Upon graduation from Hudson Valley Community College, Sergeant Tubbs began his career in law enforcement with the Rensselaer County Sheriff’s Department. He served in this capacity for 10 years, in positions including Correctional Officer, Transport Officer and Deputy Sheriff. He was a 2000 graduate of Zone 14 Law Enforcement Academy where he received an award for Outstanding Recruit, an honor chosen by the vote of his peers.
In 2000, Sergeant Tubbs began his career with the East Greenbush Police Department. He served as a police officer for 11 years, and was promoted to sergeant in 2011. In the 17 years that he has served the town, Sergeant Tubbs has taken on many additional roles to help and serve the community. As a Field Training Officer, he mentors new officers as they embark on new careers. Sergeant Tubbs also serves as the Crime Prevention Officer, and has given many presentations addressing safety in the community. He was also appointed Community Resource Officer for the department. In this position, Sergeant Tubbs participates in community events such as Saturday in the Park, Winterfest, Boy & Girl Scout programs, and church and nursery school education programs. He has given safety awareness presentations to our students in the East Greenbush Central School District. Sergeant Tubbs has given tours to students interested in careers in law enforcement. He participates in the Annual Barrett Run to support the Education Foundation and the Columbia Cross Country Program. He recently provided training to our Transportation Department. Bus drivers and aides were taught how to deal with an active shooter, a hostage situation or an angry person trying to get on a bus. Sergeant Tubbs stated that “we want to have them exposed to it, and let them be aware that it could happen, we hope that it doesn’t happen but if it were to occur we want them to be prepared as best as possible.”
In addition to East Greenbush community activities, Sergeant Tubbs has been an active volunteer for the New York State Special Olympics Program for 20 years. His involvement began when he ran in the Law Enforcement Torch Run, which raises awareness and money for the Special Olympics. Sergeant Tubbs has participated in this run every year, and he has organized other members of Rensselaer County Law Enforcement agencies and town employees to participate. He previously served as the Torch Run Co-Chair for the state, and he continues to serve as Torch Run Coordinator for Rensselaer County. Sergeant Tubbs organized a “Law & Orders” event at the East Greenbush Applebee’s Restaurant. At this event, our local police officers waited on tables in exchange for donations to benefit New York State Special Olympics Athletes. He also participates in the annual Polar Plunge for this organization. Sergeant Tubbs has been selected to carry the torch and lead participants into the icy waters of Lake George. In addition, he organized a “Cops on Top” fundraising marathon where law enforcement officers spent 12 hours on the top of Wal Mart in frigid temperatures to support this cause. When interviewed about this event, Sergeant Tubbs stated that “the law enforcement members are able to interact with the public in a different way, it allows us to do something positive and proactive and it’s for a great cause.”
In the course of his career, Sergeant Tubbs has received several honors and awards. They include a Commendation for Outstanding Service to the Community by the Melvin Road American Legion Post #1231. He was also awarded an Achievement Award for the Law Enforcement Bike Ride to Benefit Make-A-Wish Foundation.
At this time, we invite Sergeant Tubbs to the podium and we ask for a round of applause as the East Greenbush Education Foundation proudly inducts Sergeant Ernest Tubbs into the Columbia High School Alumni Hall of Fame.