The Town of Olive is engaged in an ongoing legal dispute with a former town police officer who was put on unpaid administrative leave following an alleged confrontation with a local construction crew in 2023.
Officer Jason Huppert, an eight-year veteran of the Olive Police Department at the time, is accused of getting into an argument with construction workers on Oct. 5, 2023, while they were paving a section of Route 28 in front of Steve’s Pizzeria and Deli in Kingston. The workers called 911, alleging that Huppert—who was off duty and driving his personal vehicle—flashed a gun and a badge during the dispute.
According to a 911 call obtained by The Overlook, a construction worker reported, “A guy came out up here and pulled a gun on us. Lifts up his T-shirt and shows us his gun.” Huppert, 55, also placed a separate call to 911, identifying himself as an off-duty officer to the dispatcher and stating he was waiting in the parking lot for State Police to arrive.
Troopers responded to the call, but no charges have been filed.
Huppert was placed on unpaid administrative leave on Oct. 15, 2023. In a disciplinary notice issued to Huppert by the town, he is accused of engaging “in unprofessional conduct with workers on a road construction project, including loud and boisterous behavior in which [Huppert] twice displayed your badge and a gun.”
Video footage of the incident, reviewed by The Overlook, shows Huppert being waved around the entrance to the parking lot adjacent to Steve’s Pizzeria and Deli, which was blocked. Huppert then pulled his car to the side of Rt. 28 behind a construction truck and exited his vehicle.
A conversation between Huppert and several construction workers ensued. At one point it briefly appears as if Huppert’s badge and gun, which seem to be attached to his right hip, are displayed. Huppert eventually moves his car and pulls into the parking lot, where he and a female companion leave the car and enter the pizzeria. Because there is no audio on the video, what was said in the exchange between the construction workers and Huppert is unclear.
Reached by The Overlook, Huppert denied the allegations but declined further comment.
In August 2024, Huppert filed a complaint with the New York State Division of Human Rights, claiming the town discriminated against him based on a disability, citing post-traumatic stress disorder stemming from his military service. The Division ruled in favor of the town on June 30, stating there was “insufficient evidence to support allegations of unlawful discrimination.”
“Officer Huppert has honorably served the residents of Olive for more than eight years,” said his attorney, Keith Byron. “During that time he has never been disciplined, but instead his service has been exemplary. There is no allegation that his law-enforcement duties have been anything but lawful and appropriate. We look forward to establishing Officer Huppert’s innocence at the upcoming hearing.”
Huppert appealed his termination under Section 75 of New York Civil Service Law. A hearing is scheduled for Sept. 11, at which he will present his case to a town-appointed hearing officer. That officer will make a recommendation to the Town Board, which will then vote on whether to reinstate Huppert or uphold his dismissal.
“The town is looking forward to a resolution to this matter,” said Olive Supervisor Jim Sofranko, who declined further comment due to the pending case.
Editor’s Note: A previous version of this article said Huppert was fired. He is on unpaid administrative leave awaiting an upcoming hearing on his employment status.
Jim Rich is a reporter for The Overlook. You can reach him at jim@theoverlooknews.com.