Sheriff's Office

Photo, from left: Sheriff Gary T. Maha, Deputy Robert C. Henning, Chief Deputy-Road Patrol -- Gordon L. Dibble, and Chaplain Allen A. Werk.
 

Submitted photo and press release:

The Genesee County Sheriff’s Office has filled a vacant Deputy Sheriff position with the hiring of Robert C. Henning. Deputy Henning recently graduated from the Niagara County Law Enforcement Academy at Niagara University on July 1 and was awarded "Top Gun" in his class. The keynote speaker at the graduation was New York State Senator Robert G. Ortt.

Deputy Henning is a 2010 graduate of Batavia High School. Following high school, he attended Buffalo State College where he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice in 2015. Deputy Henning was previously employed by the Batavia Downs Gaming Facility as a security guard and is a third-generation law enforcement officer. His father is a retired City of Batavia Police Officer, and his grandfather is a retired Orchard Park Police Officer.

Sheriff Gary Maha stated, “Deputy Henning is currently participating in our 14-week field training program and is a great addition to our road patrol.”

Submitted photo.

Press release:

Genesee County Undersheriff William A. Sheron Jr. (center), along with 40 undersheriffs from across New York State, attended a training conference at the Gideon Putnam Hotel in Saratoga Springs last week. Sponsored and organized by the New York State Sheriffs' Association and the New York State Sheriffs’ Association Institute, the program provides the Undersheriffs with training in the latest advances in law enforcement and correctional practices.

During the three‐day program: Oneida County Undersheriff Rob Swenszkowski presented the International Association of Chiefs of Police leadership training program; Madison County Sheriff Allen Riley and Associate Counsel Alex Wilson reviewed legislative issues including “Raise the Age” proposals; Niagara County Undersheriff Michael Filicetti discussed a Niagara County officer involved shooting and recruiting for law enforcement officers; Madison County Lieutenant Jeff Franceschelli, assistant jail administrator, presented the benefits and continuing hurdles of PREA compliance; Chautauqua County Undersheriff Chuck Holder discussed their Pistol Permit Program; and Lt. Robert Richards, Niagara County Stop DWI coordinator, and Michelle James, St. Lawrence County, discussed collection of DWI fines and fees.

The Undersheriff is appointed by the County Sheriff and often functions as the chief administrative officer, reviewing all operations of the Sheriff’s Office, including the road patrol and investigative divisions, the county jail, the civil law enforcement division, court security, and the 911/communications and dispatch division.

NYSSA is a not‐for‐profit corporation formed in 1934 to assist New York’s Sheriffs in the effective delivery of services to the public. It’s comprised of all 58 Sheriffs in New York State. The Sheriffs’ Institute was established in 1979 to advance criminal justice education, prevent juvenile delinquency, and support victims of crime and their families.

Genesee County Sheriff's Sgt. Thomas Sanfratello (center) upon completion of the Civil Supervisors’ Training Program with (l to r) Broome County Sheriff Dave Harder, Cortland County Sheriff Mark Helms, Sheriffs’ Association President/Herkimer County Sheriff Chris Farber, and Saratoga County Sheriff Mike Zurlo.

Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Patrick Reeves (center) upon completion of Phase 2 of the Statewide Civil Law Enforcement School, Albany County Chief Deputy Paul Courcelle (left) and Sheriffs’ Institute Executive Director Chris O’Brien (right).

Submitted photos and press release:

Sixty deputy sheriffs and civilian staff from 43 Sheriff’s offices around the state attended the New York State Sheriffs' Association/Sheriffs’ Institute Civil Supervisors’ Training Conference in May at the Gideon Putnam Hotel in Saratoga Springs, including Sgt. Thomas Sanfratello. The three-day training program is part of a training series offered each year.

Additionally, 37 deputy sheriffs and civilian staff from 20 Sheriff’s offices around the state completed Phase 2 of a specialized training program in Civil Law Enforcement at the Albany County Courthouse in May, including Deputy Patrick Reeves. Deputy Reeves completed Phase 1 training in April of this year. This week‐long Phase 2 Civil Basic School is sponsored by the New York State Sheriffs' Association Institute.

The school is required for counties seeking to earn accreditation of its civil office from the New York State Sheriffs’ Association. The Genesee County Sheriff’s Office Civil Bureau is accredited. The training is provided without charge to any civil personnel nominated for the school by a sheriff.

All sheriffs have civil law enforcement functions, including the service of process and enforcement of judgments and other court orders and mandates. These conferences provide participants with training in the latest advances in civil law enforcement and a forum to discuss current civil law enforcement issues and share best practices.

NYSSA is a not-for-profit corporation formed in 1934 to assist New York’s Sheriffs in the effective delivery of services to the public. It comprises all 58 sheriffs in New York State. The Sheriffs’ Institute was established in 1979 to advance criminal justice education, prevent juvenile delinquency, support victims of crime and their families, and provides the only statewide training program for civil deputies.

Submitted photo and press release:

Genesee County Sheriff's Sgt. Gregory H. Walker has been selected by the New York State STOP-DWI Foundation and Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) New York State to receive its “2016 Special Recognition Award." He was one of only two individuals statewide to be selected for this award.

Sgt. Walker was nominated by Genesee County Sheriff Gary T. Maha for his extensive involvement with DWI enforcement and drug recognition throughout his 28 years at the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office. 

In 1999, Sergeant Walker was the Office’s first DRE (Drug Recognition Expert) and was certified as a DRE Instructor in 2003. He continues to be very involved in the DRE program by assisting the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee with its DRE training, which covers several neighboring counties. He has played a role in reaching more than 300 educational professionals. Sgt. Walker has instructed 11 DRE classes and has conducted 169 DRE evaluations.

The award was presented to Sgt. Walker during a luncheon held in Schenectady on May 18. Attending the luncheon were Sheriff Maha and Chief Deputy Gordon L. Dibble.

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."

Pictured from left: Genesee County Sheriff Gary T. Maha, Undersheriff William A. Sheron Jr., Correction Officer Corey J. Cieszki, Correction Officer Jason M. Buck, and Jail Superintendent William A. Zipfel.

Submitted photo and press release:

The Genesee County Sheriff’s Office recently filled two vacant part-time Correction Officer positions with the hiring of Jason M. Buck and Corey J. Cieszki.

These Correction Officers graduated in a class of 15 on Monday, April 25 from the Livingston County Basic Corrections six-week Academy that was held at the Livingston County Sheriff’s Office.

Correction Officer Buck was captain of the class and Correction Officer Cieszki received the top academic award. The speaker at the graduation was Livingston County Sheriff Thomas J. Dougherty.  Training at the academy included instruction in the care and custody of inmates, inmate supervision, defensive tactics, firearms training, and other topics pertaining to corrections.

Sheriff Gary T. Maha said “Correction Officers Buck and Cieszki represented our Office well by excelling at the Corrections Academy."

In the first quarter of 2016, the average population housed in the Genesee County Jail was 79, up from 60 in the first quarter of 2015.

The biggest impact on the county's budget with  an increased jail population, Sheriff Gary Maha said during his department review report to the County Legislature's Public Service Committee, is an increase in expenses for medication and medical care.

The majority of inmates have either substance abuse issues or mental health problems. This has been a growing trend in recent years.

The Sheriff's Office is also handling more female inmates, with an average of 18 this year compared to 11 last year.

Since the local jail can't house female inmates, they must be transported to and from jails in other counties in Western and Central New York willing to keep them. This is an added expense of the Sheriff's Office and takes deputies off of patrol.

Currently, staffing in the department is short five deputies. There are three new deputies going through the academy, but by the time the first one graduates, a current sergeant will retire and other retirements are anticipated this year.

The hiring and training process for a deputy, getting a deputy to the point where he or she can work a solo patrol, takes close to a year.

The department also lost a productive and dedicated deputy recently when Joseph Corona transferred to Monroe County. 

A legislature asked if that was because of better pay in Monroe County and Maha said that while the pay is better, and retirement benefits are better, Corona also had family and personal reasons for making the transfer and that a larger department offers greater opportunity for career advancement.

That said, Maha said, historically, the Sheriff's Office hasn't lost many deputies to other departments, so he doesn't anticipate this signaling a trend. 

The turnover is high in the Sheriff's Office because there just happens to be a lot of retirements hitting at the same time. Eventually, that should even out.

The emergency center call volume is up about 8.5 percent, but this largely reflects structural changes, not an increase in more calls for service.

Calls get logged when additional fire units are dispatched on calls, for example, and increasingly, multiple departments are being dispatched for calls in volunteer fire districts, so a call for service that was once counted as one logged dispatch is now logged as two.

The Sheriff's Office now also handles dispatch for State Police Troop A, which means more calls and traffic stops logged. 

