HUDSON—Acting Undersheriff Mark Dunspaugh is returning to his former position as an investigator for the county Sheriff’s Office. According to a statement from Sheriff David Bartlett, “Former Undersheriff Dunspaugh chose to revert back to his former position, where he is a huge asset as an investigator. Anyone who has worked in a law enforcement agency, or any government agency, knows that this happens from time to time.”

His statement goes on to say, “I’ve decided to temporarily keep the position vacant because we already have a shortage of deputies and promoting anyone up now would be removing coverage on the streets.”

According to a press release from the Columbia County Democrats, Senior Investigator Mark Dunspaugh was appointed Acting Undersheriff in April of 2021.

Sheriff Bartlett is running for reelection to a third term this November. He is being challenged by Don Krapf, whose campaign website says he is a 23-year veteran of the Sheriff’s Office.