Deputy Ronald E. Meides, right, with Sheriff Gary Maha, was named the Genesee County Sheriff's Office 2009 Officer of the Year today during a luncheon at the department's Park Road facility.
The Distinguished Service Award went to Senior Emergency Services Dispatcher Gary D. Diegelman. Pictured left to right below: Steven Sharp announcing the award, Director of Emergency Communications while Undersheriff Bill Sheron, honoree Diegelman, Sheriff Maha and Chief Deputy Gordon Dibble.
More pictures and the complete list of award winners after the jump:
Emergency Services Dispatcher Beth Hynes-Fisher
Emergency Services Dispatcher Larry Buck
Deputy Brian Thompson
Information Technology Systems Specialist R. William (Bill) Oliver
Chief Deputy Gordon Dibble presents awards to, left to right: Deputy Patrick Reeves, Sgt. Gregory Walker, Deputy Chris Parker and Deputy Bard Mazur, seated with his son.
Sgt. Thomas A. Sanfratello
Sgt. Brian M. Frieday
Deputy James Diehl
Deputy Jason Saile
Full press release on the awards from the Sheriff's Office:
Sheriff Gary T. Maha Announces Departmental Awards Presented to Members of the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office for Exceptional Service During 2009.
Officer of the Year – Deputy Ronald E. Meides
Deputy Ronald E. Meides has been a member of the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office since March 28, 1991. During 2009, Deputy Meides has distinguished himself in the performance of service to the citizens of Genesee County and the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office. His professional skills and devotion to duty has been unwavering over his eighteen year career. Deputy Meides has demonstrated exceptional competency, organization and leadership. He often volunteers for additional responsibilities while remaining one of the statistically busiest deputies. Deputy Meides performs his duties with dedication, motivation and professionalism and has brought great credit upon himself and the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office.
Distinguished Service Award – Senior Emergency Services Dispatcher Gary D. Diegelman
Gary D. Diegelman is a Senior Emergency Services Dispatcher with the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office and has been employed by the Sheriff’s Office since September 1, 1980. Sr. Dispatcher Diegelman’s professionalism to the citizens of Genesee County coupled with his experience and knowledge of emergency dispatch operations has been a source of pride for the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office. He continues to go above and beyond the call of duty for the citizens of Genesee County and the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office. Sr. Dispatcher Diegelman has brought great credit upon himself and the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office.
Meritorious Service Awards
Undersheriff William A. Sheron, Jr.
Undersheriff William A. Sheron, Jr. has been with the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office since June 4, 1977. Undersheriff Sheron’s leadership, dedication and commitment continue to enhance the services of the Sheriff’s Office. His efforts and assistance with computerization of the Sheriff’s Office has led to great technological strides for this Office. Undersheriff Sheron performs his duties with motivation dedication and professionalism and has brought great credit upon himself and the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputy Brian A. Thompson
Deputy Sheriff Brian A. Thompson has been employed by the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office since November 1, 1991. Deputy Thompson’s self-initiated activity consistently goes beyond the obvious, often resulting in the detection of crimes that would otherwise go unnoticed. Deputy Thompson manages to be both tenacious and compassionate at the same time in his everyday dealings with the public. Deputy Thompson has brought great credit upon himself and the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office.
Sergeant Steven C. Mullen
Sergeant Steven C. Mullen has been employed by the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office since August 19, 1991. Sergeant Mullen continually displays leadership, professionalism and dedication as Sergeant in the Criminal Investigation Division. Sergeant Mullen supervises the daily operations of the Local Law Enforcement Drug Task Force where criminal investigations and arrests are at an all-time high. Sergeant Mullen is always available and continually goes above and beyond to meet the mission of the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office. Sergeant Mullen has brought great credit upon himself and the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office.
Emergency Services Dispatcher Larry J. Buck
Emergency Services Dispatcher Larry J. Buck has been employed by the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office since August 24, 1996. During 2009, Dispatcher Buck was appointed to the position of Communications Training Officer. Not only was Dispatcher Buck a tremendous help during multiple bank robberies in progress this year, he also assisted with training of three new Emergency Services Dispatchers. Dispatcher Buck demonstrates great teamwork in the Dispatch Center and has brought great credit upon himself and the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office.
Emergency Services Dispatcher Barbara J. Eddy
Emergency Services Dispatcher Barbara J. Eddy has been employed by the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office since March 2, 1981. During 2009, Dispatcher Eddy has often times assumed the position of Officer-In-Charge of the Dispatch Center and has performed this function with great competence and efficiency. Dispatcher Eddy was also a tremendous help during multiple bank robberies in progress this year and coordinated the capture of three larceny suspects when acting as Officer-In-Charge. Dispatcher Eddy demonstrates great teamwork and leadership in the Dispatch Center and has brought great credit upon herself and the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office.
