Sheriff Gary Maha was honored for his 49 years in local law enforcement at the annual Criminal Justice Awards dinners sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Batavia and held at Batavia Country Club.
For details on the awards, click here.
Batavia Police Officer James M. DeFreze, nominated by the YWCA (Director Jeanne Walton, who is also this year's president of the Kiwanis, in the background) for his work with victims of domestic violence.
State Police investigators Ronald Wilson and Michael Sims were honored for their work on a four-county burglary investigation. Also pictured, in the middle, Lt. Martin McKee, who presented the award.
Chaplain Allen A. Werk, was honored for his countless hours of volunteer service to local law enforcement and the families he is sometimes called on to serve through the Sheriff's Office.
Sarah Palermo received an Exceptional Service Award from GCASA for her volunteer work on the DWI Victims' Impact Panel.
David Saleh was honored for his years of volunteer coaching with mock trial teams.
The keynote speech was delivered by Thomas A. Belein, chairman of the NYS Commission of Corrections.
Attorney Ben Bonarigo, president of the Genesee County Bar Association, was emcee.
The Pembroke Mock Trial Team, which won this year's competition.
