To the Editor:

During this St. Lawrence County Sheriff campaign, I feel compelled to speak to you truthfully about my nephew Sean O’Brien, currently the undersheriff for SLC.

Sean comes from a very humble and modest home. Sean’s parents met at Price Chopper in the Syracuse area. The family moved to Ogdensburg when his father, Bill, received a promotion.

Sean has known his entire life that he wanted a career in law enforcement. Sean attended the SUNY Canton criminal justice program and paid for his tuition himself. His proudest accomplishment in college was receiving the NYS Sheriff’s Association Scholarship for academic performance and dedication to his community.

Sean has worked for the SLC sheriff’s office for over 20 years. He was hired by the great late Sheriff Gary Jarvis and had the pleasure of serving under Sheriff Kevin Wells and Sheriff Brooks Bigwarfe who are supporting Sean in his Sheriff bid. They know Sean, his outstanding work ethic, his eagerness to do the right thing, and to protect the rights of our constitution and the laws of New York State.

Sean is not a member of “The Good Ole Boys Club” which does not make you popular when you are in a supervisory position demanding accountability and transparency!

When you ask a friend, supervisor, former employer or teacher what qualities Sean brings to the table they mention: Not a yes man, Independent thinker, “Thinks outside the box,” Always ready to go, Outstanding work ethic, A man of integrity, Motivated, Disciplined, Capable, Resourceful, Honest/Trustworthy, Confident, Organized, Candid/direct, Caring, Great neighbor, Always growing, Qualified, Family man.

For the past 3 years as your undersheriff Sean has been tasked with overseeing a $13.7 million operation budget and over 125 employees!

Sean acquired $2.47 million in grants since 2020 which has benefited the people of SLC by enabling the sheriff's office to create positions for additional officers including, drug task force officer, human trafficking officer, discovery officer, and three additional school resources detectives.

While most businesses came to a screeching halt during COVID, your undersheriff worked diligently to expand the school resource deputy program, K-9 program, Drug Task Force, drone program and the Human Trafficking Program.

Sean, I am proud to say, is also a strong supporter of legal gun ownership and has proudly assisted in expediting the pistol permit process.

The SLC Sheriff is an elected position and the expectations and responsibilities for this great office are high. The decision who to vote for should not be taken lightly.

I strongly encourage everyone to look at resumes of all candidates involved, reach out to them and ask the tough questions of why and how they are qualified and exactly what their plans are for the SCL Sheriff office.

Sean has a proven track record, and this county would be better off if he is elected as your next sheriff!

Please consider attending one of Sean’s many scheduled meet-and-greets or call Sean at 315-854-4836 at any time with any questions or concerns that you may have.

Kathleen Hilborne
Ogdensburg