Fired correction officers invited to apply to some Capital Region county jobs

SARATOGA COUNTY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- Multiple counties in the Capital Region are welcoming fired correction officers to apply to county job positions, after Governor Kathy Hochul signed an executive order banning them from being hired by state agencies, until April 9.

There are at least three counties in the Capital Region that have openly declared they encourage fired correction officers to apply to their county jobs. This includes Rensselaer, Fulton and Saratoga Counties.

"Nobody should be shut out of choosing a different career path in their chosen profession," said Phil Barrett, chairman of the Saratoga County Board of Supervisors and Clifton Park town supervisor. “We wanted to display our support for the fired correction officers, who I'm sure will look to find another career path in their chosen profession. They should have every right to do that they are trained, experienced individuals.” 

Barrett declared Friday that any correction officers who were fired are welcome to apply to jobs with the Saratoga County jail. They currently have six open correction officer positions. Along with Barrett, Fulton County Sheriff Richard Giardino is also opening his doors. Although they are currently full staffed, Giardino said fired correction officers should start applying now.

“We encourage them to still fill out applications so that they are in line for a job in corrections, we do have communications specialists opening from time to time," said Giardino. "We have three openings on our road patrol side."

This comes after Governor Kathy Hochul signed an executive order banning fired correction officers from being hired by any state agencies until April 9. In response, Greene County also showed support for correction officers. Shaun Groden, Greene County administrator said they passed a letter of protest at a recent board meeting to send to Gov. Hochul.

“We believe that's illegal," said Groden. "Two counties I know of have submitted litigation, others are joining. So that's going to be a constitutional issue as to whether the governor and the legislator has the authority to prevent people from moving on in their careers and working some place else."

Groden also said that he is prepared to take further action if needed.

"If there is a renewal to the order or an amendment to the order, I think we’ll take additional action," said Groden.

Furthermore, some county officials said they are unsure if they are allowed to hire fired correction officers before April 9 due to the executive order. However, officials like Barrett are encouraging officers to try.

“I would say if they applied this week, they wouldn't be hired before that date anyway, by the time they go through the vetting and interview process," said Barrett. "And we’re always looking for trained and experienced individuals. And that’s what these people are.”

Plus Rensselaer County officials are already getting a head start. They will be swearing in three correction officers Monday, who resigned during the strikes.

Anyone interested in applying to be a correction officer in the following counties can visit each of their websites: Saratoga County, Fulton County and Rensselaer County. Those interested in Fulton County can also contact the Fulton County Personnel Office, or in Saratoga County, can send their application to sheriffjobs@saratogacountyny.gov.