I am the current Police Chief for the Town of Cuba Police
Department, a position I have held for approximately seven years. Before that
position I was employed as a police officer for the Town of Cuba Police
Department for seven years. I consider
my position as a responsibility of servitude rather than that of leadership. In
law enforcement we have an obligation to those in the public and we take an
oath to uphold that obligation. The main focus of our profession is safety and
enforcement, two vital aspects to keeping the public thriving in a healthy and
positive manner.
I have known Walter Mackney for my entire fourteen year
career. I have seen him lead from a “boots on the ground” aspect as well as
assisting me in a supervisory role at large scale operations. The knowledge I
have gained from him is “second to none.” Walt is a true leader and outstanding
mentor. He has shown the true value of interagency cooperation and the
importance of information sharing. I have worked on a plethora of different
cases with Walt while he was in his supervisory role as the Commander of the
Southern Tier Regional Drug Task force. These cases included homicides,
methamphetamine laboratories, large scale marijuana grow operations, heroin,
crack-cocaine and prescription pill operations. I have witnessed him bring
those working for him together as a unified team and watched those working
under his command operate in unison with an end goal because of his leadership
style. Walt demonstrates a democratic leadership style when allowed, and an
autocratic leadership style, when necessary. No matter which style he uses; he
always gets the goal accomplished.
In 2014, Walt began working for the Cuba Police Department
in a role I felt was vital to our agency’s training. Training has become one of
the most important agendas any law enforcement agency should have. Walt
possesses numerous training certifications, and he uses all of the knowledge he
has gained in his career to help better other members of the law enforcement
community. I feel that Walt will continue to impart the knowledge that he has
gained from his numerous trainings onto others, whom he comes in contact with
on many law enforcement levels.
In closing, I would like to say that it is because of all of
the reasons I have stated in this letter that I fully endorse Walter Mackney
for Allegany County Sheriff. I feel that he has built a reputation of
integrity, honesty and leadership throughout his decorated law enforcement
career. In my opinion, he is at the top of a list, only a few ascend to when it
comes to the law enforcement profession. I am looking forward to the
possibility of working alongside him in future multi-agency operations!
Sincerely,
Dustin T. Burch
Chief of Police
Cuba Police Department
