New Security Guards To Be Assigned To East Hampton Town Hall

EAST HAMPTON, NY — East Hampton Town is strengthening its approach to public safety with new security guards at Town Hall, as well as dispatcher promotions, officials said.

At its town board meeting Wednesday, the town board approved the hiring of Jacob Sutherland as a part-time security guard, assigned to East Hampton Town Hall. Sutherland, a veteran of the United States Marine Corps, "brings operational experience, a strong service ethic, and has completed the state-required security guard training. In this role, he will help ensure Town Hall remains a secure and welcoming environment for all visitors and staff," town officials said.

The security guard will be stationed at Town Hall Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and will also provide coverage during night meetings of the town board and land use boards. This new position was fully funded in the 2025 town budget, "reflecting the town board’s proactive commitment to public safety," officials said.

In addition, the town intends to hire a second part-time security guard in August to support the new safety initiative.

"These new security positions represent our continued commitment to ensuring Town Hall remains a safe and accessible space for the public and for our staff," said East Hampton Town Supervisor Kathee Burke-Gonzalez. "We’re excited to welcome Jacob to the team and grateful for his service."

In addition to the new hire, the town board also approved the promotion of two long-serving public safety dispatchers within the East Hampton Town Police Department: Stephen Blanchard has been promoted to public safety dispatcher III/chief dispatcher and Harold Graham has been promoted to public safety dispatcher II/deputy chief dispatcher.

The promotions mean that the town has expanded radio room supervision and created a new command structure with one chief and two Deputy chiefs, with Ruth Dodge continuing to serve in her role as deputy chief dispatcher.

"These promotions are well-earned and reflect the dedication and professionalism that Stephen, and Harold have consistently shown in their service to East Hampton," said Burke-Gonzalez. "We thank them for their continued leadership in our dispatch center, which plays a critical role in emergency response."

Together, the staffing changes further the town’s investment in community safety, emergency readiness, and quality public service, officials said.