UPDATE (6/2/20) In a press release, the Painted Post Police Department says Jamie Stewart has resigned following a controversial post put on social media. 

Stewart reportedly worked for the Painted Post Police Department. He had previously worked for the Corning Police Department, but his employment ended with Corning in 2018. 

In a statement, OIC Shawn Copp said, "The Facebook statement is in no way reflective of the culture of the Painted Post Police Department, the professionalism of its officers or in any way the opinion or direction of this agency".

According to Copp, Stewart "voluntarily separated from service" with the department. 

"The Village of Painted Post Police Department is committed to policing that recognizes and respects diversity and tolerance. We are greatly saddened that someone from our agency has made a public comment which have caused members of our community to feel offended, isolated or threatened...We apologize to anyone who has been negatively affected by the Facebook statement of one of our now previously employed officers." 

You can find the full statement from the police department below. 

CORNING, N.Y. (WENY) -- After a Facebook post allegedly made by a local police officer sparked local controversy, the Corning Police Department clarified that the person in question is not a current officer with the department.

In a statement, Corning Police Chief Jeff Spaulding said, "The City of Corning Police Department is aware that a former employee made an insensitive “post” on social media on Sunday May 31, 2020. Jamie M Stewart is NOT a current employee of the City of Corning in any capacity, and he hasn’t been since his employment ended with the City in 2018." Chief Spaulding added, "His views and opinions do not reflect the thoughts or feelings of the Police Chief or its members."

The Crystal City Police Police Benevolent Association also responded to the post. PBA President Anthony Sanford said, "It has come to our attention that a former member of the Crystal City Police Benevolent Association, who has not been a member since 2018, has posted a comment on social media that is completely insensitive and totally reprehensible. The comment would be inappropriate if made by anyone in the community but even more so when made by someone who is a former police officer. Our membership completely condemns the comment. We want to assure the citizens that we serve that his views in no way reflects the views or opinions of the members of the Crystal City Police Benevolent Association who are active and current Police Officers."

Stewart's private Facebook profile indicated he was an officer with the Corning Police Department. However, Chief Spaulding said Stewart has not been employed with the department since 2018. 

Statement from the Painted Post Police Department: