[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6576161,"mediaKeyId","3169150-7e6f7df933c2cbc51de8e3d3c1aeaac7","parentId",3169150,"title","County coroner warns of pathologist shortage, seeks cooler upgrade at Harris Hospital","audioSeconds",211,"startMs",3652000,"endMs",3863000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3169150-7e6f7df933c2cbc51de8e3d3c1aeaac7&start=3652&end=3863","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3169150-7e6f7df933c2cbc51de8e3d3c1aeaac7/thumbnail_3652000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6576161/Sullivan-County/New-York/County-coroner-warns-of-pathologist-shortage-seeks-cooler-upgrade-at-Harris-Hospital","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6576161-9000d74d6024f232ac0e1a955b161f79/orig.mp4?Expires=1770833037&Signature=BO9xQ6-Gig956Wowb1unbBN5KmyC-ejBJdv6RQhWcKn0Ny7eECSvEkZoNQySBJ1wLJICsdp5c-sZ0EM2-hWz0IiD8oL6wRrZIyIRfzT5xGji6gCeP0bHvjnx8mV5K4fOMTyuKdQxRZ4PKs8mP7jxqHNViLHps33T2N4T~bbnahg3uaWTUSfQooD20rNVx-6I9wVKKqIOyiRc0QK9ZRbPORCNDQOGNeYZNEWWNtrDbA4rXcIwXxoqfSh~~g0smm0wPd0NVpHW9IwH6fE~ukiWVw9TjIFpwz-O3C1ZEe9jmsncjUUNfh1YeCk5-WlfemBZmFiD5PM-DSxzzzA8bz5O4w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Sullivan County","date","2025-05-01T10:10:00Z","article","Sullivan County’s coroner told the Public Safety Committee on May 1, 2025, that the office handled 18 death calls in the month reported, with eight requiring post-mortem examinations; overdose deaths remain a consistent share of the caseload.

The coroner said four of the recent autopsies were overdose deaths and that about 20% of monthly deaths in the county are overdose-related. He said the county’s primary forensic pathologist will retire by the end of the year and that the county has been unable to find a local replacement; the county may need to transport decedents outside the county for autopsy services if travel‑capable pathologists cannot be arranged.

As an immediate operational need, the coroner said the county will need to upgrade the existing cooler at Harris Hospital to increase capacity and reliability. He provided a project estimate \"about $75,000 for everything\" and said engineering quotes are being reviewed. County staff also said the project will likely require an additional appropriation beyond previously allotted funds.

Why it matters: The retirement of a key forensic pathologist risks longer delays and additional transport costs, and current cooler limitations have required rotating decedents during periods of overload or equipment failure. Upgrading the hospital cooler and adding bay capacity would address both daily needs and preparedness for mass-fatality incidents.

Next steps: County staff will continue to coordinate with Harris Hospital engineers, report back with final quotes and return to the committee when additional funding is required. The coroner said the office will keep the legislature informed as plans and needs evolve.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Sullivan County - Public Safety and Law Enforcement Committee on 2025-05-01 10:00 AM - May 01, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Sullivan County’s coroner reported an ongoing caseload that includes drug overdoses and warned that the primary forensic pathologist plans to retire by year’s end; the coroner said the county will need to upgrade cooler capacity at Harris Hospital and budget additional funds for the morgue.","taxTitle","Sullivan County, New York","taxId",14534,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6576166,"County outlines EMS training expansion, grants and continued response improvements",832,1653000,2485000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3169150-7e6f7df933c2cbc51de8e3d3c1aeaac7&start=1653&end=2485","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3169150-7e6f7df933c2cbc51de8e3d3c1aeaac7/thumbnail_1653000.jpg","/articles/6576166/Sullivan-County/New-York/County-outlines-EMS-training-expansion-grants-and-continued-response-improvements","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6576166-0b06d339b0d3d0d8ac218cae98fc8893/orig.mp4?Expires=1770833037&Signature=Ik3RKw6rpHvB~EJ9bnw0GkFheFHrf9TW6bP4SM3cSMlcTLRfUXuALfozg3vC-C1jey0X75Z7d~-xwaF2p6QtxebvX3lUvUvUXLzdSYDFj~QRYNyEDQ0n5sGaSGujG9H-SvjKY5OUYT2aNTIpoqA9~U93dfAiV-cDzG5UI74nAXXRO08gyQ5FAZmnMTM2FXaLrTpm5OkPyjk1W6vV0tNTFkClRNF7AEkj04zfHU0nWbXAfQokXJQ5b-sES6LjXxljRkWMqfR3OF9k7t8NBXQENFH5C1xKoy6ot1Gfq~IyH9ksXkiLCaH~sAbVOPx5Iq7rYmiyNDF6d50XZDMNz92rtA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","County emergency services staff briefed the Public Safety Committee on May 1, 2025, about expanded EMS training, grant-funded advanced EMT courses and ongoing operational improvements.

