October 5, 2021
From Sheriff Jim Allard:
It’s a beautiful day in Steuben County. The Cohocton Fall Foliage Festival was successfully held last weekend as was the Wineglass Marathon. Both events are a sure sign that fall is here. I spoke to a resident yesterday who said that their brother was in town for the Marathon from South Carolina, and remarked on Saturday how incredibly beautiful this area is and how much he missed it. On Sunday, standing in the cold rain, he decided he was ready to return home to Carolina! As we move from one of the wettest summers on record, the rain continues into the fall and our nightly temperatures continue to remind us that winter is indeed coming.
September was another busy and challenging month in the Sheriff’s Office. Our investigators were tasked with eleven death investigations. Our Patrol Division was tasked with conducting another major search and rescue operation for a missing person. Our Office was again blessed with the partnership and assistance provided by our Volunteer Fire Services, Emergency Management Office and New York State Police. Sadly the investigation ended as another search and recovery mission. We mourn with yet another family for their loss.
On September 11th, we participated in six ceremonies of remembrance on the twentieth anniversary of 9/11. At the Tri-County First Responder Honor Park Ceremony in Erwin, the Sheriff’s Office was honored as the First Responder Agency of the Year, due in large part as recognition of the definitive care provided by our EMT program and our Covid-19 response program. It was humbling to be able to accept an award which publicly recognized the heroic work your deputies and correction officers do every day for the citizens of Steuben County.
Sheriff Allard participated in the “Stand Up for Recovery” event in September at the Bath Fairgrounds. It is important that we recognize and celebrate those who are in addiction recovery, and encourage those not yet in recovery to seek services to join them. While at the event, we received news of yet another fatal opioid overdose in Steuben County.
In September, the Sheriff’s Office said goodbye to a retiring Deputy and Correction Officer. Deputy Dean Swan retired after 27 years of service to Steuben County residents, serving with the Addison and Painted Post Police Departments, as well as the Sheriff’s Office.
Dean was a former Tri-County First Responder of the Year and Steuben County Deputy of the Year. Dean is a Drug Recognition Expert and Accident Reconstructionist. Although we were saddened by Dean’s decision to leave the patrol team, we were excited to be able to welcome him back in his new position, as the Steuben County Sheriff’s Office School Resource Officer at Coopers BOCES!
Correction Officer Sarah Taccone also retired. Sarah embodied the correction mantra as “firm, fair and consistent”. Many former inmates recognized Sarah’s “no nonsense” approach and appreciated that she cared about them. We thank Sarah for her service and wish her every happiness in retirement and whatever else the next chapter brings!
September brought cardio-vascular testing availability to all first responders in Steuben County. In recognition of the fact that first responders have a heightened risk of cardiovascular disease and a dramatically shortened life expectancy, during a one week period, over 120 first responders received cardiac screening including an ECG, sonogram of the heart, blood pressure, full laboratory report and stress tests where needed by Advanced Cardiovascular Diagnostics. Our thanks go out to their staff that performed these potentially life-saving assessments. Sheriff Allard received a clean bill of health and looks forward to continued service!
Sheriff Allard visited several town and village boards in September, and with District Attorney Baker and Prevention Coalition Coordinator Colleen Banik, hosted an informational session for local governments regarding the NYS Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act. Information and data were shared resulting in a good discussion concerning local governmental options in response to the legalization of marijuana and subsequent requirements for local municipal oversight for retail outlets and consumption sites.
In our Civil Office, the New York State eviction moratorium continues with exceptions. If you are a landlord and wish to receive further information regarding the moratorium exceptions, please contact your legal representation for clarification. We continue to receive updates regarding the status of our property owner’s and tenant’s rights.
Have a safe and happy October everyone,
Steuben County Sheriff Jim Allard
