Suffolk County Sheriff Errol Toulon Jr. was sworn in for his third term during an inauguration ceremony at the Van Nostrand Theater at Suffolk County Community College, marking another milestone in a law enforcement career spanning more than five decades.
Toulon, the 67th Sheriff of Suffolk County and the first African American elected to a countywide office on Long Island, took the oath of office from his father, Errol D. Toulon Sr., a former New York City Department of Corrections warden.
“I would like to thank my Dad for swearing me in. Your love, support and guidance helped shape the man I am today,” Toulon said. He also thanked his wife, Tina, adding, “I would not be standing here without your love and support.”
Toulon reaffirmed his mission “to make the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office the best sheriff’s office in the country, not just in law enforcement, but in what government can and should be.”
Toulon highlighted nationally recognized initiatives launched under his administration, including the Sheriff’s Transition and Reentry Team (START). “How do we expect someone to succeed if we don’t give them the tools to make that happen?” he said, noting that START participants have a recidivism rate below 20 percent, compared with nearly 40 percent statewide and nationally.
He also cited the Sheriff’s Anti-Trafficking Initiative, the Corrections Intelligence Center, expanded domestic violence and DWI enforcement units, and increased staff wellness and training.
“I work for you, the people of Suffolk County,” concluded Sheriff Toulon.
Dignitaries in attendance included New York State Attorney General Letitia James; U.S. Reps. Nick LaLota and Pat Ryan; Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine; former U.S. Rep. Peter King; District Attorney Ray Tierney; Police Commissioner Kevin Catalina; Comptroller John Kennedy; Clerk Vincent Puleo; Brookhaven Councilman Neil Foley; and Pastor Cynthia Ligon.