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frank bordonaro

Frank Bordonaro remembered on National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial

By Howard B. Owens

The name of Frank Bordonaro, the Genesee County deputy who died at age 44 after completing a shift last year, is now etched into the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C.

Several members of the local law enforcement community, including officers from the Sheriff's Office, Batavia PD and Le Roy PD, along with his family, are attending the ceremonies this week in Washington. Members of the group sent us these pictures.

The event, which honors fallen police officers, attracts thousands of law enforcement personnel from all over the nation and lasts several days.

What's Important to the County Legislature?

By Tom Frew

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

Lite the Knight 5K & Family Fun Night in Le Roy to fund memorial scholarship for Bordonaro family

By Billie Owens

Lite the Knight 5K & Family Fun Night
Saturday Aug. 16 starting at  5 p.m.

Join Le Roy and our surrounding communities as we come together to raise funds for a memorial scholarship! 2014 Recipients: The Bordonaro Family.

In addition to the 5K run/walk on an illuminated course, this year's event also features: a 3-on-3 basketball tournament; wellness fair; many free childrens' activities; a performance by Le Roy Marching Knights; a chicken barbeque by the Smokin' Eagle BBQ and Brew; and free live music by Flipside.

The Le Roy, Stafford, Caledonia and Pavilion fire departments have volunteered their time and assistance in support of the event, and will be setting up an interactive display of their fire engines for children and families to experience.

Call 585.768.4550 for more information or visit our Web site: villagefit.com

Info is also on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/events/1429104164034907/) & Twitter (https://twitter.com/LeRoyVillageFit)!

Follow this link to register for the 5K: https://www.getentered.com/Register/groups/default.aspx?newgroup=true&event=28196

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