ORLEANS COUNTY/Undersheriff Bourke will run for Sheriff after Sheriff Bower decides not to seek re-election

February 15, 2019,

Residents of Orleans County,

I would like to take this opportunity to announce my candidacy for the Office of Sheriff of Orleans County. Sheriff Randy Bower, after much deliberation and discussion with his family, has decided not to seek re-election for the office of Sheriff in the election this November. Sheriff Bower should be proud of the accomplishments and positive impact he has had on the Orleans County Sheriff’s office.

A partial list of the of accomplishments achieved by Sheriff Bower and his leadership team are; initiating the “STAMP” (Sheriff’s Transition Management Program) which offers an inmate suffering from opioid addiction a chance to enter a program of treatment and receive Vivitrol upon release which saves lives. We have expanding training for Deputies in the use Narcan, Stop the Bleed, Civil Process, Patrol rifle School, Total Station, Investigation of Sex Crimes, internet and social media investigations. Our team has also partnered with the Faith Based Community to establish a Sheriff’s Volunteer Clergy, Sheriff CARES (Community Addiction Rehabilitation Education), assisted with Toys for Tots.

It is my goal, if I were to be so honored to be your next Sheriff, is to continue the initiatives that have so positively affected our County. In addition to that, I believe with my nearly 35 years of service to the Sheriff’s Office and the residents of Orleans County, I am uniquely qualified to serve as your Sheriff. I have worked in all divisions of the Sheriff’s Office; Correction

Officer in the Orleans County jail, Dispatch/911 Center, 31 years in the Criminal Division/Road Patrol with over 18 years as a Lieutenant. Over the course of my employment at the Sheriff’s Office I have had a variety of assignments and duties including; Corporal in the Orleans County Jail, over 20 years as the K-9 Handler, FBI Trained and Certified Hostage Crisis Negotiator, Managed the Security for the County Office Building Complex, Supervisor of the Sheriff’s Marine Division which included 10 Deputies, 4 vessels, two vehicles and a Marine Office.

As your Undersheriff for the past three years, I have assisted the Sheriff with all areas of operation within the Sheriff’s Office; Civil Division, Marine Division, Correction Division, Communication/911, Pistol Permits, Animal Control and Criminal Investigation Division. I have worked very hard to build excellent relationships with our local Police agencies within the county along with our State and Federal law enforcement partners, Coroners’ Office, District Attorney’s Office, local and County Courts, Emergency Management and the Orleans County Fire Service.

I ask you to join me as I embark on this campaign to become your next Sheriff. I would feel honored and privileged to serve as your next Sheriff.

Thank you for your consideration,

Sincerely

Christopher M. Bourke