law enforcement

Press release:

Starting on April 2nd, the Batavia Police Department will be hosting two weeks of multi-agency Active Shooter Response Training with the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, Genesee County Probation Department, Leroy Police Department and the New York State Police – Troop A.

The training will be held at the New York State School for the Blind, Hamilton Hall building located at 2A Richmond Ave. in the City of Batavia.

The training will emphasize multi-officer and single officer tactical responses used to make entry into buildings and address the threats. Training instructors from all four agencies will be teaching during this multi-agency event.

The Departments wish to thank the NYS School for the Blind for providing the space for the departments to complete this important training.

Local leaders in law enforcement, fire services, mental health and other crisis intervention professionals met at the Fire Training Center on Friday to help map out what services and resources the county has available to people with mental health issues.

The goal is to find ways to get people in the midst of a mental health crisis help before it becomes a law enforcement issue, and when a mental health issue does involve police officers, those officers have the training and resources to deal with it effectively.

Don Kamin, director of the Institute for Police, Mental Health & Community Collaboration in Rochester, along with Martin Giuliano, led the discussion.

Kamin's program is four years old and was created and funded by the State Senate. Both Monroe County and Erie County already have such programs in place, and it's now Genesee County's turn for organizing the program and providing training. 

In a couple of months, Kamin and his team and his team will return to start training a group of officers in local law enforcement who will be part of a Crisis Intervention Team. They will undergo 40 hours of training, on top of the 15 they've already received in their law enforcement academy, in dealing with subjects suffering from mental health issues.

"Number one, we want to train them on how to recognize mental illness and other disorders and then how to de-escalate that," Kamin said. "Also, just as important, give them more knowledge of the local system."

There are a number of mental resources available in Genesee County that could assist officers in the field but knowledge about those resources isn't evenly distributed through local law enforcement. One of the program's goals is to map out all of those resources and provide officers with the information.

"It's a good opportunity for us to take a step back and see what other communities are doing so that when we bring the report back to the Genesee County we can say 'hey, over here in Monroe County, over in Westchester, or over in Albany County, they're looking at these practices. Have you considered moving in that direction?' " Giuliano said. "We can try to integrate the best practices throughout New York State and get them spread to all the different communities."

New York's program is part of a national trend toward providing police officers with additional mental issue crisis intervention training -- this year the state's law enforcement academies will require 20 hours of training -- and creating crisis intervention teams.

"The goal here is to divert people from the criminal justice system when at all possible and get them the support they need," Kamin said. "This isn't a get out of jail free card. If folks, regardless of the level of mental illness, commit a serious crime they're going to be arrested; they're going to 14 West Street, but many times they don't need to be sent there and we want to intervene."

Press release:

The Genesee County Sheriff’s Office will be offering its first annual Teen Academy July 23 – 27 at the Byron-Bergen Central School.

“The Teen Academy is a one-week structured program which consists of instructional classes designed to provide high-school-aged students within our community an introduction to law enforcement training and gain an understanding of law enforcement’s role in their community," said Sheriff William Sheron. "It is our hope that teens will build confidence while learning good decision-making and leadership skills."

Academy instructors are experienced Deputy Sheriffs who will discuss day-to-day operations of the Sheriff’s Office.

Participants will also:

• visit the Jail, 9-1-1 Emergency Communications Dispatch Center, and Sheriff’s Office;
• observe displays of the Emergency Response Team (ERT), Hostage Negotiation, SCUBA Team, K-9 Unit and Evidence Recovery;
• be provided insight into motor-vehicle accident reconstruction;
• participate in daily physical fitness runs, defensive tactics and team-building exercises;
• participate in a classroom setting and learn about the  NYS Penal Laws and Vehicle & Traffic Laws;
• participate in mock traffic stops and DWI procedures.

Qualified candidates will be selected for an interview screening process if they meet the following requirements:

• must be entering grades 10-12;
• must be in good academic standing with little to no disciplinary issues;
• must be able to participate in physical fitness activities;
• must have a positive attitude;
• must have their parent’s permission.

“This is a unique and forward-thinking opportunity offered by Genesee County Sheriff Sheron and the Department; Teens are invited to immerse and be exposed to the real law enforcement experience," said the chair of the Public Service Committee.

