Sheriff-elect Davison looks forward to new post

PLATTSBURGH | Clinton County Sheriff-elect Brent Davison invited questions at a press conference Thursday, two days after winning the office in local elections. Earning 55.08 percent of the vote, he bested longtime Sheriff Dave Favro with 44.76 percent. Favro has held the county position through six terms for 24 years. "To those who voted for me, thank you for your confidence," Davison said. "To those who voted differently, I intend to earn your trust. I will be the sheriff for everyone in Clinton County." Davison has served in the U.S. Army, worked as a Corrections Officer and in September 2025 he retired after 29 years with the New York State Police, having served as Troop B major based in Ray Brook. In leading the sheriff's department, Davison said he looks forward to working with the staff and personnel. "Whether you serve in patrol, corrections, civil or you have a supportive role, your contribution matters. We will be one team." Proactive patrols, prevention and strong partnerships are created through trust and accountability, transparency and clear expectations from everybody, starting at the top, Davison said. "The election marks a new chapter for the county sheriff's office." "I look forward to working alongside our employees, our local law enforcement, fire, EMS agencies, elected officials, community partners and the people that we serve." Asked about recent allegations and numerous lawsuits the department has faced over the past several years, Davison said the office needs to learn from the past. Clinton County has paid over $360,000 in settlement fees in at least five cases of sexual harassment and policy violations, primarily from female corrections officers. In July last year, the state Attorney General's office appointed an independent monitor to restructure jail operations and provide oversight. "We need to stop overlooking issues that are there," Davison said, noting this was a concern raised by constituents he spoke with on the campaign trail. "On day one I'm going to take responsibility for all of the issues, good or bad, that are at the Clinton County sheriff's office. I want to work with the people that work there as a team." When concerns are brought up, Davison said he intends to listen and to be fair. "I can promise you that nothing will be swept under the rug. And quite honestly, I think that a different leadership style might be needed right now," he said, characterizing his leadership as strong, direct and led by integrity and transparency. Asked about his experience in budget building, the incoming sheriff said the county budget for 2027 has already been submitted. Going forward, he indicated if there is a way to trim the fat to help the taxpayers, he would. "And that includes enforcing things inside the jail that might help put an end to the lawsuits." Researching wage rates, Davison found Clinton County pays less than nearby North County counties. "I believe they're (county legislators) in the process of looking at a new contract for correction officers that will include raises," he noted. "That's the one thing about me as a leader, I can be tough, I can instill discipline, but I will also go to bat for my people." Being visible and accessible is part of the job, he said. "I'm going to make sure everybody knows who I am, what I look like and I'll interact with them. I'll actually have an open door policy that people won't get punished for if they use it. I will walk the jail from time-to-time, hearing from my employees and the people that are incarcerated there. "Leadership is not about a title," Davison said. "It's about showing up, listening and supporting your people." Davison anticipates a tour of the jail and sheriff department offices and will review protocol in place at some point in the coming weeks. He said he will maintain department initiatives that bring positive solutions to public safety, such as the newly formed High-Risk Task Force established to impede incidents of Domestic Violence before they occur. The sheriff-elect indicated Thursday that he had not yet met with Favro. But, he said, they both ran clean campaigns in the bid for office. "I've known Sheriff Favro for many years. I acknowledge his 40 plus years of law enforcement service," Davison said. He will be sworn into office at the start of the New Year. The press conference was coordinated by the county Republican Committee and held at the American Legion Post No. 1619 in Morrisonville. Sheriff Favro issued a statement on social media following the election, thanking county residents for the opportunity "to have served this community for so many years. "I want to especially thank the men and women of the Clinton County Sheriff's Office. Your dedication, bravery, and sacrifices do not go unnoticed. I have been fortunate to work alongside so many outstanding individuals over the years," he said. "To the residents of Clinton County, thank you for trusting me and allowing me the privilege of serving as your Sheriff for nearly a quarter of a century," Favro wrote in part. "Thank you, Clinton County. It has truly been the honor of a lifetime."

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Sheriff-elect Davison looks forward to new post

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