Former Geneva Police Chief Michael Passalacqua has announced his candidacy for Seneca County Sheriff.
The Waterloo resident made the announcement Tuesday, becoming the second person to publicly enter the race to succeed longtime Sheriff Tim Thompson, who retired earlier this month after a 27-year career with the Sheriff’s Office.
Following Thompson’s retirement, Undersheriff Melinda Marquart is serving as acting sheriff until a successor is chosen. A special election is expected to be held this fall to fill the remainder of Thompson’s term.
Passalacqua brings more than two decades of law enforcement experience to the race. A native of Geneva and Phelps, he attended St. Stephen’s School, DeSales High School and Finger Lakes Community College before completing the Police Academy.
He joined the Geneva Police Department and rose through the ranks, earning promotions to sergeant in 2011 and lieutenant in 2017. In July 2018, he was appointed chief of police.
Passalacqua retired from the department in June 2023 but returned in April 2024 to serve as interim police chief.
In announcing his campaign, Passalacqua said his career has been dedicated to protecting and serving local communities.
“For over two decades, I’ve dedicated my life to protecting and serving our communities,” he said. “As a father, a husband, and a proven former police chief, I know firsthand what it takes to lead a law enforcement agency with honor, dedication, and real results.”
Passalacqua said his top priority would be ensuring a safe and secure community for children, residents, and visitors. He pledged to lead a Sheriff’s Office built on transparency, accountability and integrity, saying those principles are essential to earning and maintaining the public’s trust.
“This beautiful county is where we raise our families, run our businesses, and call home,” Passalacqua said. “It would be my true honor to earn your support on this journey.”
Passalacqua joins Kristin Fleming in the race for sheriff. Fleming, a lifelong Seneca Falls resident, announced her candidacy last week. She served 32 years with the New York State Police before retiring in 2024.
