Steuben County Sheriff Jim Allard has expressed his gratitude to the community for re-electing him to a third term. Over 44,000 county residents cast ballots in the recent election, nearly half of the county’s population. Allard praised this high voter turnout as a testament to the community’s civic engagement. He also thanked the Steuben County Board of Elections for their diligent work.
October was a particularly challenging month for the Sheriff’s Office. A 12-hour crisis negotiation culminated in an officer-involved shooting and subsequent in-custody death. The New York State Attorney General’s Office of Special Investigations is currently investigating the incident to ensure transparency and accountability. “Our prayers go out to the families of all involved,” Allard said, acknowledging the difficult circumstances.
Despite the challenges, the Sheriff’s Office remained dedicated to its mission. Deputies and investigators actively engaged in various training exercises, including crisis deployment simulations, firearms training, and specialized K9 seminars. Additionally, several deputies attended leadership development and records management training sessions.
Throughout the month, the department responded to a wide range of calls, including child endangerment, assault, burglary, grand larceny, and narcotics-related cases. They also addressed domestic incidents, medical emergencies, and intoxicated driving cases. Sheriff Allard noted that the division received multiple commendations from the public for their professionalism and dedication.
As the Sheriff’s Office continues to serve the community, Allard expressed his appreciation for the public’s support. “We continue to pray for our first responder colleagues and deployed military, as well as for victims of violence globally,” he said. “We remain committed to serving Steuben County with professionalism, integrity, and efficiency.”
