In light of the recent changes in the NYS Board of Election dates for circulating of signatures and the earlier time table that has been caused by these changes the timing for announcements for upcoming elections is here. These announcements would ordinarily take place closer to April but with these changes here we are.

I would like to announce that after full consideration I have made the determination to not seek re- election for the Office of Sheriff, St. Lawrence County. The plan is to retire at the end of this term.

This is a difficult decision as it is a profession that I love and it is an honor to serve as Sheriff and be responsible for the Office of Sheriff here in St. Lawrence County. I have strived to make this career about the people that we serve and about the men and women of the Sheriff’s Office and about the Country, State and County that we have taken an oath to protect. I have always tried to deflect personal praise and make sure that people know that it is our employees both sworn and non-sworn that make this Office strong.

The next almost 11 months of my term will bring us to a culmination of a 35 year career with the Sheriff’s Office which has included the ranks of Deputy Sheriff/ Patrol Officer, Juvenile Sergeant, Undersheriff (8 years) and Sheriff for what will be three terms (12 years). During those times I take great pride in many accomplishments that include the Office’s first D.A.R.E. Officer, juvenile work, patrol years and have enjoyed so many opportunities to train and provide for Public Safety for this County. 20 years of Administrative work and interaction with all facets of this office has been rewarding.

It has been an honor to have served for and with two excellent Sheriff’s before me with Sheriff Keith Knowlton as my original Sheriff starting in 1984 and continuing with Sheriff Gary Jarvis. So many of my peers that have influenced my career have retired and some have passed away and are missed. I truly appreciate the tremendous service that this Sheriff’s Office provides to our community and while it is not always recognized by some of the public or media this service is done with courage, professionalism and honor by our men and women of this law enforcement agency. For these efforts I am proud of all of them.

My administrative team that supervises the Civil, Correctional and Criminal divisions has been and is top notch and they not only make me honored to be their Sheriff but also provide solid day-to-day guidance and supervision for their divisions.

The next almost 11 months will be exciting as we move forward with a transition and continue to work on new projects, Special Patrol Officers in schools, major software changes and continue to look for efficiencies within our Office while also providing for enhancements in Officer safety. There are many days to have further dialogue about this decision and what the next part of life looks like but for now it’s time to continue to move forward and let the process take place to choose a new Sheriff for 2020.

Support for this decision has come from my spouse Mary B. Curran (retired), my children and their families, my parents and many others that are close to us. We have appreciated the positive support of other Federal, State and County law enforcement agencies, County Departments, of other elected officials and of multiple County Administrators and Boards of Legislators. I would be remiss if I did not mention the support of the New York State Sheriff’s Association, the NYS Sheriff’s Institute and my peer Sheriff’s.

I look forward to the next adventure in my life starting in 2020 and I know I will look back on this career with pride and be thankful for the people that I have served with and for the professional service that we, as a team, have been able to provide to this County and its residents.

God Bless this Country, this county and our communities.

St. Lawrence County Sheriff Kevin M. Wells