Niagara County sheriff announces retirement
Press Release, Niagara County Sheriff’s Office
LOCKPORT – Niagara County Sheriff James R. Voutour has announced that he will retire Dec. 30, 2019, after 11 years as sheriff.
James R. Voutour
Sheriff Voutour was elected in a hard-fought race in 2008 following the retirement of Sheriff Thomas Beilein. Sheriff Voutour was re-elected to two more terms in 2012 and 2016 and was unopposed each time, receiving the endorsement of every political party in Niagara County. He served as the 56th sheriff of Niagara County.
Voutour was first hired September 6, 1993 as a Niagara County Deputy. He was promoted to the ranks of Sergeant, Captain and Chief Deputy during his tenure and served the Sheriff’s Office for more than 26 years.
“It has been an honor to serve the citizens of Niagara County as their sheriff for 11 years,” he said. “The people of Niagara placed their trust in me for three elections and for that I am truly grateful. I have always believed in term limits and I feel that it is my time to move on to a new chapter and allow a fresh face to take the reins. It’s not easy being married to the sheriff or having the sheriff as your dad. My family has made tremendous sacrifices for many years and they deserve a break. I could not have done my job without my wife, Pilar, at my side, always picking up the slack. “
“My co-workers, some 350 strong, are truly the best in the business. They are loyal, dedicated, brave and true professionals. I will miss them greatly but I am confident they will carry on with the mission, keeping you safe.”
“I will leave the Office in the hands of my Undersheriff, Michael Filicetti. He has served at my side for more than eight years. He is an ethical, bright and dedicated law enforcement officer. I have no doubt he will take command and move the Office of Sheriff forward.”
“As for my future, I was blessed to receive a great offer in the private sector. I will soon start chapter 2 with a large law enforcement technology company as a police consultant. I will have a tremendous opportunity to continue to contribute to law enforcement with a significant decrease in responsibility and stress while spending more time with my wife and daughters.”
