Well known leader, Dutchess County Sheriff Adrian "Butch" Anderson, has died, as reported by several local media outlets today. He was 73, and died at his home in the village of Pawling, the Sheriff's office said in a statement. He had served in that post for more than 20 years and spent more than 50 years with the Sheriff's Office, the Poughkeepsie Journal reported. He also served as Mayor of his hometown of Pawling in the late 1980s to early 1990s.

“Today we have lost an extraordinary public servant with the passing of Dutchess County Sheriff Adrian “Butch” Anderson,” said Dutchess County Executive Marcus Molinaro in a press release. “Butch devoted his entire life to protecting and serving the community he loved so dearly. Throughout his life, he was true leader - in law enforcement in elected office, and in service to community organizations.”

Anderson began his first term as Sheriff in January 2000 after being elected, and went on to win re-election every four years, running unopposed, according to the Poughkeepsie Journal. His last re-election was in 2019.

His acting replacement will be Undersheriff Kirk Imperati, who sated: "We are all deeply saddened by the passing of Sheriff Anderson," who described Anderson as "a second father to me," reported the Poughkeepsie Journal.

Molinaro continued: "His call to serve ensured the safety of our community for more than 50 years and made a measurable difference in the lives of countless children, families and residents. Our hearts are broken today and we send our deepest condolences to Sheriff Anderson’s family, including his wife Danielle and his four children – you are in our prayers and in our hearts."

Anderson's wife, Danielle, said in a statement that "it has been an honor" to be married to him. "He was a tremendous husband, father, and friend to all," she said. "Our family appreciates the outpouring of support from everyone as we grieve our loss."

Since first publishing the article at 10:30am, the Poughkeepsie Journal updated their article at 3:30pm to include quotes and photos from Lisa Reda.

Numerous regional leaders noted their condolences, including Poughkeepsie Mayor Rob Rolison, who started working with Anderson in 1980. Mayor Rolison told the Poughkeepsie Journal: "Butch in all capacities, was a dedicated and brave member of that department, but what always impressed me was his love of this county, the people who live here and his overwhelming commitment to the Hudson Valley."

The Poughkeepsie Journal reported that Anderson was a friend of former President Donald Trump and the Trump family. The paper reported that he was a member of Trump's reelection team, after serving in other roles when Trump first ran for president.

The chairman of the New York Republican State Committee, Nick Langworthy, said that he and Anderson bonded as Trump supporters, reported the Poughkeepsie Journal. Anderson "proudly had a direct line to the White House for four years," Langworthy said in a Facebook post.

State Senetor Sue Serino said in a statement: "Our community has lost a true hero."