It’s a beautiful day in Steuben County. Snow has returned and holiday decorations can be seen all over our county. As we prepare for celebrations with family and friends, send out Christmas cards and finish our shopping, it is important to remember all that we have to be thankful for, and help out those less fortunate than us. At the Sheriff’s Office we are again partnering with the US Marine Corps Reserves Toys for Tots program to provide toys to children across Steuben County that might not have a toy under the tree otherwise. We are also conducting our Coats for Kids campaign, receiving new or gently used coats, mittens, gloves and scarves for those in our schools that are in need. Last year we collected over 1,000 toys and fifty coats to help our neighbors during this season of giving. Come visit us at the Erwin and Hornell Walmart parking lots on Saturday December 11th from 9am to 2pm and help us double that number this year!
November was another busy and challenging month in the Sheriff’s Office. Our investigators were tasked with three death investigations, eight assault investigations, three sexual assault investigations, two burglary investigations, two animal cruelty investigations, two stolen vehicle investigations and three welfare fraud cases. Our Patrol Division was tasked with a high visibility engagement campaign, multiple domestic incident reports, an increase in mental health responses and assisting our investigators. The SWAT team was activated due to an alleged stolen vehicle and stolen loaded rifle with the suspect allegedly impaired by drugs and at large for a period of time in a village. The suspect was taken into custody without incident. Our Office was again blessed with the partnership and assistance provided by our Volunteer Fire Services, local Police Departments, Emergency Management Office, New York State Police and the Finger Lakes SPCA and Hornell Humane Society.
We mourn with the families and the community members in Oxford, Michigan in the wake of another school shooting resulting in the death of three students. Know that our School Resource Officers are diligently protecting our schools and developing relationships with all of our students and faculties.
Sheriff Allard presented at a village board and town board in November, attended the joint Chief and Sheriff’s training on the Principled Policing Act of 2021, hosted the Western New York Sheriff’s quarterly meeting and spoke at the Corning Veteran’s Day ceremony. The winter uniform is back at the Sheriff’s Office. Undersheriff McNelis is sporting his winter goatee and Sergeant Shutt looks a little more like his K9 partner Daimon!
On December 11th from 9am – 2pm come see us at the Erwin and Hornell Walmart to donate to Toys for Tots and Coats for Kids.
On December 16th, we will conclude our year-long celebration of the 225th anniversary of the Steuben County Sheriff’s Office. Lieutenant Mills and Sheriff Allard will be cooking lunch for the entire agency, conducting our yearly awards ceremony and inviting all members of the public to share in a holiday meal. As you arrive you will see the latest addition to our memorial park, a granite marker recording the names of those who lost their life in the protection of their communities, and the year that tragedy occurred.
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.
Finally, please celebrate responsibly and help us keep the roadways safe for all.
Merry Christmas to all and may you have a safe and happy holiday season!
Steuben County Sheriff Jim Allard
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