Sheriff's Office

The Sheriff's Office will get five new patrol vehicles in 2013 and according to Deputy Chief Gordon Dibble the new vehicles will be bigger and safer than previous patrol vehicles.

For years, Ford's Crown Victoria has been the reigning queen of police patrol vehicles, but Ford has discontinued the Crown Vic. Last year the Sheriff's Office, like Batavia PD, acquired a souped-up Ford Taurus.

This year the Sheriff's Office is opting for an all-wheel-drive utility vehicle from Ford.

"We got the sedans last year and had some issues, so we think we might be better off with the utilities this year," Dibble said. "They sit up a little higher. They're easier for the guys to get in and out of. There's more space, more room in the back, obviously more cargo space. They do better on ice, and they'll have a longer life and higher trade-in value."

The $111,480 purchase price is accounted for in the county budget and the remainder of the $13,000 budgeted will be used to equip the vehicles for patrol work. The County Highway Department will mark the vehicles, which saves the county money.

The five utility vehicles are replacing five Crown Vics, one from 2008, two from 2009 and two from 2010.

On average, the vehicles have 130,000 miles on them, but miles driven doesn't account for all the wear on the engine from hours and hours of idling (police vehicles are rarely turned off).

The new patrol units are being purchased from the lowest bidder, Delacy Ford, 3061 Transit Road, Elma.

The old vehicles generated a total of $18,300 trade-in allowance.

Press release:

The Genesee County Sheriff’s Office recently hired Joseph A. Corona to fill the position of Deputy Sheriff; a position that was left vacant by a Deputy Sheriff who retired on May 5, 2012.

Deputy Corona is a 2004 high school regents graduate from Brockport High School and completed a BOCES Outdoor Power and Marine Technology program. He has participated in several volunteer programs with the Brockport and Rochester Police Departments and also participated in an internship with the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office. Deputy Corona was previously employed by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and graduated in 2009 from the Detention and Removal Operations Basic Law Enforcement and the Detention and Removal Spanish Language Training Programs. 

He was designated as an Expert Marksman in the firearms course, received the Driver Training Award, and was recognized as an Outstanding Distinguished Graduate and an Outstanding Physical Fitness Graduate for his performances while in the Academy. Deputy Corona recently graduated from the Niagara University Law Enforcement Academy on December 21, 2012 and, again, received the academy’s Physical Fitness award. Joe is also a nationally certified Personal Trainer.

Sheriff Maha stated, “Deputy Corona has been participating in our 14-week field training program and is performing exceptionally well. He will be a great addition to our road patrol.”

Sgt. Thomas Sanfratello, a 20-year veteran of the Sheriff's Office, was named Officer of the Year today in a ceremony at the Park Road headquarters. Sanfratello, center above, with Undersheriff William Sheron and Sheriff Gary Maha, was honored for his work reorganizing and streamlining many of the operations associated with the records and civil office, road patrol and Darien Lake concert details.

Principal Financial Clerk Mary L. Hecht was honored with the Distinguished Service Award, the highest award in the department for non-sworn members. Hecht received the award for her many years of diligent attention to the financial needs of the jail bureau. According to the award statement, Hecht frequently assists jail staff and the administration with tasks that go well beyond her listed duties to ensure the smooth running of the facility.

Deputy Matthew Butler and Le Roy Police Officer Emily Clark were honored for their handling of a situation in the spring when an attempt by Butler to arrest a member of a family living on Maple Street led to other relatives allegedly intervening. Allegedly, a knife was held to the chest of Butler by one member of the family and Clark sustain a cut on her hand during the altercation. All suspects were subsequently taken into custody without any further injury to suspects or officers. Chief Deputy Gordon Dibble presents the award to Butler and Clark.

Below is a slide show of more pictures from the awards ceremony. To purchase prints of the pictures, click the "view gallery" link in the slide show. After the jump (click on the headline), is the press release from the Sheriff's Office followed by a copy of the text from each award presented today.

Le Roy Police Officer Emily J. Clark
Genesee Justice Staff
Darien Lake Safety, Security and Loss Prevention Manager Greg Kellogg    

Commendation

Deputy Kevin R. McCarthy
Deputy Timothy G. Wescott
Correction Officer Daniel J. Renz
Deputy Matthew R. Butler
Emergency Services Dispatcher Nathan L. Fix
Deputy Patrick J. Reeves
Emergency Services Dispatcher Barbara J. Eddy
Sr. Emergency Services Dispatcher Daniel L. Rieks
Emergency Services Dispatcher John W. Spencer
Sr. Correction Officer Richard C. Calkins
Correction Officer Robert W. Matice
Correction Officer Walter M. Kolmetz
Deputy Brian A. Thompson
Sr. Correction Officer William A. Zipfel

Meritorious

Deputy Howard J. Carlson     
Emergency Services Dispatcher Robert H. Tripp
Deputy Edward E. Vlack  
Sergeant Gregory H. Walker       

Text from award certificates:

The Genesee County Sheriff’s Office would like to extend appreciation to all Genesee Justice personnel for their devotion in maintaining the efficient and effective operations of Genesee Justice and the Children’s Advocacy Center during a difficult transitional period during 2012. Their unwavering dedication is sincerely appreciated by all criminal justice organizations and victims served by their services. The men and women of the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office would like to commend Genesee Justice staff and extend our thanks and appreciation.

