POUGHKEEPSIE – On December 1, 1970, Adrian “Butch” Anderson began his career as a deputy with the Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office, and on Tuesday hundreds celebrated Anderson’s 50 years in law enforcement.
The celebration began with a caravan of more than 200 vehicles escorting the sheriff from his home in Pawling to the Dutchess County Law Enforcement Center (LEC) in Poughkeepsie.
A socially-distant celebration was held at the LEC where County Clerk Bradford Kendall presented Anderson with a certified copy of his original oath of office and then, with Anderson raising his right hand, Kendall administered a new oath of office to the 71-year-young Anderson.
County Executive Marc Molinaro and Legislature Chairman Gregg Pulver brought a tear to the eye of Anderson when they unveiled a plaque dedicating the LEC in honor of Adrian “Butch” Anderson for his 50 years of dedicated service to the county.
Anderson anecdotally told those in attendance of how he wanted to quit after his first day because he didn’t like the tedious task he had been assigned. The video of Anderson describing his first two days on the job in 1970 can be found here.
Molinaro said that in the more than 300 years that the office of the sheriff has been in existence, “No one has done it better than Butch Anderson.”
“I can’t believe what went on today,” said Anderson as he described how the caravan, originating at the Pawling Fire Department began the trip to Poughkeepsie. Along the route, fire departments hung flags over the caravan, and crowds of people gathered along the road to wave to Anderson on his milestone celebration. “I started 50 years ago – I’m still here. I’ve seen the good, the bad, and the ugly, and the good outweighs the bad,” remarked Anderson.
Contemplating the tensions that have gripped the country in recent years, Anderson said, “It’s time to treat people the way you want to be treated. It’s time to break bread with different people.” Sheriff Butch, as he is known by many, also addressed the pandemic, saying “2020 has been a very tough year. Wear a mask, be safe, and find that certain someone that has nobody and help them have a nice holiday season.”
Anderson’s illustrious career in public service began in 1970 and saw him serve as a deputy, an undercover deputy, and detective, before being named as undersheriff in 1993. He was elected to the position of Sheriff in 1999 and has remained in the position since then. Anderson is a 1977 graduate of the prestigious FBI Law Enforcement Academy in Quantico, Virginia. He has earned accolades from several organizations during his career, including awards from the NAACP, FBI, and United States Secret Service.
Anderson also served five terms as the mayor of the Village of Pawling from 1983 to 1991.
