Natasha Vaughn is reporting for Columbia-Greene Media Columbia County Sheriff David Bartlett has been chosen president of the New York State Sheriffs Association. Bartlett was elected to lead the group last week during a virtual meeting of the organization. “It’s a great honor, I’ve got to be quite honest,” Bartlett said. “The only other sheriff to hold the presidency from Columbia County was Sheriff Paul Proper [PRO-per]. Its a great honor, and a privilege, and I’m looking forward to serving.” Bartlett elected first vice president of the association last year. He succeeds Washington County Sheriff Jeffrey Murphy. Columbia County Judge Jonathan Nichols administered the oath of office to Bartlett at a ceremony conducted at the Sheriff’s Office in Hudson, attended virtually by sheriffs statewide, and in-person guests former Columbia County Sheriff David Harrison, County Judge Richard Koweek and staff members. Bartlett joined the Sheriff’s Office as a Deputy Sheriff in 1984. He was appointed to the position by Proper and elected county Sheriff in 2013. The New York State Sheriffs Association was established in 1934 and it works to influence the state government on policy matters of interest to the law enforcement community. Bartlett's elevation to the association's top post comes after months of controversy. Specifically, over his office's handling of the investigation into a violent assault during the Independence Day weekend at the Kinderhook home of one of his deputies. He also later came under fire personally for social media comments widely regarded as racist. Residents called for his resignation in connection with both incidents. Bartlett is currently running for reelection. He is being challenged by Don Krapf, a 23-year veteran of the county Sheriff’s Office. Read the full story at HudsonValley360 [dot] com.