The Genesee County Sheriff’s Office would like to extend appreciation to Safety Security and Loss Prevention Manager Greg Kellogg of Darien Lake Theme Park for exemplary assistance and service rendered during the 2012 Darien Lake concert season. Mr. Kellogg worked and planned extensively with members of the Sheriff’s Office to ensure patrons experienced a safe and enjoyable concert. His dedication and professionalism went beyond what would normally be expected. The men and women of the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office would like to extend our thanks and appreciation to Greg Kellogg and his security staff.

The Genesee County Sheriff’s Office would like to extend appreciation to Village of Le Roy Police Officer Emily J. Clark for exemplary assistance during an incident that took place in the spring of 2012. Deputy Butler was attempting to take a resisting suspect into custody when one of the suspect’s family members threatened Deputy Butler with a knife as he struggled with the suspect. Officer Clark was able to disarm the assailant, suffering a laceration to her hand in the process. Officer Clark’s quick actions possibly prevented injury to Deputy Butler and the possible escape of the suspect. Her part in the follow-up investigation resulted in charges against the interfering parties. The men and women of the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office would like to extend our thanks and appreciation to Officer Emily J. Clark.

Deputy Matthew R. Butler is being recognized for a Commendation Award for his actions while on duty during the spring of 2012. Deputy Butler went to a residence in the Village of Le Roy to effect an arrest. The suspect resisted arrest and during the ensuing altercation, the suspect’s family and other occupants of the house physically interfered with the arrest. At one point in the altercation a family member placed a knife against Deputy Butler’s side. None the less, Deputy Butler was able to take the suspect into custody with the assistance of a Le Roy Police Officer. Deputy Matthew R. Butler has brought great credit upon himself and the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputy Timothy G. Wescott is being recognized for a Commendation Award for his actions on August 12, 2012. At approximately 1600 hours, a 9-1-1 call was received reporting a three-year-old boy missing. The caller was the boy’s 10-year-old brother who had very little information and the parents only spoke Spanish. Additionally, the missing boy had developmental disabilities limiting his ability to call out for help. Deputy Wescott participated in an extensive search of the area. Due to Deputy Wescott’s determination and aggressive search efforts, the 3-year-old was found and safely returned to his family. Deputy Timothy G. Wescott has brought great credit upon himself and the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputy Patrick J. Reeves is being recognized for a Commendation Award for his actions on August 12, 2012. At approximately 1600 hours, a 9-1-1 call was received reporting a 3-year-old boy missing. The caller was the boy’s 10-year-old brother who had very little information and the parents only spoke Spanish. Additionally, the missing boy had developmental disabilities and might not be able to call out for help. Patrols arrived at the scene and Deputy Reeves participated in an extensive search of the area. Deputy Reeves used his keen experience and knowledge of the outdoors and located the boy in a hedgerow. Deputy Patrick Reeves has brought great credit upon himself and the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputy Kevin R. McCarthy is being recognized for a Commendation Award for his actions on December 7, 2011. A farm employee was working alone in an operating grain hopper when her right leg and arm became caught in the auger. Deputy McCarthy climbed into the hopper to comfort the girl, as emergency responders worked to free her over the next hour and a half. His extensive knowledge of farm equipment was instrumental in successfully freeing the victim. Deputy Kevin R. McCarthy has brought great credit upon himself and the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputy Brian A. Thompson is being recognized for a Commendation Award for his actions on September 29, 2012. Deputy Thompson worked on a case that involved a 16-year-old girl who was reportedly taken in the middle of the night by a 28-year-old male. Deputy Thompson kept the involved families informed while he worked intensely on the investigation with several law enforcement agencies, including the F.B.I. After several hours, the suspect’s vehicle was located in the State of Kentucky, the man was taken into custody and the victim was reunited with her family. Deputy Thompson’s caring and compassionate treatment of the families and his diligent investigation brought great credit upon himself and the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office.

Emergency Services Dispatcher Barbara J. Eddy is being recognized for a Commendation Award for her actions on September 9, 2012. Emergency Services Dispatcher Eddy assisted with handling of a 9-1-1 call regarding a 16-year-old girl that was taken in the middle of the night by a known suspect. Dispatcher Eddy contacted several law enforcement agencies, as well as Verizon Wireless, to track the missing girl’s phone throughout New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio and Kentucky. In addition to assisting with this call, Dispatcher Eddy continued to answer incoming 9-1-1 calls and radio transmissions in an efficient and professional manner. After several hours, the suspect’s vehicle was located in the State of Kentucky. The suspect was taken into custody and the victim was reunited with her family. Emergency Services Dispatcher Eddy is to be commended for her service.

Senior Emergency Services Dispatcher Daniel L. Rieks is being recognized for a Commendation Award for his actions on September 9, 2012. Senior Emergency Services Dispatcher Rieks assisted with the handling of a 9-1-1 call regarding a 16-year-old girl that was taken in the middle of the night by a known suspect. Senior Dispatcher Rieks contacted several law enforcement agencies, as well as Verizon Wireless, to track the missing girl’s phone throughout New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio and Kentucky. After several hours, the suspect’s vehicle was located in the State of Kentucky. The suspect was taken into custody and the victim was reunited with her family. Senior Emergency Services Dispatcher Rieks is to be commended for his service.

