by Town of Thompson Historian Al Dumas
Few public servants have left a mark on Monticello quite like former Police Chief Jacob “Jack” Sharoff, Sullivan County’s longest serving police chief.
Remembered as a steady, principled and deeply dedicated presence in the village, Sharoff devoted much of his life to public service, youth mentorship and community leadership. His long career with the Monticello Police Department, along with his work on behalf of local youth and civic organizations, helped shape both the police department and the broader community for generations.
Sharoff was born on August 8, 1912, in Tennanah Lake, New York, near Roscoe. Educated in the Monticello public schools, he played football and participated in track and field, competing in discus and shot put. He graduated from Monticello High School in 1931.
His law enforcement career began in 1933, when he joined the Monticello Police Department as a patrolman. He later became Chief of Police and served the department through 1968. During those decades, Sharoff became known not only as a law enforcement officer, but as a trusted and constant presence in Monticello. A 2015 New York State Senate resolution honoring him noted that he “displayed an unwavering commitment to his beloved community, and considered himself never off duty.”
Former Monticello Police Chief Michael Brennan, Thompson Historian Al Dumas, Steven Sharoff (son of Chief Sharoff), and current Chief Dave Lindsay taken on May 30th, 2026 at Sharoff Park on Broadway in Monticello.
Chief Sharoff’s approach to policing extended far beyond enforcing the law. He believed deeply in working with young people and helping them develop responsibility, respect and civic pride. His office was known as a place where local youth could come for guidance and counseling, long before such outreach programs became common in schools, courts and police departments.
Among his most memorable contributions was the creation of the Junior Police, a youth organization designed to foster appreciation for law and order and encourage civic awareness among Monticello’s young people. Applicants filled out an application, took an oath administered by the chief and received an orange identification card. He also created the Youth Canteen, which provided a place of recreation for youngsters in the former Monticello Inn building, where D’s Restaurant later operated.
Sharoff’s commitment to youth began early. He joined the Boy Scouts of America at age 12. By age 16, he was serving as an assistant scoutmaster, and by age 18, he had become a scoutmaster. He remained devoted to Scouting throughout his life, serving for many years with the Hudson-Delaware Council. He received the Silver Beaver Award, one of Scouting’s highest adult honors at the council level, in recognition of his distinguished service to youth. For many years, he was also one of the Boy Scouts’ most successful individual fundraisers during the annual drive.
His community involvement reached many corners of Monticello. He was a founder of the Hebrew Athletic Club, the Young Men’s Hebrew Association and the Jewish Community Center, where he served as an advisor to youth clubs for more than 12 years. He was also a charter member of Kiwanis and served for many years on its Youth Committee.
In addition to his law enforcement and youth work, Sharoff served in local government. After retiring from the police department, he became a member of the Town of Thompson Board, serving as councilman from January 1, 1970, through December 31, 1978. He also served as a trustee on the Monticello Village Board.
Sharoff was a life member of both the International Association of Chiefs of Police and the New York State Association of Chiefs of Police. He was also an honorary member of the New York City Shomrim Society and a member of the Monticello Fire Department.
When Chief Sharoff passed away on January 22, 1988, approximately 300 people attended his funeral, a reflection of the many lives he had touched. At the time of his death, Sharoff was survived by his wife, Lillian Rubin Sharoff, and his sons, Leslie and Steven Sharoff (Lillian and Leslie have since passed away). Later that spring, a park was dedicated in his honor, ensuring that his name would remain part of the community he served so faithfully.
Today, Jacob “Jack” Sharoff is remembered as one of Monticello’s most influential public servants: a police chief, mentor, civic leader and advocate for youth. His decades of service helped lay the groundwork for the future of the Monticello Police Department, while his devotion to young people and community life left a legacy that continues to be remembered with pride.