Sackets Harbor Police Department

09/11/2026

Dexter Police Chief Sam Johnson was killed in the line of duty September 11th 1987.

Chief Johnson was shot and killed when he was ambushed while responding to a shots fired call on Pillar Point.

A man had just murdered a friend, stole his vehicle, and shot at pedestrians and bicyclists. He then went to a nearby intersection to set up an ambush. As Chief Johnson responded to the shots fired call, not knowing a murder had been committed, he slowed at the intersection to turn when the suspect opened fire on him with a sh***un. Chief Johnson's patrol car ran into a guard rail where the man came up and shot him several more times before stealing his radio and service weapon.

Dispatch and Jefferson County Deputy Sheriffs were unable to reach Chief Johnson on the radio and a Deputy responded to the area, finding Johnson dead. Another Deputy soon located the suspect fleeing in the first victim's car and pursued him. State Troopers and a State Police Investigator joined the pursuit. The suspect stopped on State Route 180 in the Town of Brownville and fired at Deputies and Troopers. The suspect was shot several times and wounded. To this day he is committed to a state mental institution.

Chief Johnson had been with the agency for 13 years and was survived by his wife and five children.

Read more: http://www.odmp.org/officer/7132-chief-of-police-samuel-a-johnson-sr

09/11/2026

09/10/2026

Jefferson County Sheriff's Deputy Michael J. Finerson was killed in the line of duty September 9th, 1970. Deputy Finerson was ambushed when entering a residence while attempting to assist a female in removal of her belongings. Finerson was shot by the female's estranged husband. Finerson returned fire, hitting the suspect, but he was fatally wounded. The suspect, injured by Finerson, then took his own life. The female escaped and called for help.

Deputy Finerson gave his life to protect the citizens of Jefferson County. He is not forgotten.

Deputy Finerson is survived by his wife, Linda Finerson, and two children. He is buried in Three Mile Bay Cemetery.

09/05/2026

Reminder: The Sackets Harbor Marathon is occurring Sunday 9/6/2026 (tomorrow morning). The event is impacting many of our local roadways and traffic patterns. Organizers are requesting that no vehicles remain parked overnight on West Main St so as to limit the impact to participants during the early stages of the event. If you are driving in or around the village tomorrow use extra caution and watch for runners.

08/06/2026

07/10/2026

You can ignore this post...

You can’t ignore a vehicle you never saw coming.

🚲 Ride with traffic.
🚶 Walk facing traffic.

Drivers aren’t expecting a bicycle coming toward them. And if you’re walking with your back to traffic, you can’t react to a vehicle you never saw coming.

It’s a simple choice that can make all the difference.

06/27/2026

I know there have been some issues regarding the e-bikes and e-scooters in some neighborhoods. So here's a reminder of NYS laws regarding them and your children.

05/02/2026

Good information to pass along! This chart breaks it down and answers many of the questions that are frequently asked to our department.

With warmer weather bringing more riders outdoors, the Cicero Police are reminding residents to follow state laws governing e-bikes, e-scooters, and off-road electric motorcycles.

Under New York law, riders of e-bikes and e-scooters must be at least 16 years old. Helmets are required for riders ages 16 and 17, and operators must follow all traffic laws, including yielding to pedestrians. Sidewalk use is prohibited unless allowed by local ordinance, and e-scooters are limited to roads with speed limits of 30 miles per hour or less.

Electric dirt bikes and off-highway motorcycles are not permitted on public roads, sidewalks, bike paths, or parks unless they are fully registered, insured, and street-legal.
The illegal operation of these vehicles poses significant safety risks to both riders and the public.
Parents and guardians are urged to ensure minors are not operating vehicles that are not legal for roadway use.

Unsafe or repeated violations could result in enforcement action, including fines, tow bills, and potential charges such as endangering the welfare of a child.

04/13/2026

Jefferson County Fire & Emergency Management is currently seeking applications for 911 Dispatcher!

Apply online on our Employment Portal:
https://jefferson-portal.mycivilservice.com/

Or send a paper application and resume to:
Jefferson County Dept. of Human Resources,
175 Arsenal St. Watertown, NY 13601