Emergency Services Dispatcher Nathan L. Fix is being recognized for a Commendation Award for his actions on May 13, 2012. At approximately 1400 hours, Emergency Services Dispatcher Fix was one of two dispatchers who handled a 9-1-1 call regarding a man down at a residence in Pembroke. While emergency medical instructions were being given over the phone to the man’s wife, Dispatcher Fix was simultaneously dispatching first responders. The quick actions of Emergency Services Dispatcher Fix were instrumental in enabling responders time to resuscitate the victim and transport him to United Memorial Medical Center, which allowed the victim’s family additional time with their loved one before he passed. Emergency Services Dispatcher Fix is to be commended for his service.

Emergency Services Dispatcher John W. Spencer is being recognized for a Commendation Award for his actions on May 13, 2012. At approximately 1400 hours, Emergency Services Dispatcher Spencer was one of two dispatchers who handled a 9-1-1 call regarding a man down at a residence in Pembroke. Dispatcher Spencer did an excellent job reassuring the caller, using the breathing diagnostic, and giving pre-arrival instructions while first responder crews were en route. Emergency Services Dispatcher Spencer was a major contributor to responders being able to resuscitate the victim and transport him to United Memorial Medical Center, which allowed the victim’s family additional time with their loved one before he passed. Senior Emergency Services Dispatcher Spencer is to be commended for his service.

Correction Officer Walter M. Kolmetz is being recognized for a Commendation Award for his actions while on duty on November 17, 2012. A Genesee County Jail inmate was found hanging in his cell with a sheet tied around his neck. The inmate had tied the sheet to the jail cell door in a way that if the door were opened, the noose would tighten around his neck. Correction Officer Kolmetz was able to reach into the cell with one arm and lift the inmate’s body enough to loosen the noose around the inmate’s neck. Once the tension was released from the sheet, the door to the cell sprung back striking Kolmetz’s shoulder, causing injury. Correction Officer Kolmetz’s perseverance resulted in saving the life of the inmate. Correction Officer Walter M. Kolmetz continues to reflect great credit upon himself and the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office.

Correction Officer Robert W. Mattice is being recognized for a Commendation Award for his actions while on duty on August 7, 2012. Correction Officer Mattice was assigned to the first floor area of the Jail. Upon receiving a note from an inmate requesting to see mental health, Correction Officer Mattice immediately alerted mental health and the jail administration that he would be closely observing this inmate until he could be seen by a clinician. Later that shift, Correction Officer Mattice observed the inmate hanging in his cell with a sheet tied around his neck. Correction Officer Mattice quickly entered the cell, lifted the inmate and then cut the sheet with the assistance of a fellow correction officer responding to his request for assistance. As a result of Correction Officer Mattice’s diligence, the life of an inmate was saved. Correction Officer Robert W. Mattice continues to reflect great credit upon himself and the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office.

Senior Correction Officer William A. Zipfel is being recognized for a Commendation Award for his actions while on duty on July 24, 2012. At approximately 2300 hours, an inmate attempted to escape from the Genesee County Jail. The inmate was able to make his way into the basement of the Jail, and during a thorough search of the facility, Senior Correction Officer Zipfel noticed a closed door in the basement that was open earlier in the search. The K-9 was brought into that room and the inmate was apprehended. Senior Correction Officer Zipfel’s alertness was a major contribution to the capture of the inmate. Senior Correction Officer William A. Zipfel continues to reflect great credit upon himself and the Genesee County Sheriff's Office.

Senior Correction Officer Richard C. Calkins is being recognized for a Commendation Award for his actions while on duty on July 24, 2012. At approximately 2300 hours, an inmate attempted to escape from the Genesee County Jail.Immediately upon noticing the inmates absence from his cell, Senior Correction Officer Calkins called for assistance and had a multi-agency perimeter established around the Jail. The inmate was able to make his way into the basement of the Jail but was unable to exit the building due to the perimeter of officers around the building. Senior Correction Officer Calkins’ quick response resulted in containing the inmate to the inside of the Jail and a short time later, apprehension. Senior Correction Officer Calkins continues to reflect great credit upon himself and the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office.

Correction Officer Daniel J. Renz is being recognized for a Commendation Award for his actions on January 27, 2012. Correction Officer Renz, while assigned to the first floor area of the Genesee County Jail, heard an inmate yell out in an angry manner. Correction Officer Renz immediately turned from punching the time clock and went to the area in question. He observed one inmate straddling another inmate with his hands around his neck, obstructing his ability to breathe. Correction Officer Renz ordered the aggressor to stop and lock in his cell immediately. The inmate disengaged his hold from the other inmate and faced him in a hostile manner, eventually resulting in his return to his cell after several more orders to lock in. Correction Officer Renz then entered the max day area and attended to the prone inmate while summoning assistance from the nurse Bryan and other jail staff. Correction Officer Renz, without hesitation, was able to intervene in an inmate’s strangulation of another inmate which avoided the potential for serious injury or death. Correction Officer Renz continues to reflect great credit upon himself and the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputy Howard J. Carlson has distinguished himself by Meritorious Service as a member of the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office. Twice this year, Deputy Carlson spotted a suspect vehicle fleeing the scene of a crime, which resulted in the arrest and recovery of stolen property. In January of this year, Deputy Carlson was faced with a suicide that occurred in front of a family member. Upon his arrival, he immediately was faced with a hysterical female and an unknown set of circumstances, which he sorted out and handled efficiently while taking care to treat the victim and family member with respect, compassion and dignity. Deputy Howard J. Carlson consistently brings great credit upon himself and the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office.

