Joseph Wasilewski grew up in Salt Point and attended Dutchess Community college. In September 2006, at age 20, he was hired by the Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office as a part-time Deputy Sheriff. “I am a third-generation police officer—both grandfathers and my dad were police officers,” Joseph said. “By the age of three, I knew I wanted to become a cop. What drew me to join law enforcement? It’s in my DNA to help people, and I could not imagine spending my time on this earth doing anything else.