Michelle Hinchey: NY State Senator from 46th District, chair of the Agriculture Committee and member of other committees including Alcoholism and Substance Abuse, called Sheriff Figueroa a “forward-looking, box breaker” as she discussed his innovative programs, such as ORACLE and AVERT, and explained why Juan is “one of the stand-out sheriffs of the entire country.” 

Steven Kelley: CEO/President of Ellenville Regional Hospital, described the “great paradigm shift” in how law enforcement deals with addiction since Juan took office. Steve explained how historically there was little interactions between the Sheriff’s Office and the hospital; but today through ORACLE there is a true partnership. Note: due to his position, Kelley does not make endorsements for candidates.

Evelyn Clarke: Town of Esopus Councilwoman, Associate Minister of New Progressive Baptist Church, praised the sheriff for his commitment to diversity and being the “sheriff for all the people of Ulster County.” She said Juan has kept his promise to “end the culture of exclusion and cronyism” and instituted equitable and merit recognition for the employees of the Sheriff’s Office and has created a positive, nonpolitical office with “zero tolerance for racial or sexual harassment or favoritism.”

Pat Ryan: Ulster County Executive, introduced the sheriff and spoke of his support for Juan as a friend and partner in county government. Pat touched on Juan’s innovations at the Sheriff’s Office and spoke of his personal qualities, including Juan as a natural leader who “goes against the grain in a good way” and his “big heart.”

Sheriff Juan Figueroa on what the Sheriff’s Office has achieved in the 3 years since he headed it.