The Oswego County sheriff is once again responding to criticism after the county’s Marine patrol boat was seen flying a Trump flag during a flotilla on Oneida Lake nearly two weeks ago.

Sheriff Don Hilton said he allowed the flag to be flown on the boat with the intent to show support for the event's participants, as well as President Donald Trump's support for law enforcement.

Hilton was on the boat at the time the photo was taken.

Hilton said he met with members of the Oswego County Legislature on Thursday. Altered flags are not allowed on county property and Hilton told lawmakers it would not happen again. 

The sheriff released a statement Thursday night, promising to be more vocal about "hypocritical criticism."

 
Posted by Oswego County Sheriff's Office on Thursday, August 13, 2020

Hilton's statement goes on to say that he "flew a political flag on taxpayers' property, yet many of the people criticize me for that also defend rioters who destroy taxpayers' property."

The sheriff added that he is proud of all the deputies and officers who sacrifice to keep the public safe.