"More than imagining, the academy opportunity is live, in-the-minute learning about today’s community policing needs of an exciting career in law enforcement. Students are encouraged to ‘try on’ a law enforcement career role.” 

There is no charge to attend the academy. Application deadline is March 30.

For more information, contact Deputy Matthew Butler at (585) 345-3000, ext. 3252, or (585) 494-1220, ext. 2304, or via e-mail at matthew.butler@co.genesee.ny.us

Visit http://www.co.genesee.ny.us/departments/sheriff/index.php to learn more and download an application.

Investigator Pete Welker, a longtime member of the Local Drug Task Force, was named Officer of the Year by the Genesee County Sheriff's Office during an awards ceremony and luncheon today.

Senior Corrections Officer Kevin D. Wolff received the Distinguished Service Award.

Press release:

Officer of the Year Award – Investigator Ronald “Pete” Welker
Investigator Ronald “Pete” Welker has distinguished himself in the performance of service to the citizens of Genesee County during 2017. His professional skill and devotion to duty has been epitomized in his unfailing dedication to detect and arrest those responsible for drug dealing; his ability to cooperatively work with other agencies, particularly the City of Batavia Police Department; his fundamental orientation to public service and his willingness to teach others.

Investigator Welker’s efforts have made a significant contribution to the overall success of the Genesee County Drug Task Force which, in 2017, has had its most successful year in terms of defendants arrested. During this year, Investigator Welker’s daily performance has been a major contribution to the effectiveness, success and esteem of the Sheriff’s Office.

Investigator Ronald “Pete” Welker has reflected great credit upon himself and the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office and most deserves to be named Officer of the Year.

Distinguished Service Award – Senior Correction Officer Kevin D. Wolff
Senior Correction Officer Kevin D. Wolff has distinguished himself as a member of the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office. Senior Correction Officer Wolff has been a positive force within the jail division. He has taken the lead in training new officers and monitoring the JTO program for the last four years. He has been instrumental in working with New York State Commission of Corrections staff during cycle evaluations and, thereby, helping to obtain and maintain good reviews and good rapport with them.

Kevin has, for the past three years, been working with the New York State Police within their Field Intelligence Officer Program and has provided excellent information both to them and to the department through that venue. Senior Correction Officer Wolff has also recently taken the lead in working with auditors from the New York State Sheriffs’ Association in accomplishing Accreditation of the Jail Division later this coming year.

Senior Correction Officer Wolff’s knowledge and attention to detail have proven to be a great asset to the Department, and through his work, he has distinguished himself and brought great credit upon himself and the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputy Ryan Young received a Commendation.

Among the dispatchers receiving commendations were Communications Coordinator Russell L. Lang Sr., Emergency Services Dispatcher Michael T. Sheflin, Emergency Services Dispatcher Nathan L. Fix, and Services Dispatcher Andrew Merkel.

Meritorious Service awards went to deputies Eric Meyer, Kevin Forsyth, Michael Lute, Ryan DeLong.

Meritorious service awards were given to several dispatchers Jason Holman, Steve Robinson, Jenna Bauer and Kelly Smith.

Members of the Local Drug Task Force were honored for their work in 2017, which set a record for arrests. Present were Emily McNamara, from Le Roy PD, Investigator Pete Welker and Sgt. Brad Mazur.

Senior Correction Officer Kevin D. Wolff, center, with his family, Jail Superintendent William Zipfel, Sheriff William Sheron, and Undersheriff Gregory Walker.

Pete Welker with his family and Chief Deputy Jerome Brewster, Sheriff William Sheron, and Undersheriff Gregory Walker.

