Jackie Salvatore, 60, made history in New York State when she was officially sworn in as the Columbia County sheriff, marking a groundbreaking milestone as the first Black woman to ever hold this esteemed position.
Assemblywoman Didi Barrett (D, Hudson) administered the solemn oath of office during a ceremony at the historic Columbia County Courthouse attended by members of the community, local officials, according to Mid Hudson News.
Assemblywoman Barrett praised the incoming sheriff, calling Salvatore a “pioneering public servant.” She also emphasized Salvatore’s long career in law enforcement and her dedication to protecting local communities.
“Today I had the great honor of administering the oath of office to my friend and partner in government, Columbia County Sheriff Jackie Salvatore,” Barrett said in a statement. “Jackie is a pioneering public servant with a long and outstanding track record of keeping our families and communities safe, and is making history as the first Black woman to serve as sheriff in New York State history.”
Friends, family, and professional colleagues joined Ulster County Sheriff Juan Figueroa and Senator Michelle Hinchey (D, Saugerties) at the historic ceremony. Salvatore’s appointment follows a 28-year career with the New York State Police and continues her commitment to local law enforcement and public service in Columbia County.
“Being elected as Columbia County Sheriff is a profound responsibility and an honor that I respect and hold dear,” Salvatore said, according to WRGB. “Your trust in me underscores my commitment to ensuring our community’s safety, security, and well-being. I have dedicated myself to serving with integrity, fairness and a steadfast focus on justice. The principles of transparency and accountability guide every decision I make, and I strive each day to uphold the trust you have placed in me. I am deeply grateful for your confidence in my leadership, and I pledge to continue earning that trust every day,”
Sheriff Salvatore, a Democrat and Hudson High School graduate, has taken over from the retiring Sheriff Donald Krapf. Salvatore previously served as undersheriff and won the election against Republican Lt. John Rivero.
When asked why it took so long for voters to elect a woman of color, Salvatore told WNYT, “I think that a number of them looked beyond that and looked at my qualifications.”
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Salvatore plans to expand on her skills and programs and ensure her team has a vested interest in their work.
“You don’t work for me. You work with me, and we work for the public,” said Salvatore. “Final say is always mine because I’m the boss. We all have ideas and I don’t know it all.”
Salvatore emphasized the significance of the appointment, noting that “it’s difficult for young people, especially for people of color, in certain circumstances to visualize themselves in certain positions if they’ve not seen anyone who looks like them in those positions.”
“I realize the importance of that and, along with it the importance of carrying the title of sheriff in such a way that would make them proud, the office proud and everyone else proud,” Salvatore added.
