Emilee’s Challenge continues to impact, officer training, and K9 outreach
It’s a beautiful day in Steuben County.
What a difference one month has made, leaving the dreary late winter landscape to the freshness of spring. Most farmers have the first cutting of hay done, the summer tourism season has begun and everything is green again. It feels like a time of renewal and hope. This month we celebrated Corrections Officer Week and Police Week, culminating with our 11th annual Law Enforcement Memorial Service on Friday, May 15th at 6pm at the Public Safety Building. It was perfect weather and a touching ceremony to honor those in Law Enforcement who made the ultimate sacrifice for their communities and to remember their families and loved ones. As in Memorial Day, we honor and remember those that have given their all to protect us and our freedom.
Another sign of hope is the continued presentation of the “Emilee’s Challenge” trailer by Dispatcher Kim Clark. Regionally, this year, she has already presented at over 25 school districts in Steuben, Chemung, Allegany, Ontario and Monroe Counties, serving over 2,500 students. She has also presented at every Victim Impact Panel and Community Impact Panel in Steuben County this year. Dispatcher Clark and “Emilee’s Challenge” trailer also were on display at the state level at the NYS Highway Safety Symposium last fall and the ESLETS Traffic Safety Conference in April and on a national level at the No Empty Chair Campaign at Watkins Glen International. The audio, video and personal presentation of the trailer and Dispatcher Clark is incredibly impactful and educational. Many thanks to Kim for sharing in her journey to help keep our young people safe. Make Good Choices!
May brought another busy month for our agency. We celebrated the retirement of Corrections Officer Kevin Faucett, and then welcomed him back as a part time Officer to keep our courts safe! Captain Mills, Lieutenant Kennedy and Sheriff Allard cooked and served a breakfast and a lunch for all employees during Corrections Officer Week. Also in the Corrections Division, Sergeants Sciotti, Waight and Officer Eighmey completed the 40-hour Advanced Corrections Emergency Response Team Training hosted by the Steuben County Sheriff’s Office. Captain Mills attended the Law Enforcement Training Director’s Association of New York State annual conference. Captain Mills and Lieutenant Thompson attended the annual New York State Association of Incarcerated Education Programs conference. Sergeant Kester attended an 8-hour Procedural Justice/Principled Policing course and the 2-day Suicide Prevention in County Jails Instructor Level Training.
In other trainings, Lieutenant Kennedy completed the “When Forces Kill” forensic investigation of environmental and vehicular deaths training. Deputy Bush completed the Applied Suicide Intervention Skills training. Deputy Butler and Lieutenant Kennedy attended the “Cares UP” conference. Deputy Ramirez completed the Civil Deputy II Training.
We have been busy presenting at our area career days with the Career Development Council. Sergeant Shutt and K9 Ronnie, Sergeant Nybeck and K9 Twiggy, Deputy Swarthout and K9 Mac, pictured left, and Deputy McCoy and K9 Tripp presented at the Corning Painted Post High School career day.
Sergeant Erskine, Deputy Bush and Officer Jason Smith presented at the Addison School career day. Investigator Shepherd, Deputy Bush and Officer Eighmey presented at the Prattsburgh School career day. Sheriff Allard presented on Frankly Speaking, The Pulse and attended the STOP DWI mid-year conference.
We are also promoting a fund raiser for the NYS Sheriff’s Institute Wellness Center at Keuka Lake. Schuyler County is hosting a trail run at Watkins Glen International called “Beyond the Call, Saving Lives through Wellness”. Registration is OPEN! Mark your calendars for Sunday July 12th and bring the family for a fun day on the trails of Watkins Glen International.
3 mile race – Can be run as a relay team of 3 OR as an individual! Must be 13 years old to compete.
1.5 mile race – Run individually! Must be 6 years old to compete.
Register today! https://runsignup.com/…/Wat…/BeyondTheCallTrailChallenge
Help us to help improve the lives of the people who serve and protect communities across the state. All proceeds will benefit the new “Sheriff Ron Spike First Responder Wellness Center”.
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!
Steuben County Sheriff Jim Allard
