Statement from Sheriff Michael Schiff:
The COVID-19 Virus is expected to peak in the next 7 to 21 days. The risk exists that a large portion of our county’s law enforcement officers may become ill and be unable to report for work. This could leave our communities without adequate police protection. In order to be prepared for this possibility, I am using my emergency powers as Sheriff to deputize all municipal police officers in Sullivan County as deputy sheriffs. We have prepared inter-municipal agreements with the several towns and villages for this purpose. This will enable a continued response of police resources anywhere in the county should this pandemic strike our law enforcement community. The police officers will be deputized immediately, with the initial term expiring June 30, 2020. If necessary, I will extend that period until December 31, 2020.