Genesee County Deputy Frank Bordonaro, as demonstrated by his funeral, was an exceptional cop. He was also a dad and husband who did it all. Coached several youth sports, managed the household during the day and somehow kept it all afloat. I worked for over 20 years directly and indirectly with his wife Robin at Eastman Kodak Company. They were a team and have raised two exceptional young men in Bryce and Chase.
Frank’s passing could never have been expected. A physical specimen, a fit and well groomed guy. Who would have guessed? Frank gave everything he had to his career. I saw him in action at a serious fire in our neighborhood. He was the consummate professional. His day was never done. It often leaked beyond his normal quit time which would delay Robin’s morning departure and arrival to Kodak. He was dedicated to the nth degree to his career and to Genesee County.
Any unexpected passing creates colossal disruption to those closest to the deceased. Shock, dismay, frustration, sadness, the words can go on and on. This gnaws on both the emotional and less obviously the financial side of the family unit. Tasks that need to be done, bills to be paid, life goes on yet with one income.
Frank Bordonaro had built up through his years with Genesee County the maximum number of sick days. This equal to one year of pay. The funds for this are accrued or “banked” by the county in a fund for those times when the deputy needs them for health reasons. Frank also had 19 years of active time with the County. This one year short of making him “retirement eligible”. I don’t think Frank, with two adolescent sons, was going to retire anytime soon but he was a year from being eligible.
Shortly after Frank’s passing, the Genesee County Sheriffs voted to not hold the county contractually responsible and encouraged the County Legislature to pay some portion of Frank’s sick time. This to possibly assist in Healthcare or for services covered by Frank’s compensation package in the past.
And now the purpose of this editorial. Our County Legislature elected not to pay this, even a percentage less than full. Not one penny. Shame on our County Legislature. This is money sitting in a fund. A great thanks and message of appreciation to one of their most dedicated servants taken way too soon. Not a great demonstration of heart, compassion and appreciation. Possibly some potential, large, retail chain needed tax relief. So sacrifice a dedicated servant’s family? Now I understand…..
Tom Frew
LeRoy
