Bourke endorsed for sheriff by local and state-wide deputies’ associations
ALBION – The membership Chris Bourke has been endorsed for sheriff by two unions representing deputies, both at the local and state-wide levels.
Chris Bourke
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Orleans County Deputy Sheriff’s Association and the New York State Deputy Sheriff’s Association, which represent deputies from across New York State, for their support,” Bourke said today. “Words cannot not express the admiration and respect I have for the Orleans County Deputy Sheriffs that put their life on the line day after day to serve the people of Orleans County. Together with Michael Mele as Undersheriff, I look forward to leading the Sheriff’s Office into the future and serving the people of Orleans County.”
Bourke, a Carlton resident, has been the undersheriff for the past three-plus years. He has worked with the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office for 35 years, starting his career as a correction officer and then was a deputy sheriff before working 18 years as a lieutenant. He was supervisor of the Marine Patrol, and also was a K9 officer for 20 years.
Bourke is challenged for sheriff in this year’s election by Brett Sobieraski, a Kent resident and sergeant with the Rochester Police Department. He supervises the Greater Rochester Area Narcotics Enforcement Team and is a team leader on the SWAT Team. He also is an instructor at the Monroe County Law Enforcement Academy.
The Orleans County Deputy Sheriffs’ Association voted to officially endorse Bourke for sheriff, according to a March 18 letter from Alex Breuilly, president of the union for the local deputy sheriffs.
Thomas M. Ross, executive director of New York State Deputies Association, sent a letter to Bourke on April 10, informing him of the endorsement, citing Bourke’s experience, working his way up from his first position as a corrections officer to undersheriff, which Ross said makes Bourke “clearly the best candidate to serve the citizens of Orleans County and the men and women of the Sheriff’s Office.”
Ross said he has experience working with Bourke when Bourke was a deputy and in administration for the Sheriff’s Office. Ross said Burke looks for the “right answer” and strives to be fair.
“Being fair does not mean that parties will always agree,” Ross said in his letter. “But even in disagreement, there is respect in recognizing that decisions are made based on facts, not on loyalties or friendships. I trust you will continue to have success as a leader taking on the top spot in the office you have been a part of for over 30 years.”
