Sen. Fred Akshar Honors Deputy Kristy Botsford as his 2019 Woman of Distinction

(ALBANY, NY) This week Senator Akshar recognized Broome County Sheriff's Deputy Kristy Botsford as his NYS Senate 2019 Woman of Distinction for the 52nd Senate District.

Each year, the New York State Senate honors women who have enriched the quality of life in their communities across New York.

Deputy Kristy Botsford began serving her community at the age of 18 as a volunteer EMS worker responding to emergencies in the Endwell community while earning a Bachelor's Degree in both Psychology and Biology, at Binghamton University. After two years of volunteering, Botsford accepted a paid position, which she still holds today, and eventually achieved certification as a Nationally Registered Paramedic.

This year, Botsford received the Heartsaver Hero Award from the American Heart Association for using CPR and an AED to revive an older man undergoing cardiac arrest early last year.

After 10 years working in emergency services, Botsford wanted to take a more proactive approach to serving her community, and shifted careers to pursue her longtime dream of working as a law enforcement officer.

A graduate of the Broome County Law Enforcement Academy Class of 2015, Botsford served with distinction in both the Tioga County and Broome County Sheriffs' Offices, making many arrests, ranging from DWI stops to drugs, harassment, larcenies, vehicle & traffic and more.

Upon transferring to the Broome County Sheriff's Office in 2016, Deputy Botsford immediately took a proactive and engaged role in the lives of local community members she served. Deputy Botsford frequently devoted her time at various community interaction events, many with The Children's Home of Wyoming Conference in Binghamton. There she became a mainstay, working with at-risk children and their families to cultivate healthy relationships between community and law enforcement. She read to children, provided career opportunities advice and mentorship to young women and participated in various events and community beautification projects with at-risk teens and children.

In the early hours of February 1st, while responding to a vehicle traveling the wrong way on Route 17 West in Vestal, Deputy Botsford's vehicle was struck head on by an alleged drunk driver. Pinned inside her vehicle, Deputy Botsford was freed by emergency services personnel using the hydraulic “jaws of life” tool in sub-zero temperatures.

Despite sustaining serious injuries, Botsford was described by her colleagues as remaining “stoic and very brave” as rescue personnel worked to free her.

Botsford immediately underwent surgery to repair her broken femur and ankle. During her recovery, Botsford received dozens of get well cards, letters, gift boxes and a large canvas sign from the children and staff at The Children's Home as well as from well-wishers across the country.

Still in recovery, Botsford plans to return to her post and continue serving and protecting the people of Broome County as soon as her doctors allow.
 

"Deputy Kristy Botsford has devoted her life to serving her community as a first responder and community hero” said Senator Fred Akshar. “Her humility, resilience and dedication to service and duty are an inspiration to all, and I’m proud to select her as the 52nd District's 2019 Woman of Distinction."