Last week, several members of the Sheriff’s Office had the opportunity to attend the 2018 New York Women in Law Enforcement’s 9th Annual Training Conference that took place at the Villa Roma Resort & Conference Center located in Calicoon New York.

The Conference included segments on leadership and health & wellness as well as several dynamic criminal justice speakers in their field of expertise.

During the conference the scholarship committee selected 2 women to attend the upcoming IACP Women's Leadership Program, which we are proud to announce that one of our own, Deputy Lindsey Giles (a Police Department member), has been awarded one of the scholarships to attend this training.

Congratulations Deputy Giles and to all the women who attended the 2018 NYWLE Conference.

National Teen Driver Safety Week begins today. This week is a great opportunity for parents to start, and hopefully, continue having conversations with their teens about the importance of driving safely.

Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for teens between 15-18 years old, ahead of all other types of injury, disease, or violence.

Parents can be the biggest influencers on teens' choices behind the wheel if they take the time to talk with their teens about some of the biggest driving risks, including: Alcohol/drugs, seatbelts, distracted driving, speeding, passengers, and drowsy driving.

October 20th is National Move Over Awareness Day.

Whether you plan for Halloween 364 days in advance or are looking for last minute options before the big day, it important to make sure that your child’s costume is safe for them.

When you’re a kid, there’s nothing quite as exciting as making the decision of what to be for Halloween. As a parent, you love to see your kids’ faces light up when they get their costume and talk about what they’re going to be. But it’s also important to make sure that your child’s costume is safe for them to go parading around the neighborhood trick-or-treating. You know how to child-proof a home, but what about a costume? A Halloween costume is a big decision, and it’s exciting to see everything come together. And we’ve got some tips to make sure that your kid’s costume is super safe......

1. Avoid loose-fitting costumes.
Baggy clothing or costumes that are long and loose can be a trip hazard for kids. It can be hard to walk in awkward, cumbersome clothes. And you don’t want anyone to wipe out as they’re trick-or-treating. Make sure that the costume is properly sized and fits your child well. That goes for the shoes, too! Tripping over your own two feet is no fun at all.

2. Use face makeup instead of masks or hoods.
Masks and hoods can make it hard to see, which can make it harder for your child to stay on their feet and alert for possible hazards. They can also impair breathing if they’re too heavy. Rather than using a mask, go with non-toxic, FDA-approved face makeup instead. Before applying it to your child’s face, try it out on a small area of skin. And after the trick-or-treating fun is done, make sure to remove the makeup promptly and thoroughly. Leaving face makeup on for a long time can cause skin irritation.

3. Choose fire-retardant costumes.
You child’s costume should be made of a fire-retardant material, just to be on the safe side. That goes for wigs, capes, and other accessories, too. It’s just a good idea to go fire-retardant – why not, right? It’s important to make sure your kids are safe from fire as they can be.

4. Add reflective tape to the costume and treat bag.
To keep your child safe as they’re trick-or-treating, trip out their costume with some super fancy reflective tape. This will make it easier for motorists to see you and your child, and that’s super important. You can put the glow-in-the-dark tape on their costume and their trick-or-treat bag (or pumpkin) for maximum visibility.

5. Select accessories carefully.
Any accessories that go along with the costume should be flexible and soft in the event someone is accidentally hit. Foam is much less painful than plastic or wood. Make sure that all of your accessories are age-appropriate.

6. Add a glow-stick to the costume.
Along with your reflective tape, gift your child with a magic glow stick. Again, this makes it easier for motorists to see your child. It’s important to be as visible as possible on Halloween night, when there are a lot of trick-or-treaters and cars alike on the roads.

7. Go with a light-colored costume if possible.
Light colors don’t blend in with the night as well as dark ones do, making it easier for you and drivers to spot your child. If you can, encourage your child to choose a costume that’s bright and bold.

8. Choose an age appropriate costume.
It’s important to make sure that the costume your child wears is meant for their age group and size. As a parent, you need to be conscious of any possible choking hazards. Be vigilant and make sure to keep an eye out for pieces that could be pulled off of the costume and swallowed.

Today at 12:10 pm, the annual Red Mass honoring local lawyers, law enforcement personnel, counselors and others who seek justice will be held at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Syracuse, N.Y. The following names of active and retired members will be read aloud and are those of which have passed away since last years Red Mass.

Deputy Christopher Thaxton
Retired Lieutenant Loren Torrance
Retired Deputy Eugene Cochran Jr
Retired Deputy Ralph Madonna
Retired Deputy James Balla
Retired Deputy William H. Tabor
Retired Deputy “Jack” John Commane.

May you all Rest In Peace.