On Monday, September 18, and Tuesday, September 19, 2023, Suffolk County Sheriff Dr. Errol D. Toulon, Jr. hosted the Third Annual Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office Executive Leadership Conference on the campus of Hofstra University in Hempstead, NY. This conference was created by Sheriff Toulon to help bridge the gap that exists in leadership training for law enforcement personnel. The invitation-only conference was attended by hundreds of high-ranking law enforcement officials from Suffolk County, Nassau County, New York City, and beyond.
Day one’s speakers included Marissa Levin, a noted Leadership Expert, who inspired attendees to elevate their consciousness, awaken their highest possibilities, dial into their inner knowing & intuition, and step into their limitless potential. NHL Hall of Famer Pat LaFontaine spoke about his time as an Islander and as team Captain of the Buffalo Sabres and how he inspired and encouraged his teammates despite multiple concussions and health issues.
The highlight of day one was an inspiring presentation by former Seattle Police Chief Carmen Best. Best shared her experience leading the force through challenging and often polarizing times, as well as her proven strategies for effective, values-based leadership, including fostering an engaging environment of community, collaboration, trust, and diverse perspectives.
Day two featured inspiring speakers including former NYPD Chief Joe Fox. Fox inspired attendees to evaluate their own leadership qualities and encouraged them to take care of themselves, stating, “Taking care of yourself is not selfish. It’s selfless because it better enables you to take care of others.” Former Commissioner of US Customs and Border Protection Gil Kerlikowske shared experiences from his 40-year career. His expertise in the field of prescription drugs and drug policy was very informative in an era of rampant fentanyl smuggling across the US borders.
Day two concluded with a panel discussion moderated by Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office Undersheriff Steven Kuehhas. Undersheriff Kuehhas sat down with Old Westbury Chief of Police (and former Acting SCPD Commissioner) Stuart Cameron, former First Deputy NYC Police Commissioner Benjamin Tucker, and former Bureau Chief with the NYC Department of Correction Pete Curcio. The panel discussed their own leadership styles and how they inspired their respective agencies to succeed. They also discussed the importance of a support system with an emphasis on officer wellness.
Sheriff Toulon thanks all the speakers for inspiring the audience. “This is our third year of presenting high quality leadership training to upper-level law enforcement personnel across the region and beyond- instruction that is sorely lacking for leaders in most agencies. I thank the speakers for sharing their own leadership expertise and personal experiences in successfully leading and inspiring the nation’s law enforcement agencies.”
For more information on the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office, please visit www.SuffolkSheriff.com.