TRR photo by David Hulse (Click for larger image)

No new patrol deputies yet

MONTICELLO —- Sullivan County Sheriff Dan Hogue, background, is pictured listening to Legislator Rodney Gaebel (RC-5) arguing against the county’s assuming new contract law enforcement duties for towns, “especially one that had their own, got out of it and sold their equipment.”

Gaebel was referring to the Town of Rockland, whose Supervisor Patricia Pomeroy had offered $26,000 to supplement patrol deputies’ salaries for extra coverage in her town.

Hogue said he was unable to assist the town additionally, as he is short-staffed by three deputies and new ones in training won’t be fully qualified for another two years. The town’s financial offer, he added, was likely not enough to entice any of the existing deputies to any undertake additional tours.