Sheriff DuMond Seeks New Term

By Matthew Avitabile

DELHI — Sheriff Craig DuMond is seeking a third full term as Sheriff. He has served in the position for eight years, as well as a year as acting sheriff upon the retirement of former Sheriff Tom Mills. We spoke to the sheriff about his work and plans for another term.

Sheriff DuMond said that he is entering into his 40th year on the job. He “loves what he does every day” and “makes a difference” for the people of Delaware County. It’s a “privilege to lead them” and is looking forward to another four years.

The sheriff said that he and his team have worked hard on professional training and accreditation standards. It’s the only police agency in the county to be fully accredited in all divisions. Only about 30% of agencies in the state can claim the same, he said.

There is also a substation and school resource officer program that provides a presence in the county’s schools. He hopes for a resource officer in each school in time. DuMond said that retired or near-retired law enforcement is welcome to apply.

The county maintains its special response unit, which supports local agencies and the New York State Police, as well as its canine unit. “It’s been a very robust and busy four years,” he said.

The office has also expanded its community services unit, including for Cornell Cooperative Extension, scouts, clubs, and more.

“The police can’t do it alone,” he said. The office hopes to build upon relationships with the community.

The Sheriff’s Office has an “excellent relationship” with the office of District Attorney Shawn Smith. The Sheriff’s office is working with the DA’s office specifically on sex crimes, especially against children.

“That investigator and Shawn have been instrumental in prosecuting a number of sex-related crimes in Delaware County, especially against children.” The same investigator aids other local police agencies for similar goals. “We’re very proud of our relationship with the District Attorney,” he said.

DuMond said that the department is working “every day” against the flow of drugs in the county. He cited difficulties since the passage of the New York Bail Reform law, including some who are released even after felony charges. He said that the sheriff’s office is diligent on such cases, including current cases. It’s a “scourge” we have to address, he said. Drug abuse and sales are an issue in the county, and DuMond hopes to cut off the supply that is “poisoning” many families locally.

The sheriff said that working with the Delaware County Board of Supervisors, the department has “cutting edge” equipment and technology. This includes in-car computers, body cameras, drug testing kits, forcible entry tools, ballistics defenses, and license plate readers.

“Everything you think of, whether it’s technology or equipment,” he said. This is thanks to a close relationship with the county board.

“We’re grateful for that as well.”

“We’ve worked very hard in the last year or two to work on our workplace assistance program,” he said. This includes aiding deputies exposed to trauma and offering counsel and care as needed. The department “touches base” with employees from time to time and offers anything that they need to make them “the best prepared police officers they can be on the street,” he said.

He cites his 2024 election as President of the New York State Sheriff’s Association. "That was quite an honor to gain the trust and respect of all 57 Sheriffs across NYS and a first time for Delaware County."

He is also an active member of the state and National Sheriffs Associations and at the state level serves on the executive, legislative, corrections and ethics and standards committees. On the national level he serves on the legislative/ government affairs, school safety, and drug enforcement committees.

“It’s an honor” to serve as sheriff, and “have the opportunity to serve and have the blessing of that,” he said.