Ulster County corrections sergeant dies during training exercise at Ashokan Reservoir

Sergeant Kerry Winters, 51, died today during an In-Water Rescue Team dive training operation in the Ashokan Reservoir.

Winters is a 30-year veteran of the Ulster County Sheriff’s Office Corrections Division.

The investigation is ongoing and is in a preliminary stage, according to Sheriff Paul VanBlarcum.

Ulster County Executive Michael P. Hein made the following statement:

“We are all devastated at the loss of Kerry Winters, Corrections Sergeant from the Ulster County Sheriff’s Department. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this time of unspeakable grief. The entire Ulster County family mourns this profound loss of an individual dedicated to public safety and helping others.”

The Ulster County Sheriff’s Office was assisted at the scene by the Olive Fire Department, Olive First Aid, the Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office, the Greene County Sheriff’s Office and the New York City Police Department Environmental Conservation Police. Further, The Ulster County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Kingston Fire Department and Kingston Police.