Emergency Services Dispatcher Beth A. Hynes-Fisher
Emergency Services Dispatcher Beth A. Hynes-Fisher has been employed by the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office since February 16, 2002. During 2009, Dispatcher Hynes-Fisher was appointed to the position of Communications Training Officer. She was instrumental in the training of three new Emergency Services Dispatchers and performs her duties with motivation, dedication and professionalism. Dispatcher Hynes-Fisher demonstrates great teamwork in the Dispatch Center and has brought great credit upon herself and the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office.
Information Technology Systems Specialist II R. William (Bill) Oliver
IT Systems Specialist Bill Oliver has been a member of the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office since June 26, 2006. During 2009, IT Systems Specialist Oliver worked diligently with the LeRoy Village Police Department, LeRoy Volunteer Fire Department and the LeRoy Ambulance Service to facilitate the consolidation of dispatch services and records management with great success. Over the past three years IT Systems Specialist Oliver has implemented a completed system changeover, automatic vehicle location upgrades and two consolidated projects. Bill demonstrates great teamwork and has brought credit upon himself and the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office.
Genesee Justice Counselor Roseanne M. Smart
Genesee Justice Counselor Roseanne M. Smart has been a member of the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, Genesee Justice Program, since June 5, 2006. Roseanne plays an important role in a number of Genesee Justice programs, including the DWI Conditional Discharge Program, Community Service and Victim Services, and therefore she carries a very large caseload. Despite the number of clients she has, Roseanne always gives each case her full attention and treats each individual with compassion and respect. Roseanne goes above and beyond to ensure that each and every one of her clients issues are addressed. Roseanne performs her duties with dedication, motivation and professionalism and has brought great credit upon herself and the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office.
Commendation Awards
Sergeant Brian M. Frieday
Sergeant Brian M. Frieday has been a member of the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office since May 13, 1996. Sergeant Frieday is the Officer-In-Charge of the night shift and on October 12, 2009 at approximately 12:47 AM, he was patrolling along on Route 77 in the Town of Pembroke when he observed a garage on fire. Sergeant Frieday reported the fire to the Dispatch Center and then went to the house where he notified the elderly owners and escorted them out of the house to safety. Sergeant Frieday kept them safe until members of their family arrived. Sergeant Frieday’s alertness and quick action limited the fire to the garage and ensured the safety of the elderly couple. Sergeant Frieday has brought great credit upon himself and the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office.
Sergeant Steven C. Mullen
Sergeant Steven C. Mullen has been a member of the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office since August 19, 1991. Throughout this past year, Sergeant Mullen developed information with regard to sales and production of methamphetamine within Genesee County. During his investigation, multiple undercover methamphetamine purchases were made and sufficient information was developed for the issuance of search warrants for residences in the Town of Alabama, City of Batavia and Village of LeRoy. Three methamphetamine labs were located and dismantled and those responsible were arrested. Sergeant Mullen has brought great credit upon himself and the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office.
Sergeant James M. Meier
Sergeant James M. Meier has been a member of the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office since October 4, 1986. Sergeant Meier, along with Deputy Jason Saile were instrumental in the apprehension of one of the Elba Bank robbery suspects on June 18, 2009. One of the suspects had hidden himself in some very thick brush and Sergeant Meier and Deputy Saile went into the brush and took him into custody. It had been reported that this suspect was armed. Sergeant Meier has brought great credit upon himself and the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office.
Sergeant Thomas A. Sanfratello
Sergeant Thomas A. Sanfratello has been a member of the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office since February 29, 1992. Sergeant Sanfratello was instrumental in the consolidation of dispatch services with the City of Batavia and Village of LeRoy police departments. Sergeant Sanfratello was a key contributor in the migration process of these police agencies to the New World software by providing them with hands on instructions and technical support. Sergeant Sanfratello performs his duties with dedication, motivation and professionalism and brings great credit upon himself and the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office.
Investigator Ronald G. Welker
Investigator Ronald (Pete) Welker has been a member of the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office since May 11, 1994. During this past year, Investigator Welker developed information with regard to methamphetamine sales and production within Genesee County. During the course of his investigation, multiple purchases of methamphetamine were made and sufficient information was developed for the issuance of search warrants. Search warrants were executed at residences in the Town of Alabama, City of Batavia and Village of LeRoy, which resulted in the discovery of active methamphetamine labs. These methamphetamine labs were dismantled and those responsible arrested. Investigator Welker has brought great credit upon himself and the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office.
