RHINEBECK, N.Y. — As vendors, carnies, and exhibitors busied themselves with preparations for the opening of the Dutchess County Fair, Sheriff Kirk Imperati was focused on preparing his agency’s newest “deputy” to greet fairgoers — Cruz A. Long.
A Unique Addition to the Team
Cruz A. Long is no ordinary deputy. The child-sized police vehicle, made possible through a grant from the National Child Safety Council, has been specially designed to connect with children. According to Sergeant Alonzo Montanya, who helped prepare Cruz for the event, the new addition will play an important role in attracting and engaging younger visitors to the Sheriff’s Office tent.
The initiative reflects the department’s commitment to community policing and fostering positive relationships with the next generation.
Sheriff Imperati Highlights the Fair’s Importance
Sheriff Imperati emphasized the Dutchess County Fair as a key opportunity for the Sheriff’s Office to showcase its work to the nearly 300,000 residents of Dutchess County.
“The Dutchess County Fair is an extremely important event for the Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office to display all the good work we do for the nearly 300,000 residents of Dutchess County,” Imperati said. “Our display at the fair is interactive, so the residents of our county have a better understanding of how we protect them each and every day.”
He added that this year’s exhibit reflects the technological advancements that have kept the Sheriff’s Office at the forefront of public safety since its formation more than 300 years ago. “We are proud of the advancements we have made that keep us at the forefront of public safety,” he said.
Revamped Exhibit for 2025
This year’s Sheriff’s Office tent has been expanded to include a wide range of interactive displays and learning opportunities. Visitors can meet deputies, correction officers, and members of the drone and K-9 units, as well as cadets from the Youth Cadet Program, supervised by Sergeant Montanya.
Highlights of the exhibit include:
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Virtual reality simulators designed to give residents a firsthand experience of law enforcement scenarios.
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Child ID program, providing ID cards for children between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. daily.
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Community outreach programs, including the New York State Sheriff’s Association’s “Blue Envelope” and “Yellow Dot” initiatives, Project Lifesaver, and details on the Sheriff’s Office/DCDS PBA NERLEEA Youth Cadet Program.
The booth will be staffed throughout the fair by members of the Sheriff’s Office and cadets, ensuring visitors can learn more about the services and responsibilities of the department.
K-9 and Drone Demonstrations
A crowd favorite is returning this year: the Sheriff’s Office K-9 demonstrations. These demonstrations, staged on the track near the Grandstands, will not only showcase the skills of the highly trained dogs but also include support from the drone unit, illustrating how the two teams work together in modern policing.
The demonstrations are scheduled for:
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Thursday, August 21 at 12 p.m. and 4 p.m.
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Friday, August 22 at the same times.
These events are expected to be among the most popular attractions at the Sheriff’s tent, offering both education and entertainment for families.
Bicycle Raffle for Residents
In addition to the educational displays, the Deputy Sheriff’s PBA and the Dutchess County Sheriff’s Employees Association, which represents correction officers, have teamed up to purchase several bicycles. These will be raffled off to county residents during the fair. More information on how to participate in the raffle will be available at the Sheriff’s tent.
Community Connection at the Fair
The Dutchess County Fair provides an opportunity for the Sheriff’s Office to build stronger relationships with residents by combining entertainment, education, and community outreach. From introducing Cruz A. Long to hosting hands-on demonstrations, the Sheriff’s Office aims to use the event to highlight both tradition and innovation in local law enforcement.
With interactive activities, family-focused programs, and opportunities to meet deputies and cadets, Sheriff Imperati said he hopes visitors will leave with a deeper understanding of the department’s work and its dedication to public safety.
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