Dukes County Sheriff's Office

06/01/2026

We at Dukes County Sheriff's Office offer our deepest condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Massachusetts Department of Correction Correction Officer John Edwards, a 28-year veteran of the Department who suffered a medical emergency at his post and passed away. Our hearts are with you as you navigate this difficult time.

Commissioner Shawn Jenkins issued the following statement in tribute to the fallen officer:

“Today, we mourn the loss of Correction Officer John Edwards, who served the Department of Correction for nearly three decades with unwavering dedication to our public safety mission. We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues, and offer them our full support in the difficult days ahead. His service will never be forgotten.”

It is with profound sadness that the Massachusetts Department of Correction announces the sudden line-of-duty death of Correction Officer John Edwards, a 28-year veteran of the Department assigned to North Central Correctional Institution in Gardner. This morning, Officer Edwards suffered a medical emergency at his post and passed away.

Commissioner Shawn Jenkins issued the following statement in tribute to the fallen officer:

“Today, we mourn the loss of Correction Officer John Edwards, who served the Department of Correction for nearly three decades with unwavering dedication to our public safety mission. We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues, and offer them our full support in the difficult days ahead. His service will never be forgotten.”

05/25/2026

Today, the Dukes County Sheriff’s Office pauses to remember and honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation. ⭐

Memorial Day is more than the start of summer—it is a solemn day of remembrance. We owe an immeasurable debt of gratitude to the heroes who gave their lives to protect our freedoms, and to the families they left behind.

Today, as we spend time with loved ones, let us hold their memory close and reflect on the true meaning of this day. We remember them today, and every day.

05/22/2026

Wishing everyone a safe, peaceful, and meaningful Memorial Day weekend from all of us at the Dukes County Sheriff’s Office.

As we gather with family and friends or head out to enjoy our beautiful island this holiday weekend, please keep safety top of mind.

🚗 Drive Safely: Expect heavier traffic on our roads, drive responsibly and be mindful of foot traffic.
🚤 Water Safety: If you're heading out on the water, ensure you have life jackets for everyone on board and check local marine conditions before casting off.

You will find DCSO across MV, from our Lockup, Jail and House of Correction, to the Regional Emergency Communication Center and in the community, working behind the scenes alongside the many members of your public safety network to ensure a safe weekend for everyone. If you need us, we are always just a call away!

05/20/2026

The sheriff has sent the six Vineyard towns letters in recent weeks asking them to formalize agreements to use the lockup in order to show the state legislature that the service is essential to the Island.

05/20/2026

We are proud to announce the MPTC Academy Graduation of Dukes County Sheriff's Office Sergeant Ramon Espino! Completing the Police Academy requires immense discipline, and Sergeant Espino rose to the challenge with professionalism, hard work, and a deep dedication to public safety. We commend him on this milestone achievement. Congratulations to Sergeant Espino and all the new graduates of the 2nd MPTC East Falmouth Police Academy Recruit Officer Class (ROC).

05/07/2026

During National Correctional Officers Week, we honor the correctional professionals who maintain order and ensure safety in our community every single day. Their role requires resilience, vigilance, and a commitment to service in one of the most challenging environments in public safety. They don’t do it for recognition—but we take time, particularly this week, to thank them for their dedication, professionalism, and the sacrifices they make to keep our Island safe.

We also recognize and thank our amazing medical and education professionals, who are dedicated to the health, wellbeing, development and growth of the individuals in our care! On Nurse and Teacher Appreciation Week, we thank the Correctional Nurses and Educators who bring such vital services to those at pivotal points in their lives- your impact is immense, and we are grateful for your service.

04/16/2026

They are the voice in the dark and the calm in the storm. 🎙️💙

This week, we join agencies across the country in celebrating National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week. Our Telecommunicators are the first "first responders" on the scene, providing a vital lifeline to our community and a constant guardian for our public safety partners in the field.

They manage high-stress situations with grace, precision, and unwavering professionalism—often without ever seeing the faces of the people they help. To our team: Thank you for your dedication, your long hours, and for being the heartbeat of our agency.

Join us by sharing a note of thanks for these incredible professionals!

04/15/2026

Ready to put your skills to the test?

The role of a Telecommunicator isn’t for everyone—it’s for those who stay calm when the pressure dials up. If you’re the person who stays cool under pressure and loves a challenge, we have the perfect "level up" for your career. Applying to be a Telecommunicator In Training with the Dukes County Sheriff’s Office involves a unique, customized critical skills challenge. Our innovative testing software simulates the high-stakes environment of emergency dispatch.

The Mission:
• Navigate maps in real-time.
• Process data while listening to vital info.
• Make the right call when it matters most.

Do you have what it takes? We’re waiting for you.

Take the first step here: www.dukescountysheriff.com/careers

04/15/2026

Dukes County Sheriff Robert Ogden and Director of Community Outreach Sterling Bishop joined Martha's Vineyard Community Services CONNECT to end violence and community members for the annual Sexual Assault Awareness Walk in an effort to break the silence and support victims and survivors in our community.

"Dukes County Sheriff Bob Ogden marched alongside director of community outreach Sterling Bishop and his canine Kali. The sheriff said oftentimes people feel discouraged to report sexual assault or domestic violence out of fear or shame.

'If you’re being abused in your house, it’s not your fault and it’s important that you seek help,' Sheriff Ogden said."

Read below more information about the walk and local supportive services: https://vineyardgazette.com/news/2026/04/14/raising-awareness-connect-end-violence-walk



Photo Credit: Vineyard Gazette

03/24/2026

It is with heavy hearts that we at the Dukes County Sheriff's Office extend our deepest condolences to the loved ones, dear friends and colleagues of retired Edgartown Police Department Sergeant Joel DeRoche. Sergeant DeRoche leaves a legacy of humor, kindness, and dedication to others. We join in mourning with a community who will remember him by the lives he saved, the days he made brighter with a smile and a kind word, and the lasting impact of the wisdom he shared with us all.