office are strictly enforcing the rules set by New York State on congregating at professional sporting events. Erie County Sheriff's deputies and vehicles regularly provide security and traffic control for Bills' home games.
Erie County Sheriff Tim Howard (pictured) warned that anyone who trespasses at Bills Stadium or in the parking lots on game days will be arrested. "The Bills have created a detailed and strict plan to abide by the Governor's orders, and my office will assist the team in enforcing the guidelines on stadium property," reports Sheriff Howard.
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Sheriffs on the Move Day and Night |
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Photo provided by the Niagara County Sheriff's Office.
The setting sun does not end a Sheriff's Day. Their mission is 24/7.
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New York State Sheriffs' Association | 518-434-9091 | www.nysheriffs.org |
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