Todd Baxter is a 35-year veteran of law enforcement. Elected to Monroe County Sheriff in November 2017, Baxter is the 49th Sheriff of Monroe County. An organization 1,100 members strong, MCSO is comprised of five bureaus to include Police, Jail, Court Security, Civil and Staff Services. Baxter served 22 years with the Rochester Police Department and served four years as Chief of Police in the Greece Police Department. He holds an Associate Degree in Criminal Justice from Monroe Community College, a Bachelor’s Degree in Organizational Management and a Master’s Degree in Strategic Leadership from Roberts Wesleyan College. Baxter also teaches at Roberts Wesleyan.
Sheriff Baxter joined the local force following three years of active duty with the U.S. Army as a Military Police Officer. He continued his military service with the U.S. Army Reserve, 98th Division, for another 19 years before retiring as a Master Sergeant, Brigade Anti-Terrorism and Training Non-commissioned Officer in 2005.
Within the Rochester Police Department, Baxter commanded a Division consisting of officers, investigators and supervisors in five platoons, non-sworn employees, and managed a new police facility. Baxter served as the Administrative Aide to three Chiefs of Police in an organization consisting of 893 sworn and non-sworn employees. Baxter was a 19 year member of the SWAT team, completing his assignment as team Commander.
Tapped to lead local law enforcement through a period of transition in Greece, Baxter took over what was once the most embattled police force in the U.S. Baxter has been praised for his efforts in creating initiatives of public and private partnership, and his focus on the ethical responsibility and professional development of his team. He reorganized the department with a bilateral checks and balance system that required accountability from all levels of the organization.
In April 2014, Baxter assumed the duties of Executive Director of the Veterans Outreach Center, Inc., the oldest, local, non-profit, taking care of veterans. He recognized the role family wellness plays in supporting the overall success of an individual, and is proud to have helped produce financial stability and programs that serve the region's 68,000 veterans and their families.
Todd and his wife Mary of 33 years have two sons, Kevin and Zachary. Kevin and his wife Shannon welcomed their first child, Cora Maren Baxter in July 2021. Zach is a First Lt. in the U.S. Army, serving in Germany.