Henry Hommes has enjoyed a very productive and meaningful career in law enforcement. It began as a member of the United States Army Military Police. Shortly after his honorable discharge in 1966, he joined the New York State Police. He was appointed to Investigator in 1978. Before he retired in 1987, Sheriff Hommes had served in three State Police Troops, A,K and B. After working as a General Manager in a resort type facility, he returned to law enforcement as an Investigator with the Essex County Sheriffs Office. In May of 1995, then-Sheriff Robert LaVigne appointed him Undersheriff. Upon LaVignes retirement, Hommes was elected Sheriff. Throughout his career, the Sheriff has attended numerous law enforcement and corrections schools. Essex County has a population of 37,000 and an area of 1,907 square miles.