U.S. Rep. Nick Langworthy remembered Undersheriff Richard Telford on Wednesday in the U.S. House of Representatives.
WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Nick Langworthy of New York District 23 honored the life of Chautauqua County Undersheriff Richard Telford during a speech on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives on Wednesday. Telford, a respected public servant, passed away following a battle with cancer after more than 30 years of service in law enforcement.
“I rise today to honor the life and service of Chautauqua County Undersheriff Richard Telford, a dedicated public servant who spent over three decades protecting and serving the people of our county,” Langworthy said.
“Rich’s passing is a profound loss for Chautauqua County. Those who had the honor of knowing him, say they knew they could always count on Rich. In remembering him Sheriff Quattrone said, ‘Rich was a man of integrity, he could always be counted on to do the right thing.’
“Throughout his service, his sense of duty and commitment to the community he grew up in ran very deep.
“After graduating from Jamestown High School and studying criminal justice at Jamestown Community College, Rich began his law enforcement career in 1991 with the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office. He quickly rose through the ranks, serving as a deputy, a sergeant overseeing the county’s 911 center, a lieutenant, and later a supervisor for court security. His hard work and leadership were undeniable, and in 2021, he was appointed undersheriff of Chautauqua County–a role in which he continued to lead by example.
“Rich’s dedication to the community wasn’t limited to his badge. He is remembered as a family man, a loving family man, devoted to his wife Amanda and their three children, Katelynn, Andrew, and Alex.
“Throughout his career, Rich embodied the qualities we look for in our public servants–integrity, courage, and respect. His actions over 33 years spoke louder than any words. Whether it was investigating fires with the department’s fire investigation team or attending the prestigious FBI National Academy, Rich never stopped pushing himself to be better for his community.
“Mr. Speaker, our hearts are heavy today, but we are filled with gratitude for the life and legacy of Rich Telford. His dedication and service to Chautauqua County will not be forgotten.
Your family is in our prayers, Rich. You will be missed, but your contributions will live on through the many lives you’ve touched.”