November 2, 2022
In addition to saying – watch out for deer on the roads, Sheriff Jim Allard says, in October, the deputies and other sheriff’s department officials, investigated four deaths, four assaults, three burglaries, did two terroristic threat investigations, two reckless endangerment investigations, six grand larceny investigations, five larceny investigations, thirteen drug investigations, eight harassment investigations, five criminal mischief investigations, one criminal contempt investigation, two sex offense investigations and two scam investigations. The sheriff also says, there were multiple domestic incident investigations along with crash investigations, and mental health detainments, including seven intoxicated or impaired driving arrests.
See full report from Sheriff Allard:
It’s a beautiful day in Steuben County. We have been experiencing a beautiful fall, warm sunny days and cool nights with a continual foliage display into November. The hills have truly been alive with color throughout October. As we begin November, please remember to watch for deer on our roadways. Duck and goose season is underway as well as deer bow season, with gun season just around the corner.
October brought major changes to the jail (pardon the pun). Major Matt Whitmore, who has been serving as Jail Superintendent since September 2013, after serving 32 years with the NYS Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, fully retired. Major Whitmore brought professionalism, dedication and humor to an increasingly difficult position. He will be sorely missed and we share our gratitude for his service to Steuben County. His final recommendation was that Captain David Sutton replace him as Jail Superintendent. Captain Sutton is a 19 year veteran of the Steuben County Sheriff’s Office, having held the previous ranks of Correction Officer, Sergeant, Lieutenant, Captain, and now Major. Major Sutton is well respected by his peers and will take up the challenge of becoming the Chief Administrative Officer of the Steuben County Jail. A formal swearing in ceremony will occur in the near future to honor Major Sutton.
October also brought sadness to the Sheriff’s Office. K9 Daimon, the original K9 of our current program began experiencing seizures in early October. Daimon was treated for the seizures, but became progressively worse. Daimon succumbed to his illness on October 31st. His handler, Sergeant Shaun Shutt, was by his side at the end. Daimon leaves a legacy of consistent community service over his 10 year career. He will be greatly missed by the entire office and condolences to Sergeant Shutt.
In better K9 news in October, K9 Mac and handler Deputy Swarthout attended the NYS K9 Explosive Detection Team training at the NYS Preparedness Center in Oriskany, New York. They trained with other teams from across NYS which included helicopter and water training.
Deputy Nadjadi received his home from the Jared Allen Homes for Wounded Warriors Foundation in October. A formal key ceremony was attended by over one hundred well-wishers in which the home was turned over to Deputy Nadjadi and his family. Many thanks to the Jared Allen Foundation, Welliver Construction, Carpenters Local 277, Home Depot and all of the donors that made this project possible.
October was another busy and challenging month in the Sheriff’s Office. Our investigators and deputies were tasked with four death investigations, four assault investigations, three burglary investigations, two terroristic threat investigations, two reckless endangerment investigations, six grand larceny investigations, five larceny investigations, thirteen drug investigations, eight harassment investigations, five criminal mischief investigations, one criminal contempt investigation, two sex offense investigations and two scam investigations. Our Patrol Division was tasked with multiple domestic incident investigations along with crash investigations, and mental health detainments, including seven intoxicated or impaired driving arrests.
Sheriff Allard, Sergeant Shutt, Deputy Harrison and Deputy Wood taught the second half of the new 16 hour pistol permit safety course. Sheriff Allard attended the Finger Lakes Law Enforcement Executive Development Seminar and the Sheriff’s Showdown II at Watkins Glen International to raise money for the Sheriff’s Summer Camp. Sheriff Allard was a panelist for a Corning Inc. summit on domestic violence and presented on recent law changes at a community group in Wayland, New York. Deputy Swarthout and Mac attended the K9 Explosive Detection Team training and Sergeant Shutt and Deputy Nybeck attended the Yates County K9 Seminar.
All of our deputies and officers performed in an outstanding fashion and we received five commendations from community members detailing the excellence of service they received.
Election day is one week away. Please make sure that you get out the vote and participate in our democratic process!
We continue to pray for those who have lost family members due to the pandemic and for all Ukrainians suffering under Russian aggression.
Thank you for supporting the Steuben County Sheriff’s Office in these challenging times and stay safe!
Steuben County Sheriff Jim Allard