Sergeant Gregory H. Walker has distinguished himself by Meritorious Service as a member of the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office. Sergeant Walker has consistently lead his road patrols for the last 15 years “from the front,” setting an example of excellence with energy each and every day. He serves as the leader of our DRE Program and is a key instructor for the State. Sgt. Walker’s volunteerism and availability to serve are second to none. His broad base of knowledge and leadership is inspirational and have brought great credit upon himself and the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office.

Emergency Services Dispatcher Robert H. Tripp has distinguished himself by Meritorious Service as a member of the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office. Dispatcher Tripp has worked very closely with Director of Emergency Communications Steven Sharpe in maintaining and updating Fire/EMS run cards in the CAD system since its inception. In addition, Dispatcher Tripp has consistently been the “go to” guy on C-line for research or questions regarding the CAD system. Dispatcher Tripp continually seeks out education opportunities related to emergency services in order to enhance his knowledge as an emergency services dispatcher. Emergency Services Dispatcher Robert H. Tripp brings great credit upon himself and the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office.

Senior Financial Clerk/Typist Margaret Sheelar has distinguished herself by Meritorious Service as a member of the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office. Margaret’s dedication in the performance of her duties as Senior Financial Clerk/Typist has been a critical component to the operations of this Office. Margaret Sheelar consistently brings great credit upon herself and the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputy Edward E. Vlack has distinguished himself by Meritorious Service as a member of the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office. During 2012, Deputy Vlack has voluntarily taken on several additional responsibilities to maintain the efficient operation of the Records and Civil Office. Additionally, Deputy Vlack avails himself as an instructor and a Civil Accreditation Assessor for the New York State Sheriffs’ Association and Sheriff’s Offices across New York State. Deputy Edward E. Vlack brings great credit upon himself and the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office.

Press release:

Sheriff Gary T. Maha announces that effective Saturday, Nov. 24, Sergeant Gregory Walker, a 25-year veteran of the Sheriff’s Office, will be assigned as Criminal Investigation Sergeant and will oversee the Local Drug Enforcement Task Force.

Sergeant Walker started his career with the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office in October 1987 as a deputy sheriff. He was promoted to investigator in 1994 and gained experience in drug enforcement. In 1997, he was promoted to sergeant and was assigned as a road patrol supervisor. Sergeant Walker is a 2006 graduate of the F.B.I. National Academy. 

Sheriff Maha also announces the promotion of Deputy Ronald Meides to sergeant, effective Nov. 24. Sergeant Meides will be assigned as a road patrol supervisor.

Deputy Meides started his career with the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office in March 1991 as a correction officer. In 1993, he was appointed a deputy sheriff and assigned to road patrol. Deputy Meides was the Sheriff’s Office “Officer of the Year” in 2009 and was recognized by the Kiwanis Club of Batavia in 2011 for his law enforcement service. Deputy Meides has vast experience in road patrol operations and D.W.I. enforcement.

For 35 years Bob Zehler has enjoyed his work and his coworkers, but the time has come to hang up his badge, he said.

"I'm not quite ready, but now is the time to get out while I still like the place," Zahler said.

Today, in the basement of the jail, coworkers, colleagues and friends gathered for lunch and cake to celebrate Zahler's career.

Many years ago, the Sheriff's Office switched from hiring deputies to work in the jail to hiring corrections officers. Zahler, a supervisor, is the last deputy sheriff to work in the jail.

As for retirement, the Bethany native said he'll spend more time with his 87-year-old mother, complete remodeling his home -- a project he started 20 years ago -- and take care of some neglected work around the family farm.

With Zahler, left in the photo, is the current director of the jail, Ed Minardo.

There are children in our community who need winter jackets and the Justice for Children Advocacy Center, along with the Sheriff's Office and Olympia Sports are teaming up to request donations from people in the community for new or slightly used coats and jackets.

The group is seeking donations from Nov. 14 through 30 for coats and jackets for children of all sizes.

Donations can be dropped off during normal business hours at the Sheriff's Office, 165 Park Road, Batavia. Donors will receive a 10-percent-off coupon from Olympia Sports.

Photo: Stacey Bauer, left, district sales manager for Olympia Sports, Undersheriff Bill Sheron, Grace Flannery, CAC, Shannon Ford, Genesee Justice and Anne Bezon, CAC.

After more than 20 years with the Sheriff's Office, Sgt. Steve Mullen, head of the Local Drug Enforcement Task Force, retired Friday.

Sheriff Gary Maha announced the retirement today.

Mullen has taken a job as a private investigator.

For nearly two years, Mullen has been talking about retirement. As one of the department's lead investigators, Mullen worked cases day and night, weekdays and weekends.

"I'm looking forward to a more routine schedule," Mullen said. "I will have more time to spend with my wife and kids.

"I'm just excited to get into something different," Mullen added.

At the supervisor level within the Sheriff's Office, turn over is traditionally low and Mullen said he also wanted to step aside and give an opportunity for somebody to move up.

"There's a lot of good people in the department who deserve the opportunity," Mullen said.

Maha has not yet announced a replacement or how a promotion would be handled.

Typically, the head of the task force is somebody who is a supervisor within the Sheriff's Office. The task force is comprised of members of law enforcement from the Sheriff's Office, Batavia PD and Le Roy PD.

Mullen has been lead investigator on some of the county's biggest drug cases over the past few years, including a series of meth lab busts from 2009 until 2011, and the arrest of Carlos Torres as well as a number of small-time drug dealers. All of Mullen's arrests during that time have stood up in court.

Mullen also handled other major felony investigations and some fatal accident investigations.