Longevity awards were given to:

• Correction Officer Michael A. Cox, 10 years
• Animal Control Officer Agnes S. Jaroszewski, 15 years
• Program Coordinator Catherine T. Uhly, 15 years
• Correction Officer Michael F. Lindsley, 15 years
• Sr. Emergency Services Dispatcher Robert H. Tripp, 15 years
• Emergency Services Dispatcher Beth A. Hynes, 15 years
• Correction Officer Kelly P. Creegan, 15 years
• Investigator Christopher A. Parker, 20 years
• Deputy Sheriff Matthew R. Butler, 20 years
• Deputy Sheriff Lonnie A. Nati, 25 years
• Deputy Sheriff Dana J. Richardson, 25 years
• Sergeant Thomas A. Sanfratello, 25 years
• Undersheriff Gregory H. Walker, 30 years
• Jail Superintendent William A. Zipfel, 35 years
• Sheriff William A. Sheron Jr., 40 years

Certificates of Appreciation:

• Batavia Police Detective James M. DeFreze
• Le Roy Patrolman Emily J. McNamara
• Batavia Patrolman Jason A. Davis
• Batavia Patrolman Frank J. Klimjack
• Batavia Patrolman Christopher J. Lindsay
• Genesee County Assistant District Attorney Kevin T. Finnell

Commendations:

• Deputy Sheriff Kyle D. Krzemien
• Correction Officer Justin M. Gugel
• Correction Officer Jason M. Buck
• Deputy Sheriff James D. Stack
• Deputy Sheriff Ryan W. Young
• Deputy Sheriff Jeremy M. McClellan
• Deputy Sheriff Mathew J. Clor
• Emergency Services Dispatcher Stephen R. Smelski
• Emergency Services Dispatcher Zackery W. Czudak
• Emergency Services Dispatcher Samantha L. Conibear
• Emergency Services Dispatcher Andrew Z. Mullen
• Emergency Services Dispatcher Frank A. Riccobono
• Dog Control Officer Ann Marie Brade
• Deputy Sheriff Dana J. Richardson
• Deputy Sheriff Matthew R. Butler
• Emergency Services Dispatcher Andrew K. Merkel
• Sergeant Bradley D. Mazur
• Deputy Sheriff Howard O. Wilson
• Sr. Emergency Services Dispatcher Michael T. Sheflin
• Sr. Emergency Services Dispatcher John W. Spencer
• Emergency Services Dispatcher Nathan L. Fix
• Correction Officer Vincent S. Maurer
• Investigator James M. Diehl
• Investigator Andrew B. Hale
• Sergeant Eric K. Seppala
• Communications Coordinator Russell L. Lang

Meritorious Awards:

• Deputy Sheriff Eric J. Meyer
• Deputy Sheriff Michael J. Lute
• Deputy Sheriff Kevin P. Forsyth
• Deputy Sheriff Ryan M. DeLong
• Investigator Chad J. Minuto
• Case Manager Nicole M. Easton
• Financial Clerk-Typist Tracy L. Ranney
• Emergency Services Dispatcher Kelly E. Smith
• Emergency Services Dispatcher Beth A. Hynes
• Emergency Services Dispatcher Jenna L. Bauer
• Sr. Emergency Services Dispatcher Jason W. Holman
• Emergency Services Dispatcher Peggy D. Richardson
• Emergency Services Dispatcher Steven L. Robinson
• Principal Financial Clerk Margaret A. Sheelar
• Sr. Correction Officer Robert W. Mattice
• Sr. Emergency Services Dispatcher Robert H. Tripp

Genesee County is receiving a $25,580 grant from the state for local law enforcement agencies to upgrade their video interrogation equipment.

This is the third time in the past decade the state has awarded such a grant to the County.

The money is awarded to the District Attorney's Office and will be distributed to the Sheriff's Office, Batavia PD, Le Roy PD, and Corfu PD.

The money will allow those agencies to replace worn out or outdated equipment.

District Attorney Lawrence Friedman said there is a protocol for when agencies record interrogations. The equipment is used in the case of serious felony offenses.

Genesee County received the largest grant in what the Governor's Office considers the Finger Lakes Region. Rochester PD received $24,283; Albion PD, $6,854; and Wyoming County, $5,282.

The Governor's Office announced a total of $650,000 in grants to help 28 local law enforcement agencies in 23 counties across the state.

High school students in Genesee County are going to be offered an opportunity to learn about law enforcement through a new program in the Sheriff's Office called Teen Academy.

If the pilot is successful, it will become a regular program for the Sheriff's Office.

Sheriff William Sheron presented the idea to the Public Service Committee yesterday.

