Since 1970, Sheriff James Perelman has called the quaint island town of Nantucket his home. He fell in love with the island and the close-knit community. In turn he’s dedicated his life to charitable work and a public-service career, now serving his third term as Sheriff.
“I’ve lived here for a long time and the island has given me a lot, so it’s my way of giving back,” said Perelman. “It’s been great!”
The Sheriff’s role remains pivotal on the Island, assisting with the mission to protect and provide public safety services to the citizens of Nantucket. One significant role is Civil Process, which involves serving eviction papers, divorce papers, and collections.
“I’m able to communicate with many people and assist them when they need it, said Perelman. “I’m always open to helping anyone or answering any of their questions, at any time.”
Community Reinvestment
Sheriff Perelman has fully embraced the public service component of his job, combining his love of community service and public safety. In addition to his role as Sheriff, he donates his time to charitable organizations and events such as the Cure for Cancer, the Autism Walk, Nantucket Aids Network, Palliative Care of Nantucket, a Safe Place, and the Nantucket Boys and Girls Club.
Since his teenage years, Sheriff Perelman has had close ties to the food industry, working as a chef, owning restaurants, and catering businesses before becoming Sheriff. Now serving as Nantucket’s Sheriff, he has turned his passion into public service through meal delivery and donations to people in need.
For more than eight years, the Nantucket Sheriff’s Office has participated in a weekly meal delivery program called Meals on Wheels. Meals are delivered to individuals at home who are unable to purchase or prepare their own meals. This is another way Sheriff Perelman connects with the community.
"It’s great to be out there in the community for people who are either shut-ins or who have food insecurities and wouldn’t be able to cook a meal for themselves,” said Perelman. “The Meals on Wheels is a way I get to see and talk to a lot of people.”
He’s participated in other food center initiatives including Pip & Anchor's food baskets, local food pantries, and other meal delivery services for community members in need.
Sheriff Perelman also helps orchestrate street closures and coordinate escorts for funeral processions, ensuring dignity in times of grief. His commitment to civic duty extends to serving as constable during elections and aiding courthouse security, embodying the essence of community guardianship.
Sheriff Perelman continues to be a community leader, a friend to all on the Island and a larger-than-life fixture for Nantucket. For Sheriff James Perelman, service isn’t just his job—it’s a way of life.
The Nantucket Sheriff’s Office also maintains a close partnership with the Barnstable County Sheriff's Office which, by contract, provides incarceration for individuals arrested and sentenced from the Nantucket District or Superior Court. Sheriff Perelman and his staff are tasked with transporting individuals arrested on the island to the mainland. Individuals are escorted to the Barnstable County House of Corrections. In addition, Sheriff Perelman provides assistance to the security officers in all the Nantucket District, Superior & Probate Courts.
“I love going to work every day and serving the people of Nantucket. I hope to continue in this position for a long time,” said Sheriff Perelman.
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