Dutchess County Sheriff Adrian “Butch” Anderson Has Died

DUTCHESS COUNTY, NY — The longtime Sheriff of Dutchess County died in his sleep overnight.

Law enforcement officials and elected leaders across the Hudson Valley are expressing condolences after news that Sheriff Adrian “Butch” Anderson died at age 73. Anderson served the Dutchess County Sheriff's Office for more than five decades and was Sheriff for 20 of those years. He was serving his sixth term as sheriff at the time of his death.

“We are all deeply saddened by the passing of Sheriff Anderson," Undersheriff Kirk Imperati said in a statement announcing Anderson's death. "This is a tremendous loss for all of us. Sheriff Anderson faithfully served Dutchess County for over fifty years and dedicated his life to serving and helping others. Sheriff Anderson’s strong leadership and deep compassion for people made the Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office a leading law enforcement agency in this state.”

A cause of death has not yet been released.

Anderson started his with the sheriff’s office deputy sheriff in 1970. He was eventually elected sheriff in 1999 — a job he would be elected to five consecutive times over the next two decades.

Anderson graduated from the 110th session of the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) National Academy in Quantico in 1977.

“It has been an honor to be married to Sheriff Butch Anderson and the 300,000 residents of Dutchess County," Sheriff Anderson’s wife, Danielle Anderson said. "He was a tremendous husband, father, and friend to all. Our family appreciates the outpouring of support from everyone as we grieve our loss.”

Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro has ordered the flags at all Dutchess County facilities be flown at half-staff and the Dutchess County Office Building will be illuminated in blue lights in honor of Sheriff Anderson.

"During my career, I have lived by the 'golden rule:' Treat people the way you would like to be treated," Anderson told the Poughkeepsie Journal in 2019. "I have always striven to help everyone. It doesn't matter what religion you are, color of your skin or political affiliation. All I want to do is help people and ensure the county we live in is safe and secure."