Theresa Asmus-Roth, program coordinator for Genesee Justice, is anticipating a 15-percent increase in funding from a federal grant.

Bail evaluations have increased 22 percent over last year, with the cases being handled by one full-time staff member and one part-time, and they're managing to keep pace with the case load.

"We certainly appreciate having that second person," Asmus-Roth said. "(Bail evaluation) is quite an involved process."

The Child Advocacy Center handled 241 cases in 2015.

The Sheriff's Office is participating in Project Live Saver, which provides tracking bracelets to children who might wander off, and 14 disabled children wear the bracelets currently.

Earlier this week, a 79-year-old woman with dementia wandered off from her home, leading to a multi-patrol search for her, and Maha said potential grants might help expand the program to other people who might wander off.

Press release:

In 1991, a formal Congressional resolution acknowledged the vital role that telecommunicators play in emergency situations by proclaiming the second week in April as a week of annual recognition in their honor. National Public Safety Telecommunicator Week is a time to thank these men and women who have dedicated their lives to serving the public.

The Genesee County Sheriff’s Office recognizes and commends the County’s 9-1-1 dispatchers for their dedication, professionalism and commitment to public service.

9-1-1 dispatchers are there 24/7,365 days a year for first responders and the public in time of need. Many people do not think about these seemingly nameless, faceless individuals until they experience actual emergencies themselves. In many instances, 9-1-1 dispatchers make the difference between life and death.

More than 82,000 events were dispatched in 2015, a daily average of 224, and 134,937 telephone calls were handled last year, which is an average of 369 calls per day. The Genesee County Emergency Dispatch Center (Public Safety Answering Point-PSAP) is comprised of 24 men and women who dispatch to five local police agencies/New York State Police; 19 fire departments/Emergency Management Service; three ambulance services; as well as 41 other local, county, state, regional, and federal agencies.

The Genesee County Sheriff’s Office recognizes these public safety professionals who have worked so hard during this past year. Every day, citizens depend on the skill, expertise and commitment of the 9-1-1 dispatchers. They are the first to take that phone call; the first to provide basic life support in a medical emergency, and also the first to dispatch needed fire, police or EMS responders for the call. They are to be recognized and commended.

Press release:

Due to numerous retirements, promotions, and vacancies over the past year, the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office has seen several personnel changes within all its divisions during fiscal 2015-16.

“These individuals are excellent additions to the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office and will reflect the professionalism of this agency," Sheriff Gary Maha said. "Those promoted are well qualified and will enhance our public safety services."

Here is a personnel update:

Road Patrol Division

• Promotion -- Deputy Sheriff John L. Baiocco was recently promoted to Sergeant on Jan. 23. He is a 24-year veteran who started his law enforcement career as a Correction Officer on Aug.19, 1991, and on April 13, 1993, he was hired as a Deputy Sheriff.

Appointments

• Deputy Sheriff Michael J. Lute is a 2000 high school graduate from Starpoint Central School in Lockport. Following high school, he received an associate degree in Applied Science Degree in Retail Business Management from Niagara County Community College in 2003. Deputy Lute graduated from the Rural Police Training Academy at Genesee Community College in 2012, and was previously employed as a part-time police officer by the villages of Akron and Corfu police departments. Deputy Lute has also been a Seasonal Deputy Sheriff with the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office for the past three years.
• Deputy Sheriff Ryan W. Young is a 2006 high school graduate from Clarence Central School and a 2008 graduate from Erie Community College with an associate degree in Applied Science in Business Administration. Deputy Young graduated from the Erie Community College Law Enforcement Training Academy in 2012. He was previously employed as a part-time police officer with the villages of Eden, Attica, Le Roy and Corfu. Deputy Young also has been a seasonal Deputy Sheriff with the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office for the past three years.
• Deputy Sheriff Eric J. Meyer is a 2006 Regents high school graduate from Alexander Central School. He attended Genesee Community College for studies in Criminal Justice and transferred to SUNY Brockport where he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice in 2011, graduating magna cum laude. Deputy Meyer graduated from the Erie Community College Law Enforcement Training Academy in 2015 and was previously employed as a police officer with the SUNY College at Buffalo Campus Police.

(Photo above of Michael J. Lute, Ryan W. Young, Eric J. Meyer.)

The following three Deputy Sheriffs graduated from the Niagara County Law Enforcement Academy at Niagara University on Dec. 18 and have recently completed their 14-week Field Training Officer Program.

• Deputy Sheriff Rachel M. Diehl was the class president of her graduating class at the Academy. She is a 2009 high school Regents graduate of Pavilion Central School and continued her education at the University of Pittsburgh receiving a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Criminal Justice with a minor in Political Science in 2013. Deputy Diehl was previously employed as a Criminal Justice teacher’s aide at Genesee Valley Educational Partnership and was a sergeant with Darien lake Theme Park and Camping Resort’s security.
• Deputy Sheriff Ryan M. DeLong received the "Sergeant Jeff Juron Defensive Tactics Award" at the Academy graduation. He is a 2004 high school graduate of Batavia Central School. Deputy DeLong continued his education at Genesee Community College where he earned an associate degree in Applied Science Degree in Criminal Justice in 2008. He was previously employed as a Detention Officer by the Valley Metro Barbosa Group, which was the company who supervised detainees at the Buffalo Federal Detention Facility in Batavia.
• Deputy Sheriff Kevin P. Forsyth received the "Joseph E. Steblein Memorial Award" and the "Top Gun Award" at the Academy graduation. He is a 1998 Regents graduate of Notre Dame High School in Batavia. After high school, Deputy Forsyth enlisted in the Army for four years where he earned numerous medals and badges such as an Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal (twice), the Army Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Army Lapel Button, the Army Service Ribbon, the Sharpshooter Marksmanship Qualification Badge with Rifle Bar and the Driver and Mechanic Badge with Driver–W Bar. Forsyth then continued his education at Niagara University where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminology/Criminal Justice with a minor in History. Deputy Forsyth was previously employed as a Genesee County probation officer.

(Photo above of Rachel M. Diehl, Ryan M. DeLong, and Kevin M. Forsyth.)

Criminal Investigation Division

Investigator Promotions

• Deputy Sheriff Joseph M. Graff was promoted on Aug. 31, 2015. He is a 12-year veteran who began his career with the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office on Feb. 28, 2004.
• Deputy Sheriff Chad J. Minuto was promoted on Sept. 26, 2015. He is an 11-year veteran who began his career with the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office on March 30, 2005.
• Deputy Sheriff Bradley D. Mazur was promoted on Feb. 1, 2016. He is an 17-year veteran who began his career with the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office on January 31, 1999.

Communications Division

Promotion

• Emergency Services Dispatcher Michael T. Sheflin was appointed to Senior Emergency Services Dispatcher on Jan. 9. He is an eight-year veteran who began his career with the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office on March 1, 2008.

Full-time Appointment

• Emergency Services Dispatcher Zachary W. Czudak was appointed from part-time to full-time status on Jan. 9.

Part-time Appointments

• Senior Emergency Services Dispatcher James E. Tripp retired on Dec. 26 after 22 years of service, and was appointed part time on Dec. 31.
• Emergency Services Dispatcher Andrew Z. Mullen was appointed on Feb. 7.

Jail Division

Promotion

• Correction Officer Darrell J. Klein was appointed to Senior Correction Officer on Jan. 14. He is a 22-year veteran who began his career on May 24, 1993.

Part-time Appointments

• Correction Officer Corey J. Cieszki was appointed on Feb. 13.
• Correction Officer Jason M. Buck was appointed on Jan. 23.
• Jail Cook Debra M. Horton was appointed Feb. 6.

New Graduates

Correction Officers that graduated from the Erie County Sheriff’s Office Basic Corrections Academy at Erie Community College City Campus on Nov. 20 include:

• Correction Officer Howard O. Wilson is a 2004 Regents diploma graduate from Batavia High School.
• Correction Officer Jenna R. Barber is a 1998 graduate of Batavia High School. She was hired part time and was appointed to full-time status on March 15.
• Correction Officer Cody D. NiCastro is a 2012 Regents diploma graduate from Pavilion High School. He continued his education at Genesee Community College and earned an associate degree in Applied Science in Criminal Justice in 2014. He was hired part time and was appointed full time on May 2. He was previously employed as a security guard by the Darien lake Theme Park and Camping Resort. NiCastro was the salutatorian of his Academy Class.
• Correction Officer Cassidy N. Longhini is a 2010 graduate from Byron-Bergen High School and a 2013 graduate from Genesee Community College.  Longhini received an associate degree in Applied Science Degree in Physical Education Studies.
• Correction Officer Nicholas J. Bender is a 1998 graduate of Lancaster High School. He was hired part time initially and was appointed full time on Jan. 14.

