September was another busy and challenging month in the Sheriff’s Office
From Steuben County Sheriff James Allard,
It’s a beautiful day in Steuben County. Fall has arrived and colors are beginning to decorate the hillsides. We are about to enjoy peak fall colors and all things pumpkin! I must apologize; I did not issue a September newsletter. My wife, Wendy, took me on a phenomenal vacation, the first two-week vacation we have enjoyed since I became Sheriff, in early September. Although I love travelling, every trip serves to remind me how special our county is and reaffirms my gratitude for being able to live and lead the Sheriff’s Office in this beautiful area!
August, unfortunately, brought Hurricane Debby. As I watched all our first responder partners perform their roles with professionalism and care, I was struck not just by the devastation which occurred, but the resolve displayed by our home and business owners as they all pitched in to clean up and rebuild. It was truly awe-inspiring. Although we learn new methods and techniques to perform rescues during each flood, such as the use of the High Wheeled Vehicle Undersheriff McNelis secured from the military surplus program, which allowed us to reach and rescue people stranded in high water, we continually hope that knowledge and equipment is never needed again. We continue to train and prepare.
August also brought the Steuben County Fair. Our booth was busy with visitors and we were able to conduct a car seat installation, give away bicycle helmets to young people, conduct a child ID station, raffle off two youth bicycles and display the Emilee’s Challenge trailer.
In August we also held the ninth annual LE Memorial Golf Tournament which raises money for our Law Enforcement Memorial Park. We hope to use this year’s funds to create a remembrance stone for all K-9s who have served our county.
Our Corrections Emergency Response Team hosted a regional training in September which included Chemung, Tompkins and Yates County Sheriff’s Office teams. Our SWAT and CERT teams trained together on a ropes and rappelling course as part of our rescue training.
The Jail policy, procedure and programs were inspected by accreditation assessors, resulting in a recommendation for continued accreditation. Upon the exit interview, the assessors stated that our jail is clean, quiet and professionally run. Great job to the Corrections Staff!
In September we hosted the NYS DCJS Jail Sentencing Time Calculation training for the region. We also hosted a NYS DCJS Comprehensive Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Investigations Course for the region. Lieutenant Lock attended the NYS Law Enforcement Supervisor’s Conference and received training on border security challenges and gang activity in NYS. Captain Mills, Lieutenant Thompson and Sergeant Day attended the Guardian Leadership Development Course. Deputy Bush and Daley attended the First Responder Wellness Conference. Sergeant Wood, Sergeant Day and Deputy Swarthout attended the Excelsior Challenge, NYS DHS training for tactical team leaders. Deputy Bush received certification in NYS Parks and Recreation Marine Law Enforcement and Marine Patrol Vessel Operator Courses, Deputy Dininny instructing. Finally, Major Sutton and Captain Mills attended the NYS Jail Administrators Conference, receiving instruction in the changes in correction law and practices. Sheriff Allard presented on WETM-TV at the “Sheriff’s Forum” with Sheriff Schrom from Chemung County
September was another busy and challenging month in the Sheriff’s Office. Our investigators and deputies were tasked with six threats of mass harm investigations, four endangering a child investigations, six assault investigations, two unlawful imprisonment investigations, one reckless endangerment investigation, one sexual misconduct investigation, four death investigations, two possession of a weapon investigations, two burglary investigations, two menacing investigations, six criminal contempt investigations, one robbery investigation, one unauthorized use of a vehicle investigation, one forcible touching investigation, one obstructing governmental administration investigation, one fire investigation, seven larceny investigations, one grand larceny investigation, ten harassment investigations, one public lewdness investigation, ten criminal mischief investigations, two narcotics investigations, one scam investigation, five trespass investigations and two prison contraband investigations. Our Patrol Division was tasked with multiple domestic incident investigations along with mental health detainments, emergency medical aid, assisting other agencies, serving of warrants, and six intoxicated or impaired driving arrests.
All of our deputies and officers performed in an outstanding fashion, and we received multiple commendations from the public regarding their outstanding performance.
We continue to pray for our first responder colleagues and deployed military across the globe, as well as their families. We also pray for the victims of mass casualty events and state sponsored aggression.
Thank you for supporting the Steuben County Sheriff’s Office in these challenging times and stay safe!
