Ulster sheriff moonlighting as a cop

[Geppetto 31]

By Paul Brooks

Times Herald-Record

June 25, 2008

WOODSTOCK — Sheriff by day, street cop and dispatcher by night, that's Ulster County's Paul Van Blarcum.

http://www.recordonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/.../NEWS/806250326

[SgtGumby311 0]

Sounds like a guy who really enjoys his work....Good for him.

[TL2L31 8]

Sounds wierd to me.

[Oswegowind 17]

Who cares. Did he screw up? No, just someone writing a story for the helluvait. And as for patrolling the "hard" streets of Woodbury, come on!

[helicopper 1,050]

I thought there used to be a law prohibiting a person from holding two jobs (and badges) in law enforcement. This isn't the first time I've heard of someone with two so I guess there's no problem with it.

The argument that I heard was if one agency suspended you, you could still carry a gun with the other. But if you're able to get through the hiring process TWICE, you're probably not going to screw up like that.

[INIT915 1,119]

I thought there used to be a law prohibiting a person from holding two jobs (and badges) in law enforcement. This isn't the first time I've heard of someone with two so I guess there's no problem with it.

The argument that I heard was if one agency suspended you, you could still carry a gun with the other. But if you're able to get through the hiring process TWICE, you're probably not going to screw up like that.

This happens often between the part-time PD's in Westchester/Putnam/Dutchess. Since those guys are are limited to 20 hour work weeks, several of them work 20 hours with two agencies in order to secure a 40 hour work week.

i.e. 20 Hours with Somers PD and 20 Hours with Cold Spring PD

[Guest WCDES636]

I think it's great to see a Boss Dispatching and doing street patrol. Might keep him level while dealing with his own underlings.

I would love to see our bosses sitting in our chairs for just one shift.

[210 91]

All that really matters in my opinion is that the Woodstock PD chief understands his sheriff duties have priority, which it seems he does. If he is still available 24/7 to his department I don't see a problem. I would imagine in the event of some type of county emergency he would switch hats and assume his leadership role for the county.