Dutchess County Sheriff's Office

🇺🇸 With the Fourth of July weekend right around the corner, many of us are looking forward to spending time with family and friends, attending local celebrations, enjoying fireworks, and making the most of the holiday.

As plans come together, the Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office wanted to share a few simple reminders to help keep the weekend safe and enjoyable for everyone. Whether you’re heading to a fireworks display, spending the day on the water, enjoying a backyard barbecue, or helping your pets get through the festivities, a little preparation can go a long way.

Take a moment to swipe through our holiday safety tips as you get ready to celebrate.

From our DCSO family to yours, we wish you a safe, happy, and memorable Fourth of July weekend. 🇺🇸

Press Release

Deputy Skidgell Inspires Young Readers at Wingdale Elementary!

Last Thursday, Deputy Skidgell had the opportunity to participate in a reading event at Wingdale Elementary School, where he shared a story with students and helped foster a love of reading.

The visit was a tremendous success, with students fully engaged and excited to spend time with Deputy Skidgell. Event organizers praised his natural ability to connect with the children and make the reading experience both enjoyable and memorable.

Opportunities like these strengthen the positive relationships between law enforcement and the young members of our community while encouraging a lifelong love of learning.

Thank you to the staff and students at Wingdale Elementary School for the warm welcome. We look forward to future visits and continuing to make a positive impact in our schools!

Congratulations to the newest New York State Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) Instructors who successfully completed the Instructor Development Course last Friday.

Over the course of two weeks, participants completed classroom instruction, examinations, and a final 50-minute individual presentation demonstrating the knowledge and skills necessary to become effective instructors.

This certification is a requirement for officers who teach in-service training programs, police and corrections academies, and other professional development courses throughout their agencies.

Representatives from several agencies took part in the program, including the Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office (Road Patrol and Corrections Divisions), City of Poughkeepsie Police Department, New York City Department of Environmental Protection Police, City of Kingston Police Department, and Town of Plattekill Police Department.

The Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office congratulates all graduates on this achievement and their continued commitment to professional development and excellence in public service.

☀️ It’s officially summer! ☀️

Time for sunshine, vacations, ice cream, community events, and hearing “I’m bored” approximately 17 minutes after the kids get home. 😎

As you enjoy everything summer has to offer in Dutchess County, remember to stay hydrated, buckle up, and make safety part of the plan.

From all of us at the Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office, have a safe, fun, and memorable summer!

🌞🚔

Happy Father’s Day to all fathers and father figures! The dads, stepdads, grandfathers, foster fathers, adoptive fathers, mentors, coaches, and anyone who has helped guide, support, and inspire others.

Today, the Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office recognizes and celebrates the countless ways you make a difference. Through your patience, encouragement, sacrifice, and unwavering support, you help shape lives, strengthen families, and build stronger communities.

To the fathers and father figures within our Sheriff’s Office family and throughout Dutchess County, thank you for the example you set and the positive impact you have on those around you each and every day.

We wish you all a very Happy Father’s Day and a day spent with those who matter most.

🔨🍔💙☀️

Thursday, members of the Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office were honored to attend the Honor-A-Vet ceremony in Beekman recognizing Philip A. Bauer Sr. for his service to our nation during World War II.

Born in Poughkeepsie and a lifelong member of the Pawling community, Mr. Bauer answered the call to serve during one of the most pivotal moments in our nation’s history. His dedication, sacrifice, and commitment to freedom represent the very best of the Greatest Generation and continue to inspire those who follow in his footsteps.

This ceremony held special meaning for the Sheriff’s Office, as Mr. Bauer was the grandfather of our own Sgt. Cooper. Sharing in the recognition of his extraordinary life and military service alongside family, friends, fellow veterans, and community members made the occasion even more meaningful.

We are grateful for the opportunity to help honor Mr. Bauer’s remarkable legacy and thank him for his service to our nation and his lasting impact on the Dutchess County community.

On behalf of Sheriff Kirk Imperati and the members of the Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office, thank you, Philip A. Bauer Sr., for your service, sacrifice, and the example you have set for generations of Americans.

🇺🇸❤️💙

🚨 Public Safety Alert 🚨

The Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office is sharing a Public Safety Advisory issued Thursday by Dutchess County District Attorney Anthony Parisi warning residents of a significant increase in suspected drug overdoses throughout Dutchess County.

We encourage all residents to remain vigilant, carry naloxone (Narcan) if available, and call 911 immediately if they witness a suspected overdose. Quick action can save a life.

Please help us share this important message with your family, friends, and neighbors.

For more information, visit DutchessDA.org.

Stay safe, Dutchess County.

Juneteenth reminds us that freedom, equality, and justice are values worth honoring every day.

As we commemorate this important chapter in American history, we reflect on the progress that has been made, the challenges that have been overcome, and the work that continues to strengthen our communities.

Today, the Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office joins in recognizing Juneteenth and the enduring significance of freedom for all.

❤️💛💚

Tuesday evening, the Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office and PBA Youth Cadets Post 108 proudly celebrated the graduation of our 2025-2026 Youth Cadet Class.

Over the past year, these dedicated young men and women have demonstrated leadership, commitment, and a passion for serving their community. Through training, mentorship, and community involvement, they have gained valuable skills that will help guide them in their future endeavors.

We are incredibly proud of all they have accomplished and look forward to seeing what the future holds for each of them.

🎓⭐️🚔🇺🇸

Congratulations to the Class of 2025-2026!