He said the idea was brought to him by the resource officer at the school, which he modeled after a program in Monroe County.

Each academy will be a week long and will include visits to the jail, the 911 Center, and the Sheriff's Office. Participants will get to see the emergency response team in action, learn about hostage negotiation, the K-9 program, and evidence recovery.

There will also be daily physical fitness runs, defensive tactics training, and team building exercises. The students will also receive classroom training in penal law and the state's traffic laws. Finally, students will participate in mock DWI stops and procedures.

The program is free to students selected to participate. There will be up to 15 students per academy.

Classes will be held at Byron-Bergen High School.

Eligible students are juniors or seniors in good academic standing with little or no disciplinary issues. They must be able to participate in physical fitness activities. Students need to have a positive attitude. Qualified students will be interviewed and screened.

"I think in today’s day and I age, I think we need to try to get our youth more involved with police officers to see what the role of law enforcement really is rather than what is depicted in the news media all too often," Sheron said. "It’s also a great recruiting tool."

CORRECTION: This story originally stated that the program would be available only to students at Byron-Bergen in the first class. That was incorrect. It will be open to students from all of the high schools in the county. Classes will be held at Byron-Bergen.

Increasingly, police officers must deal with people who have mental health issues, so to help them do their jobs better, Sheriff William Sheron is seeking additional training for his deputies.

Sheron, along with Undersheriff Greg Walker, a sergeant, and a deputy chief, will meet with officials from the Mental Health Association next week to kick off a training program.

The goal is to have all the deputies receive some training and have several deputies on each shift who are part of a crisis intervention team.

Part of the program, Sheron told members of the Public Service Committee yesterday, will be identifying what resources are currently available and what services are missing or deficient.

One goal is to help reduce the number people with mental health issues who wind up in the jail.

Former Sheriff Gary Maha, now a legislator and member of the committee, said he certainly understands the need for the program.

"Sometimes we end up putting them in jail because we don’t know what else to do with them sometimes when it's only minor charges," Maha said. "If there is a way to steer a person to an option other than going to jail it’s certainly beneficial to all of us."

Sheron anticipates grant money being available for the training, especially for the crisis intervention team, so he will be coming back to the Public Service Committee at a later date with a request to accept such a grant.

While there have been concerns in other parts of the nation about police officers suffering carbon monoxide poisoning while patrolling in Ford Explorer Police Interceptors, locally, there have been no complaints, local officials said.

Both Sheriff William Sheron and Batavia PD Chief Shawn Heubusch said neither agency has heard from officers about any exhaust-related problems within the patrol car fleets of both agencies.

National news reports say that there have been officers involved in serious accidents after passing out from exhaust fumes.

Investigators have recently started looking at holes in the vehicle that are used to outfit the vehicles with lights, sirens and other equipment, but Jeff Gillard, who has long outfitted patrol vehicles for the Sheriff's Office (and until recently, Batavia PD), said he doesn't think the problem is anything Ford is doing.

He suggested that in the locations where exhaust fumes have been a problem, some after-market modifications may be the cause of the problem.

"When I first heard about it, I thought something must be going on because those vehicles are closed up so tight you can't get wires through anything," Gillard said.

New York State Police Superintendent George P. Beach II has appointed Major Edward J. Kennedy, of Buffalo, as the 24^th Troop Commander of Troop A. Major Kennedy began his career in the State Police on Oct. 2, 1989 when he entered the New York State Police Academy. Major Kennedy has served most of his career in the Western New York area.
 
In 1999, he was promoted to Investigator and worked out of SP Wellsville. In October 2002, he was promoted to Senior Investigator and assigned to SP Jamestown.
 
In March of 2007, he was promoted to Lieutenant of the Bureau of Criminal Investigations and assigned to SP Farmingdale, Long Island. After seven months in Long Island he was reassigned to Professional Standards Bureau Western region, which covers Troops A, E. After a few months he was reassigned to SP Jamestown as the Uniform Lieutenant. In April of 2009, he was assigned to SP Batavia as the Lieutenant of the Bureau of Criminal Investigation.
 