(Photo above of Howard O. Wilson, Jenna R. Barber, Cody D. NiCastro, Cassidy N. Longhini, and Nicholas J. Bender, and Jail Superintendent William A. Zipfel.)

New graduates of Niagara County Basic Corrections (a five-week Academy held at the Niagara County Jail on Tuesday, March 8)

• Correction Officer Dani M. Stone is a Pembroke native and was appointed full time on July 11. She was previously employed for more than 20 years with Hess Corporation.
• Correction Officer Dawn M. Fooks is a 1987 high school graduate of Albion Central School and then joined the Air Force where she served for 10 years. In 2007, she graduated from Genesee Community College with two associate degrees in Science: Criminal Justice and Business Administration. In 2009, Fooks earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice from Keuka College; and in 2011, she earned a Master of Arts Degree in Forensic Psychology from Argosy University. Fooks was appointed from part time to full-time status on Sept. 5.

(Photo above of Jail Superintendent William A. Zipfel, Undersheriff William A. Sheron Jr., Dani M. Stone, Dawn M. Fooks, and Sheriff Gary Maha.)

Genesee Justice / Justice for Children Advocacy Center

• Genesee Justice Program Coordinator Theresa Asmus-Roth was appointed on Nov. 5. She is a 1995 high school graduate from Akron Central School. Asmus-Roth earned an associate degree in Applied Science in Human Services from Genesee Community College in 2000, and continued her education at SUNY Empire State, graduating in 2005, with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Community and Human Services. She was previously employed part time with Catholic Charities of Batavia as a Domestic Violence Offenders Program Class Facilitator for four years and was also employed by Planned Parenthood of Central & WNY as a Rape Crisis Service Area supervisor for Restore. She is a past president and has been a Kiwanis Club member since 2011.

(Photo above of Theresa Asmus-Roth.)

Appointments

• Nicole Ficarella was appointed from a Community Services/victim advocate position to a case manager on Feb. 1. 
• Erin Martin was appointed part-time Community Services/victim advocate on Nov. 30.

Press release:

Undersheriff William A. Sheron Jr., who recently announced his intention to seek the Republican endorsement for this fall’s election to Genesee County Sheriff, announced today that Sergeant Gregory H. Walker will join him as his Undersheriff.

Walker, 50, has more than 30 years of law enforcement experience, serving two years with the Attica Police Department before joining the Genesee County Sheriff’ s Office in October 1987. Over the course of his 28-year career with the Sheriff’s Office, Walker has served in the ranks of Deputy Sheriff-Road Patrol, Investigator, Sergeant-Road Patrol and his current position of Sergeant-Criminal Investigation Division.

Sergeant Walker is a graduate of the Monroe Community College Public Safety Training Academy-Basic Course for Police Officers, New York State Municipal Police Training Council on Police Supervision Course, United States Drug Enforcement Agency Drug Law Enforcement Course, New York State Division of Criminal Justice Field Training Officer, New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services General Topics Instructor, the International Association of Chiefs of Police/National Highway Traffic Safety Association Drug Recognition Expert Instructor and the F.B.I. National Academy in Quantico, Va.

Walker became the first certified Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) in Genesee County and now serves as one of the lead instructors for the DRE program in New York State. He is also a Field Training Officer, Field Training Supervisor, Standardized Field Sobriety Tests Instructor, Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement Instructor, Domestic Violence Resource Officer and Drug Impairment for Educational Professionals Instructor.

Over his career Walker has received numerous departmental awards including Officer of the Year in 1990; Meritorious Service in 1989, 1991, 1992, 1995, 2003, 2008, 2012; Commendation awards in 1992, 1994 and 2013; and Kiwanis Club Officer of the Year in 1991.

Sergeant Walker currently serves on the New York State Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) Technical Advisory Panel (TAP) and is a regional coordinator for the DRE program. Walker is an active member of the Le Roy Republican Committee.

Sergeant Walker is a resident of the Town of Le Roy. He is a graduate of Attica Central School and Genesee Community College with a degree in Criminal Justice. He and his wife, Michele, are parents to a family of five children and one grandchild.

“I could not ask for a better person to join me as my Undersheriff. Greg is an outstanding individual of the utmost integrity who is extremely well respected amongst the law enforcement community. Together we possess nearly 50 years of law enforcement administrative and supervisory experience, which is crucial in directing the operations of the Sheriff’s Office,” said Undersheriff Sheron.

