‘A Remarkable Leader’: Rich Telford, County Undersheriff, Passes Away
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Law enforcement personnel and family members are mourning the loss of Rich Telford, Chautauqua County's undersheriff.
Telford was placed into the position in 2021. He was a 1988 Jamestown High School graduate who studied criminal justice at Jamestown Community College and briefly worked part-time for the Ellicott Police Department before being hired full-time in April 1991 with the Chautauqua County Sheriff's Office. Telford passed away Monday.
"It is with heavy hearts that The Chautauqua County Sheriff's Office announces the passing of Undersheriff Richard Telford," the Chautauqua County Sheriff's Office wrote in a Facebook post early Tuesday morning. "Undersheriff Telford passed with his family by his side."
Telford lived in Sinclairville with his wife, Amanda. They have three children, Katelynn, Andrew and Alex. The Jamestown native worked for the Sheriff's Office for 33 years, starting as a deputy before being promoted to sergeant to oversee the county's 911 center. Telford eventually became a lieutenant with the Sheriff's Office and later supervisor for court security. He also got involved with the department's fire investigation team, a crew composed of the Sheriff's Office and fire service that responds to a variety of fires in the county to help determine a cause. In January 2020, Telford attended the FBI National Academy, a 10-week program for U.S. and international law enforcement managers that provides coursework in intelligence theory, terrorism and terrorist mindsets, management science, law, behavioral science, law enforcement communication, and forensic science. Telford, Sheriff James Quattrone and Capt. David Bentley have graduated from the academy.
"It is with deep sadness that I share the news of the passing of our Undersheriff, Richard Telford. His loss is felt profoundly throughout Chautauqua County and the community he served so faithfully," said County Executive PJ Wendel late Tuesday. "Undersheriff Telford was a remarkable leader, a dedicated public servant, and a colleague many of us were honored to work alongside. His commitment to our community and impact on all of us will never be forgotten. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, loved ones, and friends during this incredibly difficult time. In this time of grief, let's come together to support one another and reflect on the values he stood for--integrity, service, and care for the community."
Tributes poured in as news of Telford's passing spread on Tuesday from former colleagues, friends of the Telford family who had seen Telford shadowing his father, Chuck, in his younger years, from fire departments whose members had worked with Telford throughout his career, George Borrello, former county executive and current state senator, Mayor Kim Ecklund, former Sheriff Joe Gerace and from community residents who respected the former undersheriff.
"For those who knew the undersheriff they already can tell us about his great qualities," the Sheriff's Office Facebook post stated. "For those who never had the privilege and honor to know him, I'd like to share just some of his qualities that made him a great law enforcement officer, supervisor, great friend (to so many) but even more importantly a great father, husband, brother and son. Rich was a man of integrity, he could always be counted on to do the right thing. He displayed a courage that was second to none, which he demonstrated this past year in his courageous battle and not to mention throughout his over 30 years of service to this county. His character was evident as he was always there displaying the great values we count on. Respect – not only did Rich demonstrate unconditional respect in all his dealings about the respect that so many people had for him was so evident."
Telford told The Post-Journal shortly after becoming undersheriff in 2021 that law enforcement wasn't his goal when entering Jamestown Community College before entering the Sheriff's Academy.
Asked of a moment that stood out in his early days as a sheriff's deputy, Telford recounted the time he responded to a domestic dispute near the village of Brocton. He helped transport two young kids to a nearby substation to await a domestic violence advocate.
"I remember they heard a car in the parking lot and wondered if it was their father coming for them," Telford said. "You just hope that you do something good -- in that case, getting them out of that situation. It was also about being able to comfort the kids."
Telford told The Post-Journal he had seen a lot going to dozens of fire scenes each year. Some stand out more than others. He recalled, early on while with the county Fire Investigation Team – a blaze that killed two young boys and another one that killed a young Amish child.
"Those calls and cases, you go home afterward, I used to hug my kids extra," Telford said. "Now they're a phone call away -- just checking in and tell them you love them."
A memorial service for Telford will be held at noon on Friday in Bemus Point Methodist Church, where friends will be received from 10 a.m. to noon Friday. In lieu of flowers, it was Rich's request to have memorial donations made to Jamestown Community Learning Council, 501 W. Third St., Jamestown, NY 14701. A full obituary will appear in The Post-Journal on Thursday. Arrangements are by the Lind Funeral Home.