Sheriff Hess won’t seek re-election

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 22 January 2015 at 12:00 am

Sheriff Scott Hess

ALBION – Scott Hess, Orleans County’s sheriff for nearly 12 years, intends to retire after Dec. 31, ending a 31-year career in law enforcement.

Hess said today he won’t seek re-election as leader of the Sheriff’s Department. Prior to being sheriff, Hess was police chief in Albion for five years. He worked with the Albion PD for nearly 20 years.

“I’m looking forward to my next challenges in life,” Hess said today.

He has led the Sheriff’s Department with technology upgrades, including improvements in the dispatch operations. Hess also oversees the Orleans County Jail, which recently received more than $1 million in upgrades, staving off pressure from the state for a new jail.

Law enforcement agencies in the county also created a SWAT team under his watch.

Hess praised the law enforcement officers for their commitment to the community. He also said the county has made the resources possible for upgrades in the department.

“It’s been a collaboration with others,” Hess said. “I really can’t take any of the credit. We’ve accomplished many things working with the legislators and staff.”