POUGHKEEPSIE – A retired Dutchess County deputy sheriff is seeking to make history as she seeks the Democratic nomination to run for sheriff. The law enforcement veteran became the first openly transgender person in the department’s history, after transitioning from a man to a woman in 2015.
Jillian Hanlon told Mid-Hudson News that she will seek the endorsement of the Dutchess County Democratic Committee when they meet later this week. “I have the requisite budgetary and policy experience, and I have the work history and work ethic necessary to lead this department, Hanlon said, adding “I have the political experience and temperament needed not only to win the election but also to be able to work with and collaborate with people across the aisle.”
The 57-year-old served 24 years in the Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office, retiring in November of 2021. Hanlon, with a degree in criminal justice, began working in the Dutchess County Jail before transferring to the road patrol side of the agency. Armed with a bachelor’s degree from Marist College, Hanlon served as the sheriff’s office spokesperson for nearly 12 years. Before transitioning to a woman, Hanlon served in a variety of roles within the sheriff’s office known as Deputy TJ Hanlon.
If elected, Jillian Hanlon will be the first openly transgender person in the United States to occupy the office of sheriff. “Representation matters, we exist, and it is crucial that we show that it is possible to live authentically and to thrive,” she said. “Seven years ago last week, I accepted my truth,” Hanlon said of her transition. “It was the scariest thing I have ever done, but courage is putting one’s fear aside, regardless of the personal cost, and I will bring that same courage to administering my duties as sheriff.”
The jail is a major part of Hanlon’s campaign and she cites the need for a change in management. “The mismanagement at the current jail creates enormous legal liabilities for the county,” she said. “While the design of the new jail will address the overcrowding, and will be much more efficient for staff utilization, unless deep problems are addressed, it will be like giving a fast car to a distracted driver.”
On the potential of running against her former employer, Acting Sheriff Kirk Imperati, Hanlon said she spoke with him this past Saturday. “We discussed in broad terms what our platforms are, and agreed to a clean, fair fight. We agreed not to personally attack but keep it to the issues. The politics of personal destruction has no place in this race.”
Imperati, the presumed Republican candidate echoed Hanlon’s sentiments about the campaign.
“The voters of Dutchess County can look forward to a good campaign that is polite, professional, and courteous. We will talk about the issues and how we are going to make Dutchess County better.”
