2024 Sheriff of the Year Craig D. Apple, Sr. 3rd Annual BBQ Chicken DINNER

The National Sheriffs’ Association (NSA) presented Albany County Sheriff Craig Apple with its Ferris E. Lucas Award for Sheriff of the Year at its Summer Meeting in Oklahoma City last month.

The Award recognizes a Sheriff “who has made outstanding contributions to law enforcement and the criminal justice profession, demonstrates exceptional service to the community, and has contributed to the betterment of the NSA for improving and upholding the Office of Sheriff at the local, state and national level, as well as the Sheriff’s involvement and achievements in the community beyond the responsibilities required of the Office.”

The citation noted how during the course of his career, “Sheriff Apple has been an exemplary Sheriff, a mentor to new Sheriffs and an innovator by his peers. He has been at the forefront of developing programs helping those suffering from addiction and has used his platform to speak up for those less fortunate in our society. His exceptional dedication and leadership have provided a positive impact.”

This is the first time a Sheriff from New York State has been honored with this award.

“This is the greatest honor of my career,” noted Sheriff Apple. “It was an incredible experience and it was great to see the hard work by the men and women of the Albany County Sheriff’s Office highlighted! PS: Thank you to the contingent of NY Sheriffs that made the award extra special!”