Former Chief Deputy in the Wayne County Sheriff’s office, Rob Milby was elected to the top job in November’s election, and was sworn in on January 1, 2022.

On his first day in office, Milby expected transition time, enlightening observations, and readying of files.

“What I got was full steam ahead - feet first into the job,” said Sheriff Milby.

He is no stranger to the staff and deputies, nor the job, having served alongside two former Sheriffs - Dick Pisciotti, and his predecessor Barry Virts.

The Sheriff has made some appointments to his Office.

He has named Detective Lieutenant Tammy Ryndock as his Undersheriff.

“She is excellent at everything she does,” he noted.

Ryndock will take over in the 2nd Quarter, with current Undersheriff Jeff Fosdick staying on until then. Continuing on as Chief Deputy will be Former Detective Sergeant Joe Croft.

How will things change or remain the same with the new administration?

“My first order of business is to pump the brakes and take in the surroundings, with more focus on processes.”

Sheriff Milby stated that most of his county contact will be with the new Public Safety Board. He will attend the Board of Supervisors monthly meetings. “I will always attend with my Undersheriff if our schedules permit.”

As far as other changes in personnel, Sheriff Milby sees a natural progression of jobs. He is extremely pleased to have 12 recruits who will attend the Finger Lakes Law Enforcement Academy in February.

“I am all about cross training also. It is imperative that if I did not come into the office one day...that the office continues to operate.”

To that end, both Undershiff

Ryndock and Chief Deputy Joe Croft will take the training for Public Information Officer and other command training to be able to step in and serve the public without interrupted service.

“I am very committed to using the media and social network for disseminating news to the public. I know technology can only help with our overall mission of transparency and timely information dissemination.”

One thing Sheriff Milby has committed to continue will be monthly meetings with the Police Reform Review committee, formed under Executive Order 203. The Sheriff’s Office Policy Review Committee” consists of members of the clergy, the Wayne County Public Defender’s Office, County officials, and a diverse cross-section of the public.

“Our goal will be to clarify any language or comprehension issues of the Rules and Regulations of Police Reform.

“We are committed to continuing the dialogue,” announced the Sheriff.

The Times asked: Many people are interested in the hierarchy of the Sheriff’s office, can you explain who answers to whom?

“The structure is as follows: Sheriff, Undersheriff, Chief Deputy, Lieutenants, Sergeants, Field Training Officers, Deputies and Correction Officers. There are four Lieutenants - one for Civil, Corrections, Road Patrol and Detectives. All of our Detectives are Sergeants. They have the experience to manage a scene, the experience in working hand in hand with the agencies that they assist.”

Milby noted that he will keep regular hours at the Sheriff’s office, Monday through Friday 9 to 5, although he will be required to be in and out constantly. “I will respond to all major incidents - whether needed or not.”

On the question of guns and cameras... All deputies wear body cameras when dealing with the public, and every patrol car has a camera. “I encourage all of our law enforcement officers to carry their weapons, even off duty. We are police officers 24/7.”

The Sheriff himself is well trained in weapons.

He has spent 10 years on the Sheriff’s Emergency Response Team, and in instructing Active Shooter training. “I encourage all residents who qualify to avail themselves of the rights of the Second Amendment, for their own safety.”

Pistol permits, which have been somewhat timely to issue, will get a boost in the new Administration. There are currently two officers on Pistol Permit duties and Milby plans to cross train others to help get through the backlogs.

“I want to bring in more help with forensics as well. I have one person currently who specializes in computer forensics, but due to the demand, and for a better handle on investigations, I want to work towards developing a Forensic Unit. Even petty crimes can be tracked with electronic tracking.”

Looking to others within the department to improve or enhance the running of the Sheriffs Office is something Milby will pursue. “Our senior staff has wonderful ideas. A title does not mean you know it all. We have brilliant people here, we are progressive and we will take advantage of that.”

“To sum it all up - I am over the moon about the future of the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office,” declared Sheriff Rob Milby.