ABOUT SHERIFF O’FLYNN
A lifetime of leadership and dedication to protecting citizens.
Sheriff Patrick M. O’Flynn began his career with the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office in 1976 as a Deputy Sheriff trainee. He was soon promoted to the position of part-time Deputy Sheriff assigned to the Parks and Marine Patrol Unit. In 1978, he was selected to attend the Police Academy as the sole representative from the Sheriff’s Office.
He served as a road patrol deputy until being promoted to the rank of Sergeant in 1983. From 1985 – 1986, he was assigned to Planning and Research where he was responsible for long-range strategic planning and research of special projects for the Sheriff’s Office. He was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant in 1986 where he managed uniformed and investigative members of the road patrol bureau. He also assumed the responsibility of S.W.A.T. Commander, where he managed all aspects of the Special Weapons and Tactical Unit. As a Lieutenant he also managed the Headquarters Office, which included departmental records management, computer systems, and data processing.
In January 1988, former Sheriff Andrew P. Meloni appointed him Undersheriff, where he administered and managed the Police, Jail, Court Security and Civil Bureaus as well as all civilian personnel in the 1,100-member agency. Reporting directly to the Sheriff, he was responsible for management of the $80 million dollar budget, personnel office, and administrative and operations functions. He also oversaw the expansion and construction of the new jail, which now houses 1,500 inmates daily.
Upon former Sheriff Meloni’s retirement in May 2001, O’Flynn was appointed Sheriff by Governor George E. Pataki. In November 2001, he was elected Sheriff, beginning his first full four-year term as the chief law enforcement officer of Monroe County. Sheriff O’Flynn was re-elected in 2005, currently serving his second four-year term.
EDUCATION & BOARD SERVICE
Sheriff O’Flynn earned a Criminal Justice Degree from Monroe Community College and a Business Degree from Roberts Wesleyan College, New York. He is a graduate of the FBI National Executive Institute Session XXVI and Leadership Rochester, a one-year leadership development program. He currently serves as Vice President of the New York State Sheriff’s Association, and is a member of the National Sheriff’s Association, the Major County Sheriffs’ Association, and the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services – Municipal Police Training Council.
Sheriff O’Flynn has developed many professional and civic associations as Sheriff. He is Chairman of the Operating Practices Board of 911 Emergency Communications, and has served on numerous boards, both past and present, including the Rochester Safety Council; the Lifespan Elder Abuse Consortium; the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children; the Humane Society of Rochester and Monroe County; the American Red Cross; and the Monroe County Sheriff’s Foundation. He is a member of the Monroe Community College Law and Criminal Justice Advisory Team; local Community Action Team; Knights of St. John; and is an Honorary Rotary Club member. He is actively involved in charitable organizations and fundraising for the Golisano Children’s Hospital, National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, Bivona Child Advocacy Center, Compeer, American Cancer Society, American Red Cross-Rochester Chapter, Wilmot Cancer Center, Monroe Community Hospital, Ronald McDonald House, United Way, Crime Stoppers, Cancer Action, Inc., Arthritis Foundation, Alzheimer’s Association, and the Special Olympics.
COMMUNITY HONORS
Sheriff O’Flynn is the recipient of many community awards: the Sons of the American Revolution (Rochester, New York Chapter) Law Enforcement Commendation Medal 2001; VFW Monroe County Council Law Enforcement Award 2003; Legacy Award (Service to Elderly) 2008; Boy Scouts Distinguished Citizen Award 2008; and the Roberts Wesleyan College Reach Hero Award 2003, to name a few. He is a member of the Eastridge High School Alumni Hall of Fame and the Monroe Community College Alumni Hall of Fame 2003.
Sheriff O’Flynn and his wife, Lisa, live in Penfield with their two children, Jacqueline and Patrick.