History was made on January 2, 2026, as Jackie Salvatore was officially sworn in as Sheriff of Columbia County. This ceremony marks the first time a Black woman has held the title of sheriff in New York State history. Local leaders and residents gathered at the Columbia County Courthouse to witness this monumental event. Assemblywoman Didi Barrett, representing the Hudson area, had the distinct honor of administering the oath of office.
Salvatore’s rise to the position comes after a decisive victory in the November 2025 election. A Democrat and lifelong resident of the county, she defeated Republican candidate Lt. John Rivero to secure the seat. Consequently, she succeeds Sheriff Donald Krapf, who retired after a long career in law enforcement. This transition signals a new chapter for the department, focused on modernizing police work and strengthening community bonds.
Decades of Experience in New York Law Enforcement
Salvatore is no stranger to the high stakes of public safety and community protection. She brings nearly 30 years of experience from her time with the New York State Police. During those three decades, she served in various roles, including as a trooper and an investigator. She eventually rose to become the Director of the State Police Employee Assistance Program. This background has given her a unique perspective on both field operations and officer well-being.
“Jackie is a pioneering public servant with a long and outstanding track record of keeping our families and communities safe,” Assemblywoman Barrett stated during the ceremony.
Her tenure as Undersheriff since 2021 further prepared her for this historic promotion. In that role, she focused on improving department morale and increasing transparency. She often says that her leadership style is about working “with” people rather than them working “for” her. This collaborative mindset earned her an overwhelming endorsement from the local Deputy Sheriffs Association. She enters her four-year term with strong support from the men and women she now leads.
Addressing the Opioid Crisis and Criminal Justice Reform
One of Salvatore’s top priorities is tackling the devastating opioid epidemic affecting families in the region. She plans to use a multi-layered approach that includes intervention, prevention, and rehabilitation. Instead of relying solely on arrests, she wants to partner with public health experts to find long-term solutions. She believes that providing a support system is essential for those struggling with addiction and recovery.
Furthermore, the new sheriff aims to bring more fairness and equity to the criminal justice system. She campaigned on a platform of “people-centered” policy that treats every resident with dignity. Salvatore also intends to focus on officer preparedness and mental health resources. By “helping the helpers,” she believes deputies will be better equipped to serve the public with compassion. Her vision includes creating a department that truly reflects the diverse community it protects.
Strengthening Community Trust and Engagement in Columbia County
Building trust between law enforcement and citizens is a cornerstone of Salvatore’s mission. She has already introduced innovative programs like “Wheels of Justice,” which refurbishes bicycles for people re-entering society. Additionally, she has organized successful gun buyback events to keep illegal firearms off the streets. These initiatives show her commitment to proactive crime prevention and community-based solutions.
As a mother of three and a devoted community member, Salvatore understands the local needs intimately. She plans to expand recruitment efforts to ensure the department stays fully staffed and well-trained. By being present at local events and job fairs, she hopes to make the Sheriff’s Office more approachable. Her “oath of honor” is a promise to serve everyone in the county with integrity and vision. For Salvatore, this role is the natural next step in a life dedicated to public service.
