Sergeant Josh DeBree of the Albany County Sheriff's Office is the new undersheriff, according to a Tuesday news release from Sheriff Dave O'Malley.

The previous undersheriff, Rob Debree, passed away suddenly while hunting Sept. 2 after 34 years as a peace officer.

Josh DeBree, 34, has been with the Albany County Sheriff's Office since Aug. 26, 2004. He began his career in law enforcement working at the Albany County Detention Center before moving over to the patrol division and working his way up to sergeant. Since that promotion, DeBree has been lead supervisor of the patrol division.

"I have the utmost respect and confidence in Josh DeBree, and anticipate that he will settle into his new assignment, with the competence and professional demeanor he has displayed throughout his career," O'Malley said in the news release.

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