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.)

Press release:

Genesee County Deputy Sheriff, Christopher Parker, age 47, will be seeking the position of Sheriff in this year’s election.

Prior to his law enforcement career, he worked in the Buffalo area supervising dozens of employees in day to day operations before coming to the Sheriff’s Office in 1997. Parker is currently assigned to the Road Patrol on the day shift but also served in the courthouse prior. He graduated from Elba Central School earning a Regents Diploma in Math & Science going on to get his degree from Genesee Community College. After being hired, Parker went on to graduate from Erie County Central Police Services Basic Police Officer Training Academy.

Parker has been an active member of the Office’s Honor Guard since its inception and had the privilege of traveling to and participating in ceremonies in 2015 during National Police Week to honor America’s fallen officers and one of Genesee County’s own.

Parker has been a recipient of a certificate of appreciation, commendation, meritorious service and also distinguished service awards. He was a member of the flight crew for the New York State Police aviation unit until their hanger was moved from Batavia to Rochester. Parker has also received a MADD award for vigorous enforcement of intoxicated and impaired drivers.

In his role as a field training officer, he is involved in the training of newly appointed deputies and recruit graduates. 

“Being able to help train future deputies has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my job," he said. "It’s great to see them develop into someone that represents us at the Sheriff’s Office and this county well. Someone that will be my backup or help a citizen in their time of need and bringing integrity to it."

Being a Drug Recognition Expert has been one of Parker’s proudest work accomplishments being one of only approximately 200 so qualified officers in the entire state. He also just underwent training in Albany to become an instructor.

Parker's experience has included training of educational professionals in several counties on drug impairments and also with the Safe School Initiative to keep our most precious resource, our children, safe. He is also a member of the Oakfield-Alabama Central School safety team.  Reenactment DWI drills in schools throughout the county for over a decade has also been a rewarding experience.

“If we can stop even just one tragedy, it will have been worth all the time and energy that the fire departments, EMS and we as law enforcement dedicate to empower your children to make the right decision not to drink and drive,” Parker said.

Along with training Sheriff’s Office personnel on standardized field sobriety testing, Parker has assisted at the Monroe County Basic Police Academy in training recruit officers on the proper implementation of the tests. He is also a Leadership Genesee 2016 class participant.

“As Sheriff, I hope to bring loyalty, honesty and integrity to the position and make this county we live in as safe as can be. As a lifelong resident in the county, I plan to be here with my family and work with the residents here to make all of our families safer.”

Submitted photo: Genesee County Sheriff Gary Maha (right) is sworn in as chairman of the Executive Committee of the NYS Sheriffs' Association by Herkimer County Judge John Brennan at the installation of officers at the Association's 82nd Annual Winter Training Conference at the Desmond in Albany this week.

Press release:

The New York State Sheriffs' Association elected its Executive Committee at the 82nd Annual Winter Training Conference this week at the Desmond Hotel in Albany.

Members elected Genesee County Sheriff Gary Maha Chairman of the Executive Committee. Sheriff Maha will work with the newly elected President of the Association, Herkimer County Sheriff Chris Farber, and sheriffs around the state, to further the efforts of the Sheriffs' Association to enhance public safety in New York State through professional training and accreditation programs, public safety programs, and advocacy.

The New York State Sheriffs' Association, Inc., is a not-for-profit corporation, formed in 1934, for the purpose of assisting sheriffs in the efficient and effective delivery of services to the public. It comprises all of the elected and appointed sheriffs of New York State.

Deputy Jason Saile, a 10-year veteran of the Sheriff's Office, was named Officer of the Year by Sheriff Gary Maha during the department's annual awards luncheon yesterday at the Sheriff's Office on Park Road.

Dispatcher Jason W. Holman received the Distinguished Service Award.

The top longevity awards went to Chief Deputy Jerome Brewster and Chief Deputy Gordon Dibble, at 40 years each. Also awarded was Youth Officer John Dehm, who has been with the office for 35 years.

Commendations were awarded to Sgt. Eric Seppala, deputies Chad Cummings, Joseph Loftus Michael Lute, Andrew Hale, dispatchers Peggy Richardson, Steve Robinson, Michale Sheflin, corrections officers Kevin Thomas, Michale Cox, Peter Hoy and investigators Tim Weis and Kris Kautz.

Meritorious Service awards: Correction Officer Michael E. Glow, Sgt. Brian M. Frieday, Sgt. Jon R. Szumigala, Genesee Justice Case Manager Cathy T. Uhly, Sgt. James M. Meier, Sgt. Ronald E. Meides.

