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ELMIRA, N.Y. -- It's been a difficult year for the Chemung County Sheriff's office, but Friday, they had two new sheriff's deputies to celebrate.

Thomas DuPay and David Mendez were both sworn in and will be assigned to the road patrol division. The promotions help fill a void within the department, stemming from two untimely deaths this year.

Deputy Jeff Alexander died in a car accident in June and Corrections Officer Jeff Harder collapsed in his home and died earlier this week.

"It's just been a very, very difficult time. So days like today, you bring new hope, you bring new people aboard. They're excited about their career and their future with the agency and I think it brings everybody up as well," said Undersheriff Bill Schrom.

"It's home. Nothing's greater than trying to do your job enforcing the laws of New York State and the Constitution at home," said Sheriff's Deputy Thomas DuPay.

The Sheriff's Office is currently looking to hire one more deputy to be fully staffed.