New Suffolk County Sheriff Prepares For Post

SUFFOLK COUNTY, NY — There's a new sheriff in town — and he's preparing to assume his new post.

After the dust settled and the Suffolk County Board of Elections counted absentee ballots after a nail-biter race in November, Republican Larry Zacarese released a statement admitting defeat and congratulating his opponent, Democrat Errol Toulon Jr., on his win.

And now, longtime Suffolk County Sheriff Vincent DeMarco and Toulon announced the establishment of a transition office at the County Sheriff’s Office, located at 200 Suffolk Avenue in Yaphank.

Toulon will serve as Suffolk County’s 67th sheriff when he assumes the position on January 1, 2018, a release from the sheriff's office said.

"The Sheriff’s Office is steeped in historic significance — encompassing more than 3 centuries of continuous service to Long Island. Sheriff-elect Toulon will also be Suffolk County’s first African-American sheriff when he is officiated as the county’s highest ranking law enforcement official," the release said.

An inaugural ceremony, open to the public, will take place in early January.

Toulon spent his first day at the sheriff’s office meeting with executive staff and touring the Yaphank Correctional Facility with Sheriff DeMarco; he also met with and spoke to correction officers about their work and said he intends to meet with small groups of deputy sheriffs, correction officers and civilian staff during his first 60 days, the release noted.

“I want to create an environment over the course of this transition that encourages our employees to share their ideas and ways in which I can support their professional growth," Toulon said. "Over the next few weeks, I will be assessing staff levels, learning about the inner workings of the sheriff’s office and fine-tuning my agenda for my first 6 months in office.”

DeMarco, announced that he would not be running for re-election or seeking a fourth term last spring. It's the first time a new sheriff has been elected in Suffolk County in 12 years.

“Today marks the beginning of a significant time in our county’s history. Errol has a deep understanding of our mission and has the experience to lead this office from Day One. I am pleased to provide him with the support he needs to get off to the very best start, and we will work closely during the next few weeks to ensure Suffolk’s residents are well-served from the outset of his administration," DeMarco said.

In addition to the establishment of the transition office, Toulon is seeking resumes for the position of undersheriff; there are two vacancies, the release said.

Qualified candidates must have a minimum of 15 years of full-time law enforcement experience, as well as strong management and analytical skills. The position is in the exempt class and the position is appointed. Qualified candidates must also have experience in managing confidential and large-scale investigations, and have a demonstrated ability to work with local, state and federal criminal justice agencies; experience in long-range agency planning, and in developing and implementing agency policies and procedures; the ability to express ideas, policies and other matters professionally in the written and verbal form; experience in interacting with elected officials, department heads, and the public; and a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.

Duties will include assuming the responsibilities of the sheriff in his absence; providing direct oversight of the sheriff’s office’s managerial and senior supervisory law enforcement personnel, under the overall supervision of the sheriff; the responsibility for enforcing agency rules and regulations, including disciplinary matters, and assisting the sheriff with maintaining order and the efficient operation of all aspects of the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office; exercising strong leadership by encouraging professionalism and adherence to a high level of ethical standards throughout the organization; and performing specific duties as assigned by the sheriff.

To submit a resume and cover letter email SheriffsTransition@gmail.com by the close of business on December 22, 2017.

Photo courtesy Suffolk County Sheriff's Office.