One of the biggest cases under Mullen's supervision was the arrest of two city firefighters and a state employee for allegedly operating a sports book. That case is still pending and the defendants are scheduled to appear in Batavia City Court this afternoon.

Press release:

In an effort to better serve and protect the citizens of Genesee County, Sheriff Gary T. Maha in conjunction with more than 30 county sheriffs and the New York State Sheriffs’ Association are offering the Yellow Dot Program.

Yellow Dot is a free program available to individuals of all ages that was designed to help first responders provide lifesaving medical attention during the first “golden hour” after a crash or other emergency.

The program has launched in 30 counties across the state.

“When you can’t speak for yourself, Yellow Dot can speak for you,” said Peter Kehoe, executive director of the sheriffs’ association.

The Yellow Dot kit contains a medical information card and a Yellow Dot decal. Participants complete the card, attach a recent photo, place it in the glove compartment of their vehicle, and place the Yellow Dot decal on the rear driver’s side window.

First responders arriving at the scene of an emergency will be alerted by the Yellow Dot decal to look for the medical information card in the glove compartment.  

To obtain a Yellow Dot kit, contact Carolyn Della Penna at the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office at 345-3000, ext. 3510, or visit www.nysheriffs.org/yellowdot.

Yellow Dot materials will also be available at Genesee County fire departments.

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 sheriffs’ services to the public. It comprises all of the elected and appointed sheriffs of New York State.

Yellow Dot was started in Connecticut in 2002 by People’s United Bank. Originally developed for senior citizens, the program can be used by anyone of any age.

Some owners get angry when pulled out of a store because somebody complained about their dog being left in a hot car.

"Most do not even recognize it as abuse at all," said Animal Control Officer Agie Jaroszewski. "They get mad because we interrupted their shopping day. They say we don't know what we're talking about. Their dog is OK."

When it's 85 degrees out, the temperature inside a car can reach 102 degrees in 10 minutes and within 30 minutes it can exceed 120 degrees.

A dog can suffer brain damage or die in short order when temperatures exceed 107 degrees.

Leaving a dog in the car on a hot or very cold day violates Article 26, Section 353d of the NYS Agriculture and Markets Law.

A person shall not confine a companion animal in a motor vehicle in extreme heat or cold without proper ventilation or other protection from such extreme temperatures where such confinement places the companion animal in imminent danger of death or serious physical injury due to exposure to such extreme heat or cold.

Fines range from $50 to $100 for a first offense, from $100 to $250 for a second.

Jaroszewski said citations are generally only issued where an order cannot be located and the dog must be removed from the car and taken to an animal hospital, or when the dog is in obvious distress and must be removed from the car.

Since Jaroszewski is not a deputy, she relies on sworn officers to open cars and issue citations as necessary.

The first order of business is the health and safety of the animal, Jaroszewski said. Whether she responds first or a deputy, the first responder tries to locate the owner of the car. Typically, the owner is paged in the store they have most likely entered.

If the owner is found and the dog is not in distress, they are given a stern lecture and the incident is documents in the law enforcement computer system. The temperature at the time of the incident is also recorded.

Jaroszewski is looking into getting a laser temperature gun (example). That would enable her to point the laser at a surface in the car and get a precise reading of the temperature inside.

Not only would it give her evidence to show a dog owner of just how hot it is in the car, but with a second witness, any citation would have a better chance of holding up in court.

Today, The Batavian drove out to two calls involving dogs left in a car at a time when the sun was beating down and the temperature was 92 degrees.

Our initial headline on the first case was "Dog sweltering in gray TrailBlazer in Walmart parking lot."

It turns out, and what the initial caller may not have realized, the owners left their SUV running with the air conditioner on. The dog was fine, but Deputy Tim Westcott still tracked down the owners inside Walmart because it's a violation of NYS law to leave an unattended vehicle running.

The owners are visiting from Florida and vowed not to leave their dog in their car again and not to leave the vehicle running while unattended. No citation was issued.

In the second case, Wescott located the owners shopping in Michael's. The soon-to-be-married couple left the back windows down on their sedan, and the front windows cracked. During the 10 minutes they told Wescott they were in Michael's, the dog did her job, protecting her master's property by barking at every passerby.

But barking dogs, Westcott noted, dissipate energy faster and that makes them more susceptible to the heat.

In a day and age when more people are aware of the dangers to animals left in cars and everyone has a mobile phone, emergency dispatchers get more calls for dogs left in cars, Wescott noted.

And he wasn't complaining.

The Sheriff's Office takes such calls seriously and if an owner can't be located, deputies will use their car-lock kit to open doors and remove animals.

When that happens, Wescott said he leaves his business card in the car with a note about where the dog was taken.

Typically in such situations a citation is issued.

The more frequent, quicker calls these days probably mean there is intervention by a deputy or animal control officer before a dog is overheated to the point of injury or death.

While dog owners often feel put out by a member of law enforcement paging them in a store, and often claim it was just a matter of minutes that the dog was left alone, typically when paged, as with the couple in Michael's today, they're still in the middle of shopping when located.

With the engaged couple today, Wescott waited for Jaroszewski to arrive, which took about five minutes.

When she did, she lectured the couple on the danger they put their pet in, gave them an informational card that explains the danger. While the couple got back into the car (it took a little time because one of them was in a wheelchair due to a leg injury), she took the dog over to a shaded area (top photo) and waited.

The dog was panting heavily, but otherwise seemed in good health.

