To the Editor:

I am someone in recovery from alcohol for nearly 47 years. I volunteer with the Choices Program run by First Sgt. Tracy Mance of the Albany County Sheriff’s Department located on Gun Club Road in Altamont. 

Within the past five years, some 7,000 students have been through the program. When Sgt. Mance took over the program, it was my first chance to see how Sheriff Craig Apple makes sure to have the right people running such important programs for Albany County.

With COVID-19, the program has been halted for now, hopefully to resume when things settle down.

Recently I spent time with Sheriff Apple at the Memorial Awareness event for those lost to substance abuse. Following the event, he took time to recognize me on Facebook for my 17,001 days sober on that day.

When I see how busy Sheriff Apple always is and he took the time to post a photo of us and congratulate me, it was heartwarming. I want to thank him for his time and recognition. The people of Albany County are fortunate to have such a caring individual on their side. 

Ed Biittig Sr.

Duanesburg