Former Ontario County Sheriff Phil Povero was appointed to serve as interim sheriff through December 31, 2022.
The appointment follows the resignation of former Sheriff Kevin Henderson and his undersheriff. For the last several weeks Chief Deputy John Falbo has led the department. The Board of Supervisors extended gratitude to Falbo, as well as the rest of the command staff.
Povero worked in the sheriff’s office as an employee for 18 years before being elected to the office of sheriff in 1991. He served in that role until 2018 when he retired.
“We appreciate Sheriff Povero’s willingness to come back from retirement to help Ontario County guide the Sheriff’s Office through this transition period until the next elected Sheriff takes office in January of 2023. Phil’s tremendous experience with the Office as well as with the Board of Supervisors is exactly what the County needs to keep making positive changes and moving the office forward,” said Board Chairman Jack Marren.
“The past several years have been incredibly challenging for the Ontario County Sheriff’s Office and for law enforcement men and women across the state and country. I am thankful that Sheriff Povero has agreed to come back and help serve the people of Ontario County until a new sheriff is elected,” added County Administrator Chris DeBolt. “I look forward to working closely with him moving forward to continue the positive strides the office has taken in recent months.”
“On behalf of Ontario County, the Board of Supervisors, and the employees of the Sheriff’s Office, I would like to extend our sincere and heartfelt appreciation to Ontario County Judge Brian Dennis. While the statute did not require it, Judge Dennis conferred with the County and the Sheriff’s Office in vetting potential candidates for the role of Interim Sheriff. Judge Dennis was willing to work with the parties involved to select an Interim Sheriff that can work with the County and the Office to continue making progress for the betterment of our community and the organization,” Marren added.
A swearing in ceremony was held at 1 p.m. in Canandaigua.
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