Alex (reported for county emergency services) described an advanced EMT training initiative funded by a New York State EMS grant that will be run in collaboration with Delaware County EMS, SUNY Sullivan and Garnet Catskills. He said the grant will cover course costs so the training is no cost to participating providers and that Garnet Catskills will provide clinical time. \"We're gonna use some of that grant funding, so it's no cost to our providers,\" he said, and the county hopes to run two classes with the grant money.

County staff reported continued reductions in response times tied to recent EMS program changes: \"We continue to show about, you know, the 12 to 15 minute response time savings that we've had before the program started,\" a county official said, and staff said they will provide more detailed response metrics at a future meeting. Officials also noted extended transport times as an operational issue when ambulances are delayed for hospital transfers.

The committee observed National EMS Week activities (May 18–24) and discussed a public appreciation barbecue at Harris Hospital on May 20; county staff asked for outreach help to boost attendance for citizen preparedness courses.

Why it matters: Expanded training aims to increase the number of advanced-level EMS providers in Sullivan County, addressing gaps in rural paramedic coverage and creating a career ladder for basic EMTs. Grant-funded training reduces costs for local providers.

Next steps: County staff will finalize class logistics, clinical placements and a schedule and will return to the committee with response-time metrics and township-level breakdowns of EMS activity.","County emergency services staff described a state-funded advanced EMT training collaboration and reported sustained response-time improvements; officials also promoted National EMS Week activities and volunteer recognition.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6576171,"Sullivan County sheriff reports jail crowding, hiring gaps and state transfer backlog",619,2793000,3412000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3169150-7e6f7df933c2cbc51de8e3d3c1aeaac7&start=2793&end=3412","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3169150-7e6f7df933c2cbc51de8e3d3c1aeaac7/thumbnail_2793000.jpg","/articles/6576171/Sullivan-County/New-York/Sullivan-County-sheriff-reports-jail-crowding-hiring-gaps-and-state-transfer-backlog","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6576171-fdee55175089cc09c83639354abbdaa4/orig.mp4?Expires=1770833037&Signature=G8iwBrywDoWQoQji9K9~Jqw~ZHraNgD6YwSDbtNBFhqLdsiG3DFbs9DErcj5Qs60U0nQVOfDpDUARx9IllIhovgkXA2GsfmE~RZ2ATV9QvAACiNMF4PcZ~QyCwPi8Cfxp6t-enBfsmpoj1C9IKKpYoBwwHyyoLjRbnMWvay2ILxijwfCck7619Ev2ATsH4fZDZMUIH3cMKZ1wKlqp5vntYJbYxIJHbrYzGZnc31S6Zv92WClBP-fk2fsHF858H1l0A-rU1~Qo2s32eWSImtxqCiM87mhj945dO8xNP~UWYFC84~ZJ-BW31w6Vh~c9yEkNJD49vkWYydUeqHma4o0HQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Sullivan County sheriff briefed the Public Safety Committee on staffing, inmate counts and hiring obstacles at the county jail on May 1, 2025, reporting a jail population of 127 and a backlog of inmates who should have been transferred to state custody.

The sheriff said the county currently has 11 inmates who the state should be taking into custody but has not, and that the county’s jail population is increasing daily. He said the state typically does not issue reimbursement until the transfer occurs and that counties across the state are facing similar backlogs.

On staffing, the sheriff reported he has hired 11 new correction officers since Jan. 1 and that four recruits are in field training; he said there remain approximately 11 vacancies in the jail and five open patrol positions. He warned that recent state actions have complicated hiring: some correctional officers who were terminated amid a staffing dispute are now having their academy certificates and peace-officer credentials questioned by the state, which may require them to retake training or the academy.

Lawmakers discussed possible county responses, including asking those employees to take the upcoming civil-service exam (scheduled June 1–30) and considering board-level decisions about reinstatement benefits and lateral-transfer credit. The county attorney was asked to review state guidance before the legislature considers resolutions to extend benefits to terminated employees.

Why it matters: The sheriff said the combination of a rising inmate population, state refusal to accept transfers and ongoing staff shortages strains jail operations and increases operational risk. Legislators noted mandated staffing levels and state inspection standards that determine needed posts regardless of actual inmate counts.

What was said in the meeting: The sheriff explained that state corrections decisions are causing counties to house inmates longer than planned and that the county will seek transfers when the state is able to accept them; \"We have 11 sitting there that should be in state prison, and they're sitting in our facility,\" he said. Committee members discussed whether the board should consider resolutions to restore benefits or credit to employees whose state certificates were affected; staff advised reviewing the state memo and legal risk.

