Errol Toulon Jr. seeks candidates for two top aide spots

More than 30 people have applied to fill the two top aide posts as $132,535-a-year undersheriffs to Suffolk County Sherriff Errol Toulon Jr.

None of the contenders, save one, work for the sheriff’s office or were employed there in the past. The exception is Steven Kuehhas, 56, an undersheriff who was appointed to the job in 2016 by Toulon’s predecessor, Vincent DeMarco.

Kuehhas, 56, a Yaphank Republican, is a former bureau chief in the county district attorney’s office. His mother is Peggy Kuehhas, who was secretary to former Suffolk County Executive Peter F. Cohalan.

Toulon said he is looking outside to help “change the culture” within the department, but said he considers Kuehhas more of an outsider because he worked most of his career as a prosecutor. Toulon said he has a “great working relationship” with Kuehhas, but wants to “see the options” for both jobs before deciding.

The other undersheriff position, now vacant, previously was held by former Suffolk legislative Presiding Officer Joseph Caracappa.

Toulon sits on a six-member search committee with two Civil Service officials and three outside law enforcement professionals. Toulon said he expects the panel to make selections before the end of April.