Ulster County sheriff ’s office employee dies by suicide at jail

KINGSTON — An Ulster County Sheriff’s Office employee who shot himself at the jail died at a local hospital on Thursday afternoon, according to the sheriff ’s office.

Members of the sheriff’s office found the employee about 3:30 p.m. at the detention center, formally referred to as the county’s Law Enforcement Center. They attempted to provide emergency medical aid before transporting the person to Health Alliance Hospital’s campus on Mary’s Avenue in Kingston, according to a news release sent by the agency. The employee was pronounced dead at the hospital.

The death is being investigated by the State Police’s Bureau of Criminal Investigation with the assistance of the county sheriff’s office. A confidential assistant to the sheriff told the Times Union further information would not be released at this time.

But Sheriff Juan Figueroa told the Kingstonbased Daily Freeman on Friday that the person who died was a man who had worked with the sheriff ’s office for 20 years.

“It’s very traumatic and sad,” Figueroa told the

Freeman. “And this is something that unfortunately is common now in law enforcement with the stresses that we have to deal with every day. It’s truly a sad day here at the sheriff ’s office for the rank and file, and it’s very traumatic.”

He also said the department’s Professional Standards Division is providing counseling to everyone at the sheriff’s office, including civilians and sworn members.

Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger issued a statement Friday saying she was deeply saddened by what happened.

“I want to start by expressing my deepest condolences to the family, friends and co-workers affected by this heartbreaking incident,” Metzger’s statement reads. “Mental health is an issue that affects us all, and we all need to support our loved ones and community members to seek help.”

She also issued a reminder to anyone experiencing a mental health crisis or suicidal thoughts that they can call the suicide and crisis lifeline at 988. Ulster County employees can seek support and resources through the Employee Assistance Program by calling 888-8815462.