EXPERIENCE
"I am of the mindset that a qualified sheriff is an individual who can lead, inspire teamwork, develop relationships and can problem solve. Protecting the community demands an intricate skill set which must be carried out by professional, well-trained employees under the direction and supervision of your sheriff." ~ Jeff Smith
PERSONAL DETAILS AND EXPERIENCE
Personal:
Date of Birth: December 20, 1968
Married: Rebecca J. (Buddles) Smith: August 4, 1990
Children: Son: Justin, his wife Amber, grandson Jacoby
Daughter: Ashley and her husband Cody, their daughters Scarlett and Natalie
Resides: Village of Fort Plain, NY
Education:
Fort Plain Central School District
High School Regents Diploma ~ 1987
Herkimer County Community College
Associates Degree – Criminal Justice
Federal Bureau of Investigation National Academy (FBINA)
FBI Academy Graduate ~ 2002
Numerous Law Enforcement Courses:
Certified Crisis Negotiator; Police Instructor; DARE Instructor; Clandestine Lab Certified (DEA); Public-Information Officer; Incident Command System (NIMS) Certified-ICS, 100, 139, 200, 235, 241, 242 300, 400, 402, 700 & 800; De-escalation Training; Mental Health Crisis Training; Use of Force Training; Law Enforcement for People with Disabilities.
Civic Organizations
Fort Plain Fire Department
35 Year Volunteer Firefighter, Chief 2014-2017
Montgomery County Office for Aging
Member , Advisory Board
St. Mary’s Hospital, Amsterdam
Member-Community Service Board
Domestic Violence Task Force
Member
Montgomery County Local Board for Emergency Food and Shelter Program
Member
American Red Cross
Certified Volunteer
CASA Board
Past Member
Canajoharie-Ft. Plain Elks 29 years
Member (Past Drug Awareness Chairman)
NYSEMA (New York State Emergency Managers Association)
Member
Richard T. Bower Scholarship Fund Committee
President
Montgomery County EMS Advisory Board
Member
FMCC Criminal Justice Advisory Board
Member
Montgomery County Habitat for Humanity
Board of Directors Member
Amsterdam Rotary
Member
HFM Prevention Council
Board of Directors Member
Montgomery County Opioid Court Stakeholder
Former Biddy Basketball Coach, AYSO Soccer Referee and Little League Coach
Employment:
Montgomery County Sheriff's Office
Sheriff ~ 2019 - Present
Montgomery County Emergency Services
Director ~ 2014 - 2019
St. Johnsville Police Department
Police Officer ~ 2014-2019
Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office
Montgomery County STOP-DWI
Coordinator ~ 2013-2017
Fort Plain Police Department
Police Officer ~ 1989-1999
Village of Fort Plain Village
Trustee ~ 1999-2003 ~ Daily operations of the Village of Fort Plain Government, as well as budget preparations
Undersheriff (2003-2014) Second in command of 135 employee agency, $6.5 million budget, various law enforcement, investigative and supervisory duties
Lieutenant Road Patrol (2001-2003)
Sergeant Road Patrol (1999-2001)
K-9 Patrol (1994-2002)(K-9 Dix)
Deputy Sheriff Road Patrol (1992-2003)
Corrections Officer (1988-1992)
Charity Work
Annual Food Drive for Catholic Charities of Fulton and Montgomery County
Annual American Red Cross Blood Drive
Safety and Security for the Annual Thanksforgiving Fundraiser supporting Dr. Catena
Toys for Tots Partner
Office for Aging Fundraisers
Volunteer FD Fundraisers
Amsterdam Rotary
Montgomery County Habitat for Humanity
Local Food Drives
Lasagna Love Meals
Shop with a Cop
Holiday Giveaways to chosen families
Awards
Sheriff’s Office Commendation for Meritorious Service
Sheriff’s Office Life Saving Award
NYSSA Sheriff’s Innovative Program Award for MCAM (Montgomery County Against Meth)
Domestic Violence Collaboration Award
Heart Hero Award-Lifesaving for performing CPR
Liberty Bell Award-Honored by Montgomery County Bar Association
Amsterdam Rotary Citizen of the Year 2019
Rotary Paul Harris Fellow Award recipient 2021