Investigator Kristopher A. Kautz
Investigator Kautz has been a member of the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office since February 4, 1988. On February 16, 2009, Investigator Kautz was assigned to assist in the investigation of a man who had been found walking on North Lake Road in the Town of Pembroke. This man was wearing bloody coveralls and sneakers. Investigator Kautz conducted a thorough investigation, interviewing the man, collecting critical evidence and following-up with additional interviews. Investigator Kautz’s attention to detail and adherence to proper police procedures subsequently resulted in the location of a homicide victim and the placement of murder charges against the man. Investigator Kautz has brought great credit upon himself and the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputy James M. Diehl
Deputy James M. Diehl has been a member of the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office since March 17, 2008. On February 16. 2009 Deputy Diehl was working the afternoon shift and at approximately 8:41 PM he was assigned a call of a suspicious person in the vicinity of North Lake road and Route 5 in the Town of Pembroke. Deputy Diehl located a man walking along North Lake Road in the bitter cold, wearing bloodstained coveralls and sneakers and carrying a vehicle jack. Although the man stated that the blood was deer blood, Deputy Diehl followed proper police procedures and placed the man in his patrol car. Deputy Diehl’s adherence to proper procedures and excellent follow through with interviewing the individual, led to the discovery of a homicide and subsequent murder charges against the man. Deputy Diehl has brought great credit upon himself and the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputy Sheriff Patrick J. Reeves
Deputy Sheriff Patrick J. Reeves has been a member of the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office since February 17, 1996. On February 16, 2009, Deputy Reeves was Officer-In-Charge of the afternoon shift. At approximately 8:41 PM, a suspicious person call was received in reference to a man in the vicinity of North Lake Road and Route 5 in the Town of Pembroke. Responding to assist Deputy Diehl, who had located a man covered with blood walking on North Lake Road, Deputy Reeves recognized the man and interviewed him. Deputy Reeves’ careful interviewing and adherence to proper police procedures were crucial in the investigation that subsequently let to murder charges against the man. Deputy Reeves has brought great credit upon himself and the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputy Jason E. Saile
Deputy Jason E. Saile has been a member of the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office since July 18, 2005. Deputy Jason Saile was instrumental in the apprehension of one of the Elba bank robbers on June 18, 2009. When one of the suspects was located in very thick brush, Deputy Saile, along with Sergeant James Meier went into the brush and took the suspect into custody. It had been reported that this suspect was armed. Deputy Saile has brought great credit upon himself and the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputy John R. Duyssen
Deputy John R. Duyssen has been a member of the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office since April 19, 1993. During April 2009, Deputy Duyssen handled a complaint from an elderly man who had been transferred to the New York State Veterans Home. This elderly man had lost some of his valuable personal property consisting of purple hearts, bronze stars, silver stars, letters from United States Presidents and personal photos and books. This gentleman had accumulated these items while serving in the United States military. Deputy Duyssen recognized the importance of these items to this man, who gave of himself fighting for his Country, and therefore worked diligently, going above and beyond, to recover most of the items, which were eventually returned to the man.
Deputy Duyssen has brought great credit upon himself and the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office.
Correction Officer Peter M. Hoy
Correction Officer Peter M. Hoy has been a member of the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office since June 29, 1998. Correction Officer Hoy has been instrumental in ensuring that the Genesee County Jail has an outstanding record for taking and reporting inmate DNA samples, as required by the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services. Officer Hoy consistently does an efficient and thorough job regarding the inmate DNA samples. When it is necessary to obtain a DNA sample from an inmate, Jail supervisors know that Officer Hoy will get it done on a timely basis and it will be done correctly. Correction Officer Hoy has brought great credit upon himself and the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office
Longevity Awards
Investigator Roger M. Stone, 35 years
Correction Officer Randy L. Smith, 25 years
Deputy Eric J. Koziarski, 20 years
Investigator Ronald G. Welker, 15 years
Deputy Daniel M. VanValkenburg, 15 years
Deputy Nathan W. Balduf, 15 years
Deputy John P. Weis, 10 years
Deputy Bradley D. Mazur, 10 years
Certificates of Appreciation
Tiffany Szmanek Assistant Director, Genesee Justice
Paul Caffo Detective, Batavia Police Department
Sgt. Gregory Walker Genesee County Sheriff’s Office
Deputy Bradley Mazur Genesee County Sheriff’s Office
Deputy Patrick Reeves Genesee County Sheriff’s Office
Deputy Chris Parker Genesee County Sheriff’s Office
David Barton Chief, Darien Lake Security
Timothy Yaeger & Staff Emergency Management
Neil Gagne Genesee Justice