And a dog who can go home in good health is the whole goal of deputies or animal control officers who respond to the calls from concerned citizens.

Eric Olson retires from the Sheriff's Office tomorrow. Rather than The Batavian writing an article as we might otherwise do, he asked that we publish this photo of him with his son and this letter to the community:

Out with the old and in with the new…

My career with the Genesee County Sheriff's Office began in August of 1975. I was hired as a dispatcher. Seven months later I was sworn in as a Deputy Sheriff and was assigned to the jail. In August of 1978 I was assigned to the road patrol. In August of 1984, twenty-seven years ago, I was appointed to my current position as the Warrant Officer.

The Warrant Officer position was originally created and funded through the New York State Department of Criminal Justice Service and named S.W.E.E.P. (Special Warrant Enhancement Enforcement Program) The goal of the program was to provide funds and resources to law enforcement agencies throughout New York State to aggressively pursue wanted individuals on outstanding warrants. Although the S.W.E.E.P. funding was terminated in March of 1988, the Sheriff's Office determined that the results merited local funding, and the program has been continued to this day.

Serving as the Warrant Officer for the Genesee County Sheriff's Office has been a most rewarding experience. In time, though, I began considering retirement. My son, however, had thoughts of entering law enforcement. I determined that I would not end my career until he was well into his. Ryan has been a New York State Trooper for 5 years now assigned to Painted Post (Corning). I hope that our shared conversations have been useful to him, that they have given him insights into the field that he would otherwise not have had access to. In this sense, then, my work has been for both my community as well as my son.

My retirement plans, such as they are, consist of only two goals: to remain healthy and spend more time with my family. My wife, Judy, my daughter and son-in-law Melissa and Jason Armbrewster and their son, my grandson, Evan, and my son Ryan and his new bride, Kelley, can expect to see a great deal more of me in the immediate future.

In 2011, the Sheriff's Office saw another big jump in calls for service with dispatchers handling 25,923 calls.

That's up from 21,334 in 2010.

Calls for service range from anything from a loose dog to serious motor-vehicle accidents and structure fires.

A total of 54,134 calls were placed through 9-1-1.

On the crime front, investigators dealt with 794 total cases, which resulted in 84 drug arrests (19 cases remain pending) and 30 vice arrests.

Of the investigations, 476 were felony in nature.

A total of 178 arrests were made for DWI. The majority were age 21 to 40, with one arrest under age 18 and 20 people arrested between 18 and 20. Three people 60 to 69 were arrested for DWI and one person over age 70 was arrested.

The hours between midnight and 3 a.m. had the biggest DWI arrest activity, with 81 arrests. Between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m., 38 people were arrested.

Saturday topped the days of the week for arrests with 64.

Of the arrestees, 146 were male and 32 were female.

Felony DWI accounted for 21 of the arrests, and 32 people were accused of having a BAC of .18 or greater.

The highest BACs recorded were .31 or higher and two suspects were charged with that level of blood alcohol.

Of the suspects given BAC tests, 28 tested .07 or lower, and 15 of those had no measurable BAC.

In all 178 tests were given and 10 were refused.

The juvenile division handled 178 investigations, including 32 dealing with runaways or missing persons, and 47 investigations for larceny and 24 for criminal mischief. There were 12 burglary investigations, two assaults, and four disorderly conducts.

Court security found quite a few weapons on people trying to enter the court, including two firearms, 604 knives,104 pairs of scissors and 27 razors.

Animal control handled 2,902 incidents, including 58 bite investigations, 454 lost animals and 10 livestock investigations. A total of 77 cats and dogs were euthanized, but 280 dogs were adopted through the shelter and 448 cats found new homes.

Genesee Justice handled 313 offender cases, and offenders performed 7,317 hours of community service. The agency supervised 433 people released from jail. There were 190 people supervised in the DWI program.

There were six fatal accidents handled by the Sheriff's Office in 2011.

Of the 1,178 total accidents reported to the Sheriff's Office, 164 involved injuries and 487 involved animals.

Alcohol was reported involved in 52 of the accidents and 521 accident-related arrests were made.

Deputies wrote traffic tickets for 4,095 suspected violations.

The office took a total of 1,931 criminal activity reports.

A PDF of the complete annual report can be downloaded by clicking here.

Press release:

The Genesee County Sheriff’s Office would like to remind motorists of the importance of using seat belts and child safety seats. The Sheriff’s Office will participate in the statewide seat belt enforcement mobilization, which will run from May 21st through June 3rd which is designed to further improve highway safety.

This initiative will urge motorists to buckle their safety belts or face receiving a ticket. The message is simple: “Click It or Ticket.” The Buckle Up New York, “Click It or Ticket” enforcement and education initiative sends a clear message that seat belts and child safety seats save lives. New York State has been a leader in passenger safety restraint since enacting the very first seat belt law in the country in 1984 by utilizing efforts that combines public education with increased police enforcement of New York's seat belt law.

Under New York State law, safety restraint use is required for: all front seat occupants regardless of age; all rear seat passengers under 16 years of age; children under age 4 must be restrained in a federally approved child safety seat.

New York's zero-tolerance policy for seat belt violations means that violators will receive a ticket if stopped for not using a safety restraint. The fine for such violations is up to $100 if a motorist is stopped for having a person less than 16 years old unrestrained, plus 3 points on their license.

According to state law, motorists can be stopped in New York by a police officer for not wearing their seat belt; another violation is not necessary to initiate the stop.

