BUFFALO, N.Y. - Two members of the Erie County Sheriff’s Office who play a crucial role in both the medical care and reentry of incarcerated individuals were honored Wednesday for their participation in a year-long leadership initiative. Director of Correctional Health Sara Coffey and Director of the Reentry Opportunity Center (ROC) Charise Cobbs graduated from Leadership Buffalo’s Class Experience program.
Leadership Buffalo describes the program as a professional development opportunity for leaders “who are ready to expand their vision, challenge assumptions, and drive meaningful change.” It includes monthly sessions that focus on a wide range of topics, including criminal justice, with additional sessions focused on leadership and growth.
“By participating in this program, I was able to learn so much more about this city that I have called home for decades,” said Cobbs. “I identified resources and opportunities that can be integrated into our reentry strategy. This will help the Erie County Sheriff’s Office with its overall goal to reduce recidivism.”
“This cohort offered me the opportunity to better connect with local civic organizations and stakeholders,” said Coffey. “Quality correctional health care relies on networking and cooperation among professionals across multiple disciplines. That is what made this program tremendously valuable to me, and I look forward to utilizing these relationships within our work.”
Coffey joined the Erie County Sheriff’s Office in 2023. Cobbs also started work with the Sheriff’s Office in 2023 as a Community Reintegration Coordinator before being named ROC director earlier this year. Sheriff John Garcia joined Coffey and Cobbs at the graduation ceremony to offer congratulations.
“When I say that the staff of the Erie County Sheriff’s Office is its greatest asset, I am talking about people like Sara Coffey and Charise Cobbs,” said Sheriff Garcia. “They come to work every day trying to help our incarcerated population. I am proud of their efforts, and I am equally as proud of them for participating in Leadership Buffalo.”
Coffey and Cobbs are not the first members of the Erie County Sheriff’s Office to graduate from this program. Graduates from previous years include Deputy Superintendent William Whalen, Chief Thomas Diina, Chief Al Harris and Captain David Franckowiak.
