Jefferson County Sheriff candidate Colleen O'Neill receives first endorsement

Jefferson County Sheriff candidate Colleen O'Neill today announced that she has been endorsed by the New York State Police Investigators Association.   A letter from President Jeffrey J. Kayser and Mark Dembrow, Troop D Delegate said in part, "The many years of dedicated service that you have provided to the citizens of the entire State of New York and Jefferson County in particular, have forged a reputation with law enforcement personnel that is second to none."

"I am humbled and proud to receive the endorsement of NYSPIA," said Ms. O'Neill.  "I will continue to work to earn the confidence they have in me now and as the next Sheriff of Jefferson County."

Colleen O'Neill Announces her bid for Jefferson County Sheriff

STATEMENT FROM COLLEEN O’NEILL

‘Two years ago, I retired after a 28 year career with the New York State Troopers very satisfied with what I had accomplished — blessed with the people those years had brought into my life. My Trooper family. I’m thankful so many members of that family are here today.

“Although I have enjoyed the past 2 years, I suspected my background and experience, my supervisory and leadership skills were not to be packed away for long.

“Knowing that the current Sheriff was not likely to seek reelection, I started to consider what kind of contribution I could make to the Sheriff’s Department and the Citizens of Jefferson County.

“I grew up here, I work here, I live here. My parents taught me about ethics, morals and hard work. The State Police trained me to be a leader. It seemed to me to be a perfect fit. This county needs a Sheriff willing to take a strong stance on ethics issues, leading the department into the future where the community respects the sacrifices the department members make every day. A future where the members earn that respect.

“So with humility and pride, I announce my candidacy for Sheriff of Jefferson County.

“I always wanted to be a State Trooper — that’s all — no plan B. Not being old enough to take the exam straight out of High School, I signed up to study physical education at SUNY Cortland. I thought sports medicine could be my back up plan. Lucky for me, and athletes everywhere, I didn’t need a back up plan. I took the Trooper exam at the first opportunity. In my third year of college, they called and I went. Even on the longest, hardest days of the next 28 years — I never regretted that.

“I worked patrol, trained recruits, supervised stations and protected the Governor. I held children at accident scenes and arrested people who hurt them. I investigated cases ranging from neighbor disputes to homicides.

“I retired as Senior Investigator in charge of the Alexandria Bay BCI unit where I worked closely with Federal, State and local law enforcement agencies — all with the same commitment to our community’s safety and security.

“I know that the vast majority of the members of the Sheriff’s Dept are honest, hard working men and women who want and deserve the respect of the community. I agree ethics training is a priority but it is accountability that will make a difference. On-duty and off-duty accountability. Instead of police officers being allowed to believe they are above the law, we should be held to the highest of standards. It is the only way to gain the respect crucial to effective policing. Policies regarding rules and expectations must be clear and documented. Ramifications for breaking those rules clear and enforced. Integrity means possession of firm principles. Integrity is mandatory.

“I plan on researching every angle to address the lack of beds at our jail. Transporting inmates across the state for housing at another facility is expensive, but more of a concern to me, is that it is dangerous. I want to look at who is being incarcerated and why. The solution might be there. Looking at the rate of recidivism and whether any type of “corrections” is occurring or if the same offenders are simply warehoused until they are released and return.

“It is clear to me that the deputies and detectives have such a wide range of responsibilities, its difficult to prioritize duties on a daily basis. Subpoenas, warrants, evidence, firearms and field training, vehicle and computer maintenance, airport security and pistol permits are all mixed in with daily patrol and investigative duties. I will look at the possible realignment of manpower focusing on the priorities of the department and the community.

“Among my priorities is listening to community concerns and issues. Early on I will set up town hall style meetings that will contribute to where my attention and initiatives will be focused. I already know moms and dads want to send their kids to school with the confidence that they will be safe. Safe from violence, predators, drugs and bullying. I believe keeping our kids safe from harm is a good use of manpower. This is an area where cooperation with other agencies, including the SP and local first responding officers is critical. Solid plans of preparedness through communication with all of law enforcement and improved public relations are a priority of mine.

“I also already know that the rights to possess and carry firearms are forefront in the minds of our law-abiding sportsmen and women. It is important to me that you know I am a member of the NRA and a member of Ducks Unlimited. I was a firearms instructor for the state police for many years. I hunt and I believe in the right to bear arms.

“Let me quote the official response to the NY SAFE act by the NYSSA — a position with which I agree. “Sheriffs represent all of the people, and we take an oath to uphold the constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of New York. Sheriffs will continue to enforce all of the laws of the state and will protect the rights of all citizens, including those rights guaranteed by the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of New York.”

“As Jefferson County Sheriff, I will not target law-abiding gun owners and there is nothing in the law that mandates I should.

“In the coming weeks, I will be talking about more of my ideas toward making the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department a model for the other Sheriff Departments in our great State.

“I look forward to a vigorous campaign and a chance to hear all of your concerns and ideas.

“Thank you all for your encouragement and support.”

Find my campaign on Facebook — oneillforsheriff2Ol4

Twitter — @oneillsheriff

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