Properly secured children will be a priority for the Sheriff’s Office during this enforcement effort.  If there is any question as to the proper installation of your child’s safety seat, call the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office at 585-343-5000 to set up an appointment to have your safety seat and its installation inspected by a certified technician.

Please help us make the highways of Genesee County the safest they can be.

Press release:

The Genesee County Sheriff’s Office recently filled two vacant correction officer positions with the hiring of Michael J. Robinson and Michael E. Glow. These two correction officers graduated in a class of 20 from the Erie County Basic Corrections Academy yesterday, April 26, 2012.

The speakers at the graduation were Erie County Undersheriff Mark Wipperman and Erie County Deputy Executive Richard Tobe. 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.

Correction Officer Michael J. Robinson is a 2000 high school regents graduate from Oakfield-Alabama Central School and a 2003 graduate from Genesee Community College with an Applied Associate Degree in Criminal Justice. C.O. Robinson was previously employed as a mental health therapy aide for the New York State Office of Mental Health and as a security guard for Batavia Downs. C.O. Robinson enjoys roller and ice hockey and is Booster Chairman of American Legion Post 626 in Alabama, New York. He is a current resident of Elba.

Correction Officer Michael E. Glow is a 1998 graduate from Batavia High School and a 2002 graduate from Hilbert College with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice. C.O. Glow was previously employed as a collector for Admin Recovery, Creditors Interchange, Evans Law & Everest Receivable as well as being a foster care attendant for Genesee County Social Services. C.O. Glow is affiliated with Hometown Hoops for Hope and is a basketball counselor at YMCA’s Camp Hough and at Hilbert College’s basketball camp. He is a current resident of Batavia.

Sheriff Maha stated, “Correction officers Robinson and Glow are great assets to the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office Jail Division. They are both very dedicated, hard-working, and responsible employees. We are pleased to have them as part of our team."

Press release:

Civil payments for the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office may now be made online with any major credit, debit or pre-paid debit card, or by phone, and in addition to in person at the Sheriff’s Office, 165 Park Road, Batavia, NY.

Individuals may make credit card payments 24 hours a day, 7 days a week online at www.GovPayNow.com, or by phone at 888-604-7888. There is also a link for civil payments on the Sheriff’s Office home page, http://www.co.genesee.ny.us/departments/sheriff/index.html, or Civil Bureau page.

Individuals must enter the Civil Payment Pay Location Code (PLC) #7403, or search by the agency’s name or payment type to access the payment screen.

A 3.5 percent processing fee ($3.50 minimum) will apply if the payment is made online, or in person, and a 5 percent processing fee ($5 minimum) if payment is made by phone.

Civil payments may still be made, in person at the Sheriff’s Office – Civil Bureau, 165 Park Road, Batavia, NY, with cash, check or money order; during regular business hours (8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.), or by mail. Please make your check or money order payable to the Genesee County Sheriff.

The Sheriff's Office will run a first-of-its-kind experimental DWI checkpoint March 17 somewhere in the county.

The "enhanced" DWI checkpoints feature the common roadblock, but will also include road patrols in the area looking for drivers who are apparently trying to avoid the checkpoint.

The governor's office is funding enhanced checkpoints as an experiment in four counties to combat a growing prevalence of smart phone apps that help alert drivers to checkpoints as well as other means drivers might find out about a checkpoint and then try to avoid it.

On March 17, the Sheriff's Office will operate the checkpoint and Batavia PD, Le Roy PD and State Police will provide additional patrols.

An officer trained in drug recognition will be at the checkpoint to assist in identifying drivers suspected of being impaired by drugs.

Other enhanced DWI checkpoints will be scheduled during the year in the county, in Batavia and in Le Roy.

The overtime cost associated with the enhanced checkpoints is covered by a $21,775 state grant.

The newest deputy the Sheriff's Office is no rookie. He has more than seven years experience in law enforcement, including about a year with the Batavia Police Department.

Matthew C. Fleming joined the force six days ago and said he's been readily accepted by everybody in the department.

"Ever since I decided I wanted to be a cop, I always looked at the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office as the ideal place to end up," Fleming said. "When these opportunities come up, you want to take advantage of the opportunity."

The Fleming family goes back a few generations in Bethany, and as a lifelong county resident, Fleming said he thought it was natural to be out patrolling the county.

"Genesee County was a great place to grow up and I feel like growing up here gave me a great shot at life, just everything the area has to offer," Fleming said. "It means a lot ot patrol the same areas I grew up in and hopefully offer something back."

A 2003 high school regents graduate from Alexander Central School, Fleming studied criminal justice at SUNY Brockport. He completed his basic police training in 2007 and has worked as a public safety officer/dispatcher with the New York Park Police and New York State University Police in Oswego and Buffalo.  He is a certified general topics instructor, firearms instructor and OC spray instructor.

Fleming replaces a deputy who retired Dec. 31.

"Deputy Fleming will be a great asset to the Genesee County Sheriff's Office," Sheriff Gary Maha said. "He possesses all the qualities we look for in our deputies -- integrity, professionalism, dedication and dependability. We are pleased to have him as part of our team."

A 33-year-old Bergen woman who was charged with second-degree assault following a Rascal Flatts concert at Darien Lake in August has filed a claim against the Genesee County Sheriff's Office alleging false arrest.

Carolyn Marie Smith, of McCabe Court, was accused of hitting a 57-year-old man with her iPhone, causing him to need seven stitches across the bridge of his nose.