Weis and Szumigala were at the luncheon on their final days of duty before retirement.

Certificates of Appreciation were handed out to Julie A. Walsh, Mental Health clinical therapist for the JFCAC, Volunteer for Animals,Le Roy Officer Ryan W. Young (now a deputy),Szumigala, Weis and confidential secretary Carolyn A. Della Penna.

Here are the narratives for the awards to Saile and Holman:

OFFICER OF THE YEAR – DEPUTY SHERIFF JASON E. SAILE
Deputy Jason E. Saile has distinguished himself as a proactive, dedicated and enthusiastic Deputy Sheriff leading the “A” line shift for many years in DWI enforcement. During 2015, his 10th year with the Sheriff’s Office, Deputy Saile had his best all-around year, not solely because he continued to be proactive in his enforcement, but because he emerged as a well-rounded, knowledgeable officer who is able to look beyond the laws and regulations to find answers and relief for the citizens and victims he encounters.  Deputy Saile made himself available for extra duty at a time when patrol strength was seriously depleted. He has used his certifications as a Crash Manager and Field Training Officer to enhance the services of the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office. Deputy Saile commands respect with his knowledge, physical presence and his ability to empathize with the victims he encounters. His work has been exceptional. Deputy Jason E. Saile has brought 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 EMERGENCY SERVICES DISPATCHER JASON W. HOLMAN
Senior Emergency Services Dispatcher Jason W. Holman has distinguished himself as a member of the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office. For several years, Senior Dispatcher Holman has provided critical insight and assistance with upgrades, maintenance, and operational configurations of the Genesee County Emergency Dispatch Center computer-aided dispatch program, phone systems, and radio consoles. Senior Dispatcher Holman worked closely with the Genesee County Mutual Aid Fire Advisory Board to develop new policies and procedures to enhance and improve communications. His work handling concerns and working with the fire and emergency medical services to find workable solutions has been instrumental in the implementation of new technologies. Senior Emergency Services Dispatcher

Jason W. Holman reflects great credit upon himself and the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office.

Jason Holman

Hale, Loftus and Seppala receiving their awards for their conduct on the scene of the alleged murder and arson on Selden Road the morning of Dec. 1.

Robison and Sheflin receiving their awards for their conduct as dispatchers the morning of Dec. 1.

Cummings and Lute receiving their awards for rescuing a man from the storm drains under the Batavia Town Square parking lot in November.

Weis receiving his retirement badge and ID.

To purchase prints of photos, click here.

Press release:

Undersheriff William A. Sheron Jr., will seek the Republican Party endorsement for the 2016 election for Genesee County Sheriff.

Undersheriff Sheron, 57, has over 38 years of experience with the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office; serving as second in command for the past 20 years. He began his career in June 1977 as an emergency service dispatcher and was subsequently promoted through the ranks of Deputy Sheriff-Jail, Deputy Sheriff - Road Patrol, Sergeant, Investigator and Chief Deputy-Road Patrol. In January 1996 he was appointed Undersheriff.  

Undersheriff Sheron is a graduate of the New York State Commission of Corrections Training Academy, Erie County Central Police Services Basic Police Officer Training Academy, New York State Division of Criminal Justice Police Supervision Course, United States Drug Enforcement Agency Drug Interdiction Course, New York State Division of Criminal Justice Hostage Negotiations, the F.B. I. National Academy in Quantico, Va., and the F.B.I. National Academy Executive Development Program.

Undersheriff Sheron is credited with the formation of the Genesee County Local Drug Task Force in 1989, which began as a one-man unit and developed into a county-wide collaborative Task Force with the City of Batavia and Le Roy Police Departments. He served as a Field Training Officer, Hostage Negotiator and a member of the department’s Crash Management Team.

Over his career, Sheron has received departmental recognition awards including Officer of the Year in 1982, Meritorious Service in 2000 and 2009, and Commendation Awards in 1986, 1988, 1989, 1994 and 1996.

As Undersheriff, his responsibilities include: the oversight of the operations of the Sheriff’s Office, along with the administration of grants and governmental programs; oversight of the department’s training, development and adherence to departmental standards; investigation of allegations against departmental members; recruitment and selection of personnel; and responsibility of the operations of Genesee Justice and the Justice for Children Advocacy Center.

