About Sheriff Dougherty

“When you know in your heart what’s right, then you step up and do it.” – Sheriff Thomas J. Dougherty
Sheriff Dougherty resides in the Village of Geneseo and is a lifelong resident of Livingston County. He started his career with the Sheriff’s Office in 2005 as a Deputy Sheriff on the Road Patrol. In 2010 he was reassigned to the Criminal Investigations Division and was promoted to Investigator in January of 2011. On November 5th, 2013 he was elected the 50th Sheriff of Livingston County by the people. A graduate of SUNY Geneseo with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, he also brings 10 years of private-sector business management experience to the Livingston County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO).

  • Birthplace: Avon, NY
  • High School: Avon High School
  • College: SUNY Geneseo, BA Business Administration (2004)
  • Basic Academy: RPTA-Genesee Community College (2005)
  • LCSO Road Patrol: Deputy Sheriff (2005)
  • LCSO Criminal Investigation Division: Investigator (2010)
  • Specialized Training: Narcotics-Drug Enforcement Administration (2009)
In 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, and 2010, Tom led the LCSO in criminal arrests each year.
Tom’s achievement awards and recognitions include
  • Closing a homicide investigation in 2010-2011,
  • Negotiating a peaceful resolution to a stand off involving a man with a gun in 2009
  • Initiating a traffic stop in 2008 that resulted in the discovery and seizure of over 100 marijuana plants located inside the vehicle
  • Leading the Criminal Investigations Division in arrests in 2011
    Sheriff Dougherty’s approach to law enforcement is to treat people, no matter who they are, with absolute dignity. As an officer of the law, he constantly challenges ways to improve the system. His innovative ideas as a Deputy have impacted the illegal drug scene in Livingston County by initiating drug interdiction efforts which resulted in many drug busts, including marijuana, powder cocaine, crack cocaine, acid, hash, prescription narcotics, ecstasy and heroin. As Sheriff, he continues to find ways to make the LCSO efficient, effective, and innovative.

    Memberships & Affiliations:
    • Geneseo Kiwanis
    • Member of Livingston County Coalition of Patrol Services (LCCOPS), former Executive Board Member and Sergeant at Arms
    • Cops for Kids Day, fundraising committee member