But Smith says she was the victim in this case, and when she tried to show her bruises -- including one that left, according to a physician's report she obtained later, a residual mass on her breast -- a Sheriff's sergeant arrested her anyway.

A grand jury returned a "no bill" (meaning, the grand jury didn't find sufficient evidence to sustain the charge) on Smith's case.

Attorneys have told her, Smith acknowledges, that suing law enforcement over an arrest is extremely difficult. They are hard cases to make because arrests can be subjective judgements and it's up to the legal process to determine the validity of the charges.

"I understand they arrest who they choose and let it get sorted out by the law, but to drag somebody who has no record, who has never been arrested, who is the mother of  three kids, and was attacked, I just don't get it," Smith said.

Sheriff Gary Maha said that because of the notice of claim, there is a limit to what he can say about the case, but added, "I would state that this arrest was based upon an assault that occurred at Darien Lake following a concert, and the complaint was filed by another individual. The District Attorney's Office was consulted prior to arrest."

So far Smith hasn't been able to find an attorney to take her case and suspects Genesee County attorneys, who often deal with the Sheriff's Office and the District Attorney's Office, are reluctant to sue local law enforcement. She is hoping an attorney in another county will see her story and take an interest in the case.

Among the potential defendants in a lawsuit, according to Smith, is Darien Lake Theme Park, whom she thinks contributed to the events of Aug. 12 through lax security.

She points to the four arrests and 78 underage drinking citations at the Rascal Flatts show, and the numerous arrests at the Brad Paisley show just two weeks prior as evidence that Darien Lake isn't doing enough to protect patrons.

"Darien Lake Town Court is full after every concert and that says there is a problem at Darien Lake," Smith said. "They allow drinking and let people get drunk, but nobody is controlling the crowd."

The Batavian contacted Darien Lake and requested a statement and will provide a response if one is received.

"As far as Darien Lake goes," Smith said, "I don't want money. I want justice."

Smith said she and one of her witnesses were the only people involved in the fracas that night who hadn't been drinking.

The incident started as patrons were trying to exit the parking lot following the concert.

The cars were apparently not moving and a woman in Smith's car got out of the vehicle. She either got out -- depending on which statement you believe -- to have a cigarette or to try and block the progress of another vehicle so the car she was in could get the advantage.

Smith got out of the car next, either -- again depending on whose statement you believe -- to get the other woman to get back in the car or to block traffic.

At that point, a man in the other vehicle yelled at the two women, according to one witness statement. He then got out of the vehicle.

In the man's statement, he "bumped" the woman with his body (presumably Smith) to try and move her along and the woman "took a wing at me with her right hand, in which she held a cell phone."

The initial arrest was based on the alleged victim's statement and statements of people riding with the man.

In documents provided by Smith is a letter from her attorney, Thomas Burns to the arresting officer, Sgt. Thomas Sanfratello, asking him to also take statements from witnesses who were in the vehicle with Smith.

According to those statements, the man rushed from his vehicle, charged Smith, punched her in her chest and pushed her up against a truck, pinning her there. It was at that point that Smith swung at the man with her iPhone in her hand.

A woman in the vehicle then allegedly got out of the truck and yelled profanities at Smith and slapped the other woman with Smith, according to one of the statements.

Both statements say that the vehicle the man was in creeped forward and bumped Smith and the other woman before the man got out of the car.

The 57-year-old man, from North Tonawanda, said in his own statement that he told his brother-in-law, who was driving, to creep forward and try to get the women to move.

Given that admission, Smith said, and what she believes was the obviously inebriated state of the two men and the woman they were with, she doesn't understand why they weren't arrested instead of her.

"I took a beating from them, but none of that mattered," Smith said. "I don't even know how they got away with this."

Smith thinks the turning point was when her cousin called Sgt. Greg Walker "a pig."

"Once she said that, forget it," Smith said. "They wouldn't even talk to me."

Ten days later, when Sanfratello called and asked Smith to come to the Park Road office, she thought she would finally get to tell her side of the story. Instead, she said she was surprised to find out she was the one being arrested.

Fighting the charge cost her $5,000 and she may yet have medical bills from the breast injury. Although she'd at least like some compensation, what she wants just as much is an apology -- not even necessarily a public apology, even though the case made national news.

She just wants the officers involved and the Sheriff's Office to say they're sorry for arresting her and not the people in the other group.

The Sheriff's Office is on the verge of obtaining four new police vehicles, three patrol cruisers and an SUV, at a cost of $92,000 $88,605.

The vehicles will replace four aging ones that have all logged from 110,000 to 132,000 miles.

The Public Service Committee approved the planned purchase today.

The three specially constructed Ford sedans and a Chevrolet SUV will be built in Australia and won't be ready for three months. (CLARIFICATION: Only the Chevy is being built in Australia.)

The sedans are being purchased through Delacy Ford in Elma at a cost of $60,655, which includes a trade-in allowance of $23,000.

The trade-in agreement is based on the vehicles' current mileage, even though the vehicles will be in service for at least three more months, adding on more miles.

Delacy apparently didn't have an SUV that met Sheriff's Office specifications, so that vehicle will be purchased for $27,950 from Hoselton Chevrolet.

Local dealerships were invited to bid, but none submitted bids, according to Sheriff Gary Maha.

"I'm happy to see they're at least being purchased in New York," said Legislator Esther Leadly. "It used to be they came from New Jersey."

The purchase price is $3,395 under budget.