In September of 2012, he was reassigned to acting Zone 3 Commander (Jamestown area) and in March of 2013 promoted to Captain of Zone 3, Troop A. In February 2014, he was reassigned to Troop T, SP Buffalo as Captain, which covers the Thruway from Rochester to the Erie, Pa., line.
 
Major Kennedy’s appointment to Troop A Commander was effective July 13, 2017. He replaces Major Steven Nigrelli who was promoted to Staff Inspector of Professional Standards Bureau - Western region. 
 
As the Troop A Commander, Kennedy will oversee the State Police operations in the eight counties of Western New York including Niagara, Orleans, Erie, Genesee, Wyoming, Chautauqua, Cattaraugus and Allegany. More than 430 civilian and sworn members are under Major Kennedy’s command.
 
Major Kennedy grew up in the Buffalo area and is a 1985 graduate of Buffalo State College.  He is married and has three children.

Members of Troop A, State Police, based in Batavia, honored the men and women who have died in the line of duty while serving and protecting the people of Western New York in a service at the Batavia Barracks today.

Troop A Commander, Major Steven Nigrelli, said: "The Fallen Troopers did not wear capes, hit walk off homeruns are defend Earth from aliens, those are Hollywood Heroes; These Troopers are real American Heroes.

"They simply died doing what they swore an oath to do, the service and defend the public -- even in the face of peril and personal danger."

(In photo above, Trooper Dean Nolte and K9 "Weltz.")

To purchase prints, click here.

Genesee County Investigator Christopher A. Parker was honored by Crime Stoppers Buffalo at its Annual Law Enforcement Recognition Reception held last night at Giancarlo’s Sicilian Steakhouse in Williamsville.   

Undersheriff Walker nominated Investigator Parker for this award based on his consistency as an officer who exemplifies professionalism, dependability, cooperation, fairness, integrity, loyalty and, more specifically, for his highly meritorious act on Sept. 13.

Then Deputy Parker was first on scene for a six-apartment fire in the Town of Pavilion. Without regard for his own safety and without any protective breathing apparatus or gear, he entered the first apartment to begin checking for residents and discovered an elderly man who was completely asleep as smoke crept into his bedroom. After assisting the man out of the building, Deputy Parker continued to check the other apartments until firefighters arrived. 

“Investigator Parker’s quick, fearless actions on that day most likely saved the elderly man’s life. He is most deserving of this recognition,” said Undersheriff Walker.

This morning's service at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Batavia was dedicated to members of the law enforcement community, to pray for them and to encourage them and to thank them for their service to the community. There were representatives at the service from the Sheriff's Office, Batavia PD and the State Police.

Pastor Allen A. Werk officiated. He is also chaplain for the Sheriff's Office.

Pastor Werk read from Joshua 1:9: "Be Strong. Be courageous. Do not be terrified. Do not be discouraged. For the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."

His message was that God promises to be with us in whatever challenges and difficulties we face, especially those who serve.

“God is your backup," Werk said. "He has your back in every situation you face. Every call out, every domestic, every accident, every traffic stop, every disturbance, every break-in, every rescue, every crisis, every disaster, God promises that he will be with you wherever you go.”

For the past four years on Christmas Day, we've posted a photo tribute to local firefighters, using the photos from the year as a retrospective on their service to the community.  This year we've added in photos specifically of local law enforcement.

We thank the men and women who often give up time with their families or away from their jobs, and who on a daily basis put in the long hours and the hard work, whether paid or volunteer, to keep our community secure and our friends and families safe.

UPDATE: I added some more pictures from the first two months or so of 2016 that I forgot were on another computer.

Country star Brad Paisley joins members of the Genesee County Sheriff's Office prior to his recent show at Darien Lake with a Badge of Honor bracelet in support of WNY's fallen members of law enforcement and their families. 

Pictured with Paisley are Sgt. Tom Sanfratello, Deputy Brad Mazur and Sgt. Greg Walker, who is the chapter president for the Badge of Honor Association.

The association provides support for families whose loved ones in law enforcement passed in the line of duty and assists officers seriously injured in the line of duty. 

The bracelets can be purchased on the association's website.

Photo courtesy the Badge of Honor Association.

Police chiefs from throughout Western New York are in Batavia today for a golf tournament at Terry Hills.

