County Celebrates Historic Swearing-In

People lined the walls of the Madison County Board of Supervisors chambers New Year’s Eve Day – four deep in some places – to witness an historic event: the swearing in of Allen Riley, the first black sheriff – and first Democrat to hold the office – in the history of Madison County. Pictured at left is the Hon. Donald Cerio administering the oath of office to new Madison County Sheriff Allen Riley. (Photo by Ric Main)

Allen Riley of Lebanon First Black, First Democratic Sheriff

Martha E. Conway

According to state-certified historian David Sadler of Lincoln, in research he has done with colleagues around the state, it appears that Riley is the first black elected sheriff in New York.

Riley asked the Hon. Donald Cerio of Lenox, former longtime Madison County District Attorney, to administer his oath of office.

“Wow,” Riley said after the brief ceremony. “Thank you very much. It’s hard to believe.”

Riley told Cerio he hoped is tenure as sheriff is as success as Cerio’s career as DA. He thanked his family, campaign staff and supporters, Madison County Board of Supervisors Chairman John M. Becker (R,C,I – Sullivan) and Criminal Justice Committee Chairman Darrin P. Ball (R – Lincoln).

“It’s an honor and a privilege to be elected as the 55th Madison County Sheriff,” Riley said. “The position holds a great deal of responsibility.”

Riley said the office oversees the functions of the jail, including inmate care, the collection of money and protection of the public.

“I will open a positive line of communication with the Board of Supervisors, Madison County department heads and the public,” Riley said. “I stopped in Nov. 4, the day after the election, to meet the staff, and they wouldn’t let me leave. I have spent two months reviewing policies and transitioning into this position. It is a nice feeling to have those two months under my belt.”

Riley said it was among his top priorities to work with the staff toward achieving accreditation for the criminal and civil divisions of the agency.

“The jail is accredited,” Riley said, adding that the move would move the sheriff’s office toward the accountability, integrity and respect it needs.

“The office offers many challenges and opportunities,” Riley said.

Martha E. Conway is Managing Editor for the Madison County Courier. She can be reached at 315.813.0124 or by emailing Martha@m3pmedia.com. Follow her on Twitter at http://twitter.com/marthaeconway or become a friend on Facebook at http://facebook.com/meconway.

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County Celebrates Historic Swearing-In

Allen Riley of Lebanon First Black, First Democratic Sheriff

Martha E. Conway is Managing Editor for the Madison County Courier. She can be reached at 315.813.0124 or by emailing Martha@m3pmedia.com. Follow her on Twitter at http://twitter.com/marthaeconway or become a friend on Facebook at http://facebook.com/meconway.

M3P Media LLC © 2009