Sheriff Mahar is serving his first term of office. His career in law enforcement began when he joined the Troy Police Department in March of 1976, after completing 4 years in the United States Marine Corps. During his police department career, he served in and commanded all units within the Troy Police Department and moved up the ranks to Captain. He is a graduate of SUNY, Empire State College with a Bachelors Degree in Public Administration and is also a graduate of the FBI National Academy, 182nd Session. Mahar was selected to be the New York State representative for a one-year fellowship with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Washington, DC in 1992 and in 1999 he was selected by the FBI to serve an Executive Fellowship at FBI Headquarters, Safe Streets Unit. During his more than 27 years with the Troy Police Department, he received numerous commendations. He currently either chairs or sits on numerous professional and civic committees. He enjoys aviation and has his private pilot’s license. He was elected Sheriff in November of 2003. Rensselaer County serves a population of 165,000 and covers an area of 665 miles.

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