The gathering of the Western New York Association of Chiefs of Police is a social event and networking opportunity, said Batavia PD's Chief Shawn Heubusch, who helped organize the tournament.

Pictured are Doug Richardson, Rob Ruffner, John Applebee, Bobby Lapidus, playing as a foursome, along with organizers Pete Hoffmeister, left, chief in Warsaw, Heubusch, second from right, and Pete Hoffmeister, far right, chief of Arcade.

Press release:

Following a string of deadly shootings against law enforcement in Dallas and Baton Rouge, La., in recent weeks, Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) has reiterated his full support of law enforcement and is encouraging New Yorkers to wear blue on Friday in a massive wave of support for police officers.

Hawley emphasized the need for unity in these frightening times and inspired constituents to stand behind those who put their lives on the line to protect us each day.

“The recent attacks against police officers in Dallas and Baton Rouge have been nothing short of tragic and a painful reflection of the evil that still exists in society,” Hawley said. “In these tumultuous times, the best solution is to come together and show our support for the men and women who put on their uniform every day not knowing what dangers they will inevitably face.

"They are the frontline protectors of justice and order in our community and deserve nothing short of our utmost gratitude and respect. Please join me in recognizing the heroism of our police officers and participate in ‘Our Blue Day’ on Friday by wearing blue in support of our friends fighting crime. They need our encouragement and backing now more than ever.”

Press release:

As motorists take to the roads this Memorial Day holiday, State Police are urging everyone to buckle up. Now through June 5th, law enforcement officials will be out in full force, taking part in the 2016 National Click It or Ticket seat belt enforcement mobilization and cracking down on motorists who are not belted.

Press release:

Genesee County STOP-DWI Coordinator Matt Landers has announced that the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, City of Batavia Police Department and the Village of Le Roy Police Department will participate in a special enforcement effort to crackdown on impaired driving. The statewide STOP-DWI Crackdown efforts start on Friday, May 27^th and will end on Tuesday, May 31^st.

Memorial Day week is historically a deadly period for impaired driving. Memorial Day weekend is the traditional beginning of summer. In addition there will be thousands of parties and barbeques to celebrate graduations, proms, communions, confirmations and the fact that the better weather has arrived. This combination of factors equates to more people on the road in general and more people specifically driving impaired with 13 percent more fatalities than on a non-holiday weekend.

The New York State Police, County Sheriff and municipal law enforcement agencies will collaborate across the state and will be out in force in this coordinated effort to reduce the number of alcohol related injuries and deaths during this period.

“Memorial Day marks the beginning of the summer season. Traffic will increase making it more important than ever to drive defensively. The Genesee County Sheriff’s Office will have extra patrols out to help keep the roads safe for all travelers” said Undersheriff William Sheron. “The City of Batavia Police Department will be out aggressively enforcing DWI laws over the Memorial Day Week in an effort to ensure that all have a safe and happy holiday week. Make sure to have a plan to get home safely and ensure that all in your party do the same.”

The Memorial Day Weekend Crackdown is one of many statewide enforcement initiatives promoted by the New York State STOP-DWI Association with additional funding from the STOP-DWI Foundation with a grant from the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee. The Statewide STOP-DWI Crackdown Campaign also targets 4^th of July and Labor Day Weekend, Halloween and the national Holiday Season in December.

While STOP-DWI efforts across New York have led to significant reductions in the numbers of alcohol and drug related fatalities, still too many lives are being lost because of crashes caused by drunk or impaired drivers. Highly visible, highly publicized efforts like the STOP-DWI Crackdown Campaign aim to further reduce the incidence of drunk and impaired driving.

When GS-39 called in "out of service" at 3 p.m. today, the dispatcher thanked him for his 30 years of service to the people of Genesee County.

Sgt. Jim Meier said during an interview that morning that there is a bit of sadness that comes with drawing the curtain on his career in law enforcement. He's enjoyed the work and the people he worked with.

"I knew the day was coming sooner or later, but it's been 30 years and I feel like it was just yesterday when I started," Meier said. "I really do."

Meier began his career at the Sheriff's Office in 1986, working the jail for a year before moving into patrol work, after earning his degree in criminal justice from Genesee Community College.

