Assembly Resolution No. 248

BY: M. of A. Angelino

COMMEMORATING the 225th Anniversary of the
Chenango County Sheriff's Office

WHEREAS, The quality of life in New York State is largely reflective
of the commitment and dedication demonstrated by members of the agencies
which serve to protect, preserve and maintain public order; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
honor those distinguished citizens who devote their life's work and
purpose to public service, contributing to the care and welfare of the
citizens of the State of New York; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commemorate the 225th Anniversary of the Chenango County Sheriff's
Office which was celebrated at a Ceremony on Wednesday, March 22, 2023;
and

WHEREAS, Located in the courthouse, the county's first jail was made
of wood, making it unsecure and vulnerable to fires started by escaping
convicts who endangered the lives of their fellow inmates, officers, and
staff and jeopardizing the edifice itself; and

WHEREAS, In 1830, the legislature authorized the supervisors to levy
and collect tax for the construction of a stone building for the custody
of prisoners, and seven years later, the courthouse was completed; and

WHEREAS, More than seven decades later, the Board of Supervisors
voted to build a new jail and Sheriff's residence to replace the
deteriorating one; the plans submitted by Architect W.J. Beardsley of
Poughkeepsie, were chosen and the cost of the new building was raised
through the sale of bonds; on May 23, 1903, the current Chenango County
Jail was finished and occupied; and

WHEREAS, Today, under the luminous leadership of Sheriff Ernest R.
Cutting, Jr., the Chenango County Sheriff's Office continues to remain
true to its mission of providing public service and protection of the
citizens of the community; and

WHEREAS, Each and every officer and staff member are committed to
ensuring every citizen with whom they interact is treated with dignity,
compassion and respect; the safety and well-being of the members of the
community are truly their number one concern as they continue to protect
the constitutional freedoms of all and to continue to fairly enforce
local laws and ordinances and the laws of New York State; and

WHEREAS, By working together with the community, the Chenango County
Sheriff's Office diligently works to solve problems, maintain the peace,
provide safety and security for citizens and reduce the fear of crime;
and

WHEREAS, Since its inception, the Chenango County Sheriff's Office
has demonstrated continuous service to the residents and communities
which it serves; and

WHEREAS, The tradition of altruistic public service, heroism and
leadership embodied by the Chenango County Sheriff's Office is of such
magnitude as to be worthy of special, statewide recognition; now,
therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 225th Anniversary of the Chenango County Sheriff's
Office; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Sheriff Ernest R. Cutting, Jr., Chenango County Sheriff's
Office.