100s protest Trump policies

By Zoey McGee | Manor Ink

Sullivan County, NY – With less than a month left until the primary election, voters will soon determine who will be the Republican candidate for Sullivan County Sheriff on the general election ballot this fall. The elected sheriff will oversee all divisions within the Sheriff’s Office, including the county jail, civil department, security force and road patrol. The sheriff must ensure that each division has the necessary tools, equipment, funding, manpower and training to perform effectively.

The challenger, Tim Dymond

Recently retired from the New York State Police with the rank of Senior Investigator, Tim Dymond is challenging Mike Schiff, stating that the community “desperately needs change.”

Dymond has 20 years of experience in law enforcement, having served as an NYPD officer, New York State Trooper, New York State Police Investigator and is currently President of the New York State Police Investigators Association. He has worked in the Hudson Valley as part of the Violent Gang and Narcotics Enforcement Team, serving undercover and leading several complex state investigations.

If elected, Dymond plans to pursue state accreditation for the Sheriff’s Office, strengthen the patrol and detective divisions, improve morale among the ranks for a more efficient workforce and build stronger relationships with the community. “We want the people we serve to feel comfortable calling us for help, but we also want them to feel confident that we will solve the crime or fix the problem they have,” he said.

Dymond has received endorsements from several law enforcement unions in his campaign. Notably, he has been endorsed by the New York State Union of Police Associations, the International Union of Police Associations and the New York State Police Investigators Association.

“I am running for Sheriff to bring positive change to our county. Our county needs so much help in so many different areas. This is an area where I can help,” Dymond said.

The incumbent, Michael Schiff

Current Sheriff Mike Schiff is seeking reelection for a sixth term. “I’m still enjoying it. I think I still have more to bring to the table for the community and for the men and women that work for me,” Schiff said.

Schiff has worked in law enforcement for 48 years, including 28 years as a state trooper and the last 20 years as sheriff. Throughout his tenure, Schiff has maintained close connections with the community and worked to improve operations within the civil, security, and road patrol divisions of the sheriff’s office. He has overseen the construction of a new county jail, providing a more professional environment that better accommodates staff and enhances their ability to serve the public. He has also implemented new technologies, such as the sheriff’s drone program, the formation of an emergency services unit and expanded training opportunities.

“We’re going to continue trying to get as much training as we can for our people, and I’m always working on trying to get new equipment to help us do our jobs,” Schiff said. If reelected, he plans to continue making administrative changes to meet new challenges, including state mandates like bail reform and the HALT Act.

Schiff has also received several endorsements. The Sullivan County Republican Committee has officially endorsed him for another term, noting his two decades of leadership and public safety initiatives. The Police Benevolent Association of the New York State Troopers has endorsed Schiff for the sixth consecutive time. The Village of Liberty Police has also offered its endorsement, because of Schiff’s support within local law enforcement. Additionally, Schiff has received strong support from the Jewish community, maintaining relationships with organizations like Hatzolah and local summer camps.

The primary election will be held on Tuesday, June 24. Polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.