He's a graduate of Pembroke High School.

"I don't know if there is anything specific (that inspired the career choice)," he said. "I looked at things I thought I was good at and went into criminal justice and I found it interesting and it just kind of progressed from there."

He never found the job particularly hard, he said.

"I mean, there are some things that we do, like when we're at the death of family members, it can be a bit taxing, but I never found anything difficult," he said. "It all came pretty naturally."

Asked for a key memory from 30 years with the Sherriff's Office, the first thing that came to mind was the passenger train derailment in Batavia in 1994.

"I think I was a week out of supervisor school and I can remember it like it was yesterday," Meier said. "It's amazing that nobody died in that derailment, but it was the most eerie thing in the world when you go to the scene and you don't know what to expect and all of the sudden you see the twisted metal all over the place. It was unbelievable."

There are a lot of young guys in local law enforcement now, and Meier encourages them to stick with it, even when the hours are long and the sacrifices pile up. It's worth it, he said.

"The advice I give all the young guys is this, when you start this job, you have to come in and do it with eyes wide open, meaning you're going to have to work midnights, you're going to have to work holidays, you're going to have to work weekends," Meier said. "You're going to have to sacrifice some things you may not want to sacrifice, but there's a lot of good things that you get from making those sacrifices."

Submitted photo: Sheriff Gary Maha of Genesee County, center, proudly displays the Sheriff Grover Cleveland Award. He is only the fifth Sheriff to receive this prestigious statewide award. Sheriff James Voutour of Niagara County, left, and Sheriff Ron Spike of Yates County made the presentation on behalf of the Sheriffs’ Institute.

Press release:

Sheriff Gary Maha of Genesee County has received the New York State Sheriffs’ Association Institute's most prestigious award, the Sheriff Grover Cleveland Award.

On only five occasions has the Sheriffs’ Institute leadership presented the highest honor that can be given a sitting New York State Sheriff -- the Sheriff Grover Cleveland Award.

The previous winners – in order – are Sheriff James Bowen, Saratoga County, Sheriff John York, Livingston County, Sheriff Kevin Walsh, Onondaga County and Yates County Sheriff Ron Spike. (All but Sheriff Spike are retired.) Between those four men, they have served almost 125 years in the Office of Sheriff. When you add Sheriff Maha’s tenure as Sheriff the total jumps to over 150 years in the Office of Sheriff.

Maha became a Genesee County Deputy Sheriff in 1967. Two years later he was promoted to Senior Investigator. In 1977, he was promoted to Chief Deputy in charge of criminal investigations. In January of 1988, he was appointed interim Sheriff. He has since been elected to seven terms as Sheriff.

His accomplishments and contributions to public safety are not limited to Genesee County. Sheriff Maha has been very active in both state and national issues dealing with public safety.

On the local level particularly noticeable contributions under Sheriff Maha’s tenure has been the implementation of the state-of-the-art Enhanced 9-1-1 Emergency Communications Center, the very effective joint drug task force with the City of Batavia and Village of Le Roy police departments and the positive culture of cooperation that has been built amongst all the county law enforcement agencies and law enforcement officers working in Genesee County.

Sheriff Maha is a past president of the New York State Sheriffs’ Association and currently serves as chairman of that organization’s Executive Committee. Governors from both parties have appointed him to criminal justice committee’s and councils including the Law Enforcement Accreditation Council, New York State Interoperable & Emergency Communications Board and the New York State Committee on Counter Terrorism.

On the national level Sheriff Maha is very active with the National Sheriffs’ Association. He serves as vice-chair of the National Sheriffs’ Criminal Justice Information/Technology Committee and is a member of the organization’s Homeland Security Committee.

Sheriff Maha is a graduate of the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Va. He holds an associates degree in Political Science and bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice.

“Sheriff Gary Maha, who is the state’s longest-tenured Sheriff, is known not only in New York State, but at the national level as a 'Sheriff's Sheriff', said Sheriff Ron Spike, Yates County, upon presenting the Sheriff Grover Cleveland Award to Sheriff Maha.

(Maha announced last month that he will not seek reelection when his term expires Dec. 31, ending his 27-year run as Genesee County's top cop.)