Sheriffs from as far away as Plattsburgh traveled to Ogdensburg to support the St. Lawrence Psychiatric Center Task Force in its mission to save inpatient services at the facility.

St. Lawrence Psychiatric Center Task Force Chairman Chuck Kelly said sheriffs from Essex, Clinton, Jefferson, Franklin and St. Lawrence County attended a tour of the facility Thursday where they met with Jayne Bramer, a deputy director at the Office of Mental Health.

"The task force is extremely grateful to the sheriffs, some of whom had to travel over three hours, for their show of support in our effort to keep much needed inpatient mental health services for the people in the North Country," Kelly said in a letter to the editor. "The support received from law enforcement, the communities, the families of the mentally ill receiving treatment at SLPC, those delivering the care, community support groups, and our elected official has been instrumental in keeping the dialogue relevant and open."

The task force is expected to meet with Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo's Staff Dec. 10.