Sheriff Timothy B. Howard is a 37 year law enforcement veteran, including 5 years as Erie County Sheriff, 7 years as Undersheriff of Erie County and 24 years of service with the New York State Police. He holds a Master's Degree in Criminal Justice and is a graduate of the FBI National Academy. Sheriff Howard is a recipient of the Brummer Award, the highest award for heroism given by the New York State Police, as a result of his actions during a 1982 domestic dispute in which his partner, Trooper Gary Kubasiak, was tragically killed. He has served in various assignments across the State including Buffalo, Long Island, the Adirondacks and the Southern Tier.

As Undersheriff, he personally oversaw the Chiefs who direct the daily operation of the Erie County Sheriff's Office and it's 1,000+ employees. As a Staff Inspector in the State Police, he was responsible for the coordination of services in the NYSP Forensic Investigation Center, and he supervised the Planning and Research Section. His responsibilities included conducting internal affairs investigations, program development, and implementing technological advances.

In 1998, Sheriff Howard was the recipient of the Erie County Law Enforcement Award. He received a New York State Legislative Proclamation for his work in school violence and also received the NYSP Superintendent's Unit Citation for his leadership role in the search for a missing girl, Sara Ann Wood, in the Adirondacks. He has taught extensively at the State Police Academy in Albany and in the Criminal Justice Program at the Rochester Institute of Technology.

In June 2005, Sheriff Howard succeeds Patrick Gallivan after serving as Erie County Undersheriff for Gallivan's entire tenure.