Why I am Qualified to be your Sheriff
- Over 25 years of law enforcement experience, including 15 years of progressively responsible investigative, supervisory, and administrative responsibility.
- Effective in both team environments and leadership roles.
- Strong oral and written communication skills; I am an experienced and proficient public speaker.
- Experienced in working with diverse populations; fluent in Spanish.
- Goal oriented; works well under pressure; highly motivated.
- New York State certified supervisor, police instructor, and licensed armed security officer.
Education
- Siena College
- Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice & Human Rights — expected May 2025
- Zone 14 Law Enforcement Academy at Columbia-Greene Community College
- Basic Course for Police Officers — April 1996
- Columbia-Greene Community College
- Associate's Degree in Individual Studies — May 1995
Relevant Experience
Siena College
- Lieutenant — June 2022 - Present
- Serve as a first-line shift supervisor; lead, supervise, and manage the work of Dispatchers and Public Safety Officers.
- Protect life and property by providing comprehensive public safety services to the Siena College community.
- Enforce applicable federal and state laws, college rules and regulations, and parking/traffic rules.
- Coordinate responses to emergency and crisis situations; serve as direct liaison with external agencies such as police, fire, and EMS.
- Oversee training of all newly hired Public Safety Officers to ensure operational proficiency.
- Maintain strong interdepartmental relationships across the Division of Student Life and the Siena College community.
- Proficient in the use of departmental equipment including Digital Alarm Systems, CCTV, vehicles, Alcohol Breath Analyzer, Call 24 Boxes, E2 Emergency Alert System, and AEDs.
Columbia County Sheriff's Office
- Lieutenant — October 2020- May 2022
- First Sergeant — January 2014 - October 2020
- Criminal Investigator — April 2007 - January 2014
- Deputy Sheriff — May 1999 - April 2007
- Supervised over 50 personnel; responsible for the scheduling, hiring, training, and addressing concerns related to the quality of service provided by Sheriff's Office personnel.
- Managed purchasing, equipping, and fleet maintenance for 40+ vehicles and specialized equipment (boats, ATVs, etc.).
- Conducted intake and investigation of personnel complaints; completed performance reviews and quality control checks.
- New York State certified General Topics Instructor with specialized certifications in Boater Safety, Emergency Vehicle Operations, and Firearms; led training for civilian and law enforcement audiences.
- Served as agency accreditation manager and auditor; oversaw development and quality assurance of policy and procedures.
- Final reviewer for police reports and investigations prior to submission to the District Attorney’s Office or filing.
- Participated in applicant background checks, including pre-employment polygraph examinations.
- Agency representative for the Use of Force Decision-Making Simulator program at Columbia-Greene Community College.
- Led multi-agency programs focused on investigating and prosecuting sex crimes and welfare fraud.
- Participated in tabletop exercises for school and public safety preparedness.
- Served as Public Information Officer; authored press releases, and managed social media communication.
- Led efforts to equip deputies with body-worn cameras and mobile video recorders.
- Worked closely with multiple agencies including the NYS Inspector General’s Office, USDA, SSA, NYS Labor Department, NYS Tax & Finance, U.S. Secret Service, FBI, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of New York.
Related Training & Certifications
- New York State Licensed Security Officer
- General Topics Instructor Certification
- Course in Police Supervision
- Polygraph Operator School – Academy for Scientific Investigative Training (ASIT)
- Forensic Interview & Integrated Interrogation Techniques & Statement Analysis – ASIT
- Forensic Interviewing Best Practices – NYS Children’s Justice Task Force
- Identifying Deceptive Behavior – ASIT & Northeast Counterdrug Training Center
- NYSP Child Physical Abuse & Neglect Seminar – NYS Police Academy
- Integrated Interrogation Technique – ASIT
- Interview and Interrogation – Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS)
- Child Abuse & Neglect Training Seminar – National Children’s Advocacy Center (AL)
- Motor Vehicle Collision Investigation – On Scene (DCJS)
- Crime Scene Investigation – DCJS
- FEMA Emergency Management Institute – Incident Command: IS-100, IS-200, IS-300, IS-700, IS-800
- Fire Behavior and Awareness – NYS Fire Academy
- Automated External Defibrillator (AED) – Current
- CPR and Emergency Cardiac Care – Current
- Welfare Fraud Investigator Training Institute – Association of Certified Fraud Examiners