Undersheriff Sheron served as the 2006 president of the F.B.I. National Academy Associates New York State /Eastern Canada Chapter; has held several positions on its board of directors and currently serves as the Chapter’s secretary treasurer. Sheron is an active member of the Genesee County Traffic Safety Board, Genesee County Stop DWI Advisory Board, the Mental Health Association of Genesee/Orleans County Board of Directors, Genesee County Republican Committee, Genesee County Women’s Republican Committee, City of Batavia Republican Committee and Batavia Kiwanis Club. He previously served as the vice president of GCASA Board of Directors.

Undersheriff Sheron is a lifelong resident of Batavia. He attended St. Mary’s Grade School, Notre Dame High School and is a graduate of Genesee Community College with a degree in Criminal Justice. He and his wife, Shari, are parents to a blended family of five children and six grandchildren.

“If endorsed and elected Sheriff, I pledge to continue my life’s work of protecting the safety and security of the residents of Genesee County and the men and women of the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office,” said William Sheron, Undersheriff.

Genesee County Sheriff Gary T. Maha announced this morning that he will not seek reelection for another term.

Maha intends to finish his current term, which expires Dec. 31, and is expected to retire, ending a 27-year run as Genesee County's top cop.

That is the longest tenure for a sheriff in county history, and Maha is currently the longest-serving sheriff in the state.

Maha started his career with the Sheriff's Office in 1967 and moved up through the ranks until his appointment as sheriff in 1988 by then Gov. Mario Cuomo.

Press release:

The Genesee County Sheriff’s Office was awarded reaccreditation of its law enforcement bureau by the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services during the New York State Law Enforcement Agency Accreditation Council meeting in Albany on Dec. 17.

The Sheriff’s Office went through an extensive reaccreditation audit back in October and was found to be in compliance with the program’s 133 standards. An accredited law enforcement agency is reassessed every five years and must show they have been in compliance with the standards during that time period. The Genesee County Sheriff’s Office received its initial accreditation in year 2000.

The Law Enforcement Accreditation Program provides agencies with a method for developing and adhering to the highest standards of professionalism, efficiency and effectiveness within the field of law enforcement and to provide formal recognition of that excellence. The Law Enforcement Accreditation Program is voluntary. Of the approximately 550 law enforcement agencies within New York State, approximately 145 agencies are accredited.

“This is a testament of the professionalism of the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office,” said Sheriff Gary T. Maha.

Via our news partner, WBTA.

Bodycams may be in the future for Genesee County Sheriff’s Deputies.

Genesee County Sheriff Gary Maha proposed the idea to the Public Service Committee for recommendation Tuesday. The Sheriff said the department "has been researching the implementation of a body camera program for our officers for about two years."    

There’s room in the department’s budget for the $495 bodycams according to the Sheriff, with a total cost of $42,000 for the 32 deputies.

Sheriff Maha also remarked that "Some people tend to act differently when they know they are being recorded and that's also a benefit to our people out in the field."

The cameras would record both audio and video and could potentially be used as evidence for both prosecution and defense.

Long and lean, this silver streak of a machine practically still has that new car smell with only 28,000 miles on it.

And it could be yours, if you're the highest bidder in an online auction that will open Oct. 6.

The 1999 Corvette was surrendered by its former owner, Anthony A. Leone, a 47-year-old former Jackson Street resident who is currently in prison. Leone signed over the car to the county under forfeiture laws pertaining to drug possession. Leone was stopped by a Le Roy police officer while driving the car and a subsequent investigation, which included the Local Drug Task Force, found a quantity of crack cocaine and pills in the vehicle. 

Since the Sheriff's Office has no legitimate law enforcement use for the Corvette, the county is putting it up for sale. The proceeds will be shared by the agencies that comprise the local Drug Task Force -- Sheriff's Office, Batavia PD, and Le Roy PD. The money can only be used for law enforcement purposes and only for expeditures beyond normal annual budget spending. For example, if the county wanted to buy new surveillance cameras for the task force, but those cameras aren't an otherwise anticipated purchase, the money could be used for that purpose.

Pictured with the car are Undersheriff William Sheron and Sheriff Gary Maha.

The auction site is www.teitsworth.com Bidding opens Oct. 6 and closes Oct. 13. The minimum bid is $15,500.

The car can be viewed by potential bidders at the Sheriff's Office, 165 Park Road, Batavia. For an appointment, contact Chief Deputy Jerome Brewster at (585) 345-3000, ext. 3503.