Sheriff James Bonen (R), the 1st recipient of the Sheriff Cleveland Award and Sheriff Ron Spike (L), Chair of the Awards Committee, and Sheriff York (C), at the presentation. (Photo Provided)
LIVINGSTON COUNTY — Sheriff John York, who is retiring after over 20 years of leading our county, was honored by the New York State Sheriffs’ Association with their highest award, the Grover Cleveland Award. Grover Cleveland was elected the President of the United States twice, but his political career first started when he was elected the Sheriff of Erie County in 1871 at the age of 33.
Sheriff York during a press conference in 2011 announcing one of his departments many arrests. (Photo/ Josh Williams)
“Sheriff York has the ability to lead by both example and demeanor,” said Yates County Sheriff and New York State Sheriffs’ Association Institute Chairman Ron Spike. “These are the same leadership qualities that former Erie County Sheriff Grover Cleveland portrayed and that is why it is so appropriate that Sheriff York be named the second recipient of the Sheriff Grover Cleveland Award.”
Fratellis Restaurant
(585) 346-6160
According to a press release from the Sheriffs’ Association, the award is the most prestigious award that the New York State Sheriffs’ Association Institute can give. The first recipient of the Sheriff Grover Cleveland Award was Saratoga County Sheriff Jim Bowen. Sheriff Bowen is currently serving in his 4lst year as an elected Sheriff. The Sheriff Grover Cleveland Award is given to a Sheriff who has been uncompromising in their commitment, dedication and fulfillment of the Office of Sheriff. You can’t be nominated for the award. It is not given annually. Though this year, it was given in two consecutive years, it’s very possible it won’t be given again for several years.
Sheriff York addresses the Board of Supervisors earlier this year. (Photo/ Josh Williams)
“It is my sincere belief that the best law enforcement and public safety in the United States is the Office of Sheriff,” Sheriff York firmly stated. “It is the best method to provide strong public safety at an affordable price.”
There has been a tremendous amount of change in law enforcement and the Livingston County Sheriff’s Department. Whe he first began as a dispatcher the department only had 19 employeees, it now has 198.
“If you do the job right you don’t make a lot of friends as Sheriff, stated Sheriff York. “But the citizens will have great respect for you.”