Ending: The sheriff will continue recruitment and training; county human resources and the attorney’s office will review legal and benefits questions and return recommendations to the committee. No formal vote was recorded.","The sheriff told the Public Safety Committee the county jail population has risen to 127, including 11 inmates who should be in state custody, and described hiring challenges after state actions affecting some correctional officers' certifications; county leaders discussed exams and options for rehiring.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6576176,"Liberty police tell Sullivan County committee Knights Inn placements are creating public safety strain",506,151000,657000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3169150-7e6f7df933c2cbc51de8e3d3c1aeaac7&start=151&end=657","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3169150-7e6f7df933c2cbc51de8e3d3c1aeaac7/thumbnail_151000.jpg","/articles/6576176/Sullivan-County/New-York/Liberty-police-tell-Sullivan-County-committee-Knights-Inn-placements-are-creating-public-safety-strain","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6576176-36a721aef247f13afd61168f29b12e4e/orig.mp4?Expires=1770833037&Signature=g9M4EgdyBssrj6woX4EbkGB4bUKNsB05H~nC0msADZTwZ31eJ0BzTOW-pGABCmw9SqcwgsJdEGRTs9Ip7Ds87VEBhvqGiDMFwyT0ktDos-4MNxUUUPPDbHPyyV69WbES0fOLsoR1T-q5IQbIrOhewExdQ~SF0toJYxb5DkbInA0DNtZtyKZ0geHMbIUgQCDs2e9QoovJVsCrsilw-sTsFzGCeFWougUAZw37~RbxhoiAkG0iWq5qzCaXDp5JrNcYa4xWtA56znxOz1scS6dtL9rdnnJ49xVW~C1KYOp9RB6lztrtJ0fdRYo7b~iBz08CaCYzH4ze~0xPJUyFLAlK7A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Village of Liberty Police Chief Steve DeGada told the Sullivan County Legislature Public Safety Committee on May 1, 2025, that repeated placements of people experiencing homelessness at the Knights Inn Hotel have produced escalating crime, frequent violent incidents and an unsustainable drain on the village’s police resources.

DeGada said the department responded to 64 unique criminal incidents at the Knights Inn in the first quarter of 2025, accounting for about 165 hours of police time and 24 arrests. \"That is the equivalent of nearly 7 full 24-hour days of police time and resources,\" he said, and added that his review showed approximately 82% of incidents during that period involved individuals placed by the Department of Social Services or their guests. He described a string of violent incidents, fatal overdoses and a past child death tied to fentanyl exposure at the property.

The chair of the committee and multiple legislators said they would arrange a follow-up meeting that includes the Village of Liberty Police Department, the sheriff's office, Commissioner John Little of Health and Human Services and county staff to discuss short-term mitigations and the commissioner’s longer-term shelter plan. Scott Schulte of county administration was asked to coordinate the meeting under open-meetings rules that limit how many legislators may attend.

Why it matters: DeGada told legislators the current hotel placement model is endangering residents who are not involved in criminal activity, straining the village’s two-officer patrol model and limiting officers’ ability to provide routine patrols. He urged the county to back Commissioner Little’s proposal for a professionally run 20-bed shelter for single adults and to require or fund immediate safety measures at facilities currently used for emergency housing.

Details and local context: DeGada said violent assaults, overdoses (including fatalities), child abuse, animal cruelty, robberies and repeated physical altercations have occurred at the Knights Inn Hotel. He singled out a fatal fentanyl exposure two years earlier, saying, \"Exactly 2 years ago tomorrow, May 2, Akasha Lover, an innocent 16-month-old child, was tragically lost from a fatal exposure to fentanyl as a result of the criminal action of her parents at this very establishment.\" He told the committee the hotel currently requires 24/7 on-site security, functioning cameras, improved lighting, controlled access and consistent maintenance as conditions of county funding.

Committee response and next steps: Legislators and county staff said they had already discussed the problem and that Commissioner Little meets frequently with hotel management. Committee members and county staff agreed to (1) convene a meeting with Liberty officials, the sheriff’s office, Health and Human Services and county attorneys to pursue immediate safety fixes and (2) pursue support for the proposed 20-bed shelter. The meeting will be coordinated by Scott Schulte and limited to the number of legislators allowed to participate under the open‑meetings rule.

What was not decided: No formal vote or contract change was recorded at the meeting. Deputies of the Department of Social Services discussed termination of services as an administrative tool; committee members noted that when an individual has legally established residency at a location for more than 28 days, eviction becomes a civil process that requires action by the property owner and is not automatic.

Community impact: Speakers said the situation affects unhoused individuals placed at the hotel, other hotel residents who do not engage in criminal behavior, Liberty residents and the local police force. County staff and the committee noted that short-term mitigation (security and site improvements) and long-term solutions (a staffed shelter and broader homelessness prevention measures) need to proceed in parallel.

Ending: County staff will set the interagency meeting and return to the committee with options for immediate security and remediation measures, and with an update on Commissioner Little’s shelter plan.","The Village of Liberty police chief told the Sullivan County Public Safety Committee that repeated emergency placements at the Knights Inn Hotel have produced a spike in crime and heavy demands on local officers, and he urged the county to back a planned 20‑bed shelter and to require immediate safety improvements at the hotel.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

County coroner warns of pathologist shortage, seeks cooler upgrade at Harris Hospital

County outlines EMS training expansion, grants and continued response improvements

Sullivan County sheriff reports jail crowding, hiring gaps and state transfer backlog

Liberty police tell Sullivan County committee Knights Inn placements are creating public safety strain