Multiple units of the Batavia Police Department and the Genesee County Sheriff's Office converged on the Southside of the city at Central and Pringle avenues around 11:30 p.m. after reports by residents of gunshots fired.

Officers then began searching nearby streets such as Cherry and Wood in their investigation.

At this point, law enforcement has not been able to locate anything suspicious.

UPDATE 12:17 a.m.: The sound of more suspected shots were heard a few minutes ago in the same vicinity. Law enforcement is on scene.

UPDATE 12:30 a.m.: At this point, nothing located.

The Central Avenue murder and attempted murder investigation stemming from last night's melee on Central Avenue in the city took an unexpected turn today.

A 48-year-old local businesswoman and a 17-year-old boy, who was found this afternoon at her residence on West Main Street Road in the Town of Batavia, were arrested in connection with the shooting of Nathaniel D. Wilson Jr.

Jennifer K. Urvizu-Hanlon, owner of La Mexicana store in Valu Home Plaza, is accused of providing a gun to Samuel R. Blackshear during the confrontation on Central Avenue last night; and Blackshear allegedly shot Wilson in the leg with that gun.

Urvizu-Hanlon is charged with criminal liability for conduct of another/criminal possession of a weapon, 2nd.

Blackshear is charged with attempted murder, 2nd, attempted assault, 1st, assault, 2nd, and two counts of criminal possession of a weapon, 2nd.

Additional charges are possible.

According to Batavia Police Chief Shawn Heubusch, police were able to charge Urvizu-Hanlon based on video evidence. A video camera installed on Central Avenue earlier this week captured the entire incident. Urvizu-Hanlon, Heubusch  said, was on Central Avenue at the time of the incident.

"Her activities at the scene were she provided the weapon that was used in the shooting," Heubusch said.

Asked if the video showed her physically transferring the weapon from her possession to Blackshear's, Heubusch said, "I can't disclose that information as that's probably going to be part of the legal process." 

Urvizu-Hanlon was the registered owner of the gun and permitted bearer of the weapon, Heubusch said. He did not say whether the weapon was recovered during searches today but did say evidence was recovered from the searched locations.

Heubusch said investigators have yet to discern the nature of the relationship between Urvizu-Hanlon and Blackshear.  

Blackshear and another unidentified male were located at Urvizu-Hanlon's residence this afternoon.

That residence is a small yellow house on property owned by Upstate Toyota and next door to the dealership. Urvizu-Hanlon is a rental tenant.

Heubusch said, however, that investigators have not established that Blackshear was living there. He is officially listed as "no permanent address" and Heubusch said he tended to stay with other members of the community, as well.

Wilson, the man injured by the gunshot, was arrested after being released from the hospital and charged with murder in the stabbing death of Terry J. Toote, a 41-year-old Batavia resident whose last known residence was on West Main Street.

Urvizu-Hanlon, Blackshear, and Wilson are all being held without bail.

Batavia PD was able to bring all three into custody in less than 17 hours after the stabbing and shooting.

"Our guys did phenomenal police work," Heubusch said. "We had a lot of a lot of evidence to go through. They had a lot of witnesses to talk to. And it's still not done. But I'll tell you that they did a tremendous job overnight, and taking care of all of the issues that were at hand, and handling the other calls for service."

Heubusch also credited the assistance of the Sheriff's Office, State Police, the Orleans County SWAT (which assisted the Genesee County ERT), the Department of Environmental Conservation, and city fire for assisting at the scene last night and throughout the investigation.

"I can't speak highly enough about the cooperation in this county," Heubusch said. "Any time you need something, you give the sheriff or somebody else a call and they're going to send some people your way."

Another subject who was found at the West Main Street Road residence was released after questioning and is not a suspect, Heubusch said, though he may be a witness.

There is still investigative work to be done and Heubusch is asking witnesses to come forward and residents in the area who have video of the incident to supply it to investigators.

That said, it is likely that the primary suspects from Thursday night have all been arrested.

"The video evidence that we received and that we viewed was pretty clear," Heubusch said. "We do not believe that there are any outstanding suspects in this case."

Whether the incident last night is related to prior incidents on Central Avenue over the past few weeks is still unclear. There may be some connection, Heubusch said, but it's not clear which prior incident threads to a connection with this incident.

"We're still investigating as to what was the motive leading up to it," Heubusch said. "There was a large disturbance that took place down there. There was a fight between several individuals -- the deceased, the suspect that was arrested for that crime, as well as a suspect that was arrested for the shooting. There were other individuals involved in punching and kicking and that sort of thing. But it looks like there was a large fight."

Heubusch agreed it's striking that of all four individuals police have connected to this incident -- Toote, Wilson, Blackshear, and Urvizu-Hanlon -- none are residents of the Central Avenue/Pringle Avenue area of Batavia, though all four have long-standing ties to the community.

Why Central Avenue has become a flashpoint in the past several weeks is hard to pinpoint, but Heubusch said police are doing what the can to address the issues.

"I certainly can't deny that there are problem areas," Heubusch said. "That is something that we have been anxiously working on to try to solve the issues in that particular neighborhood. When it came to our attention that there were several instances of disturbances down there we took measures to increase the lighting in that area. We took measures to put up a street camera down there, which was essential in capturing the evidence that led us to the conclusions here. So you know we did as much as we possibly could."

Ultimately, brighter lights, cameras, and more patrols won't solve neighborhood problems without the cooperation of the residents who live on problem streets, Heubusch acknowledged.

"We would like to see is more community interaction," Heubusch said. "If you see something you need to give us a call. Don't be afraid to take back your neighborhood, so to speak. That's what we need. We need people to be proactive. We need neighbors to take care of neighbors and not hide from things like this. We will do whatever we can to protect you but come forward; otherwise, we can't charge these folks and get them out of your neighborhood."

Top photo and second photo, from a vigil on Central Avenue, by Howard Owens. The next photos of the vigil courtesy our news partner 13 WHAM.

A person of interest from last night's crime scene at Pringle and Central avenues has been detained.

He was located in a little yellow house next to the Batavia Toyota dealership on West Main Street Road earlier this afternoon.

Law enforcement closed the road and surrounded the house.

Traffic on Route 5 in the Town of Batavia near the Batavia Toyota dealership was blocked in both directions for at least a half hour due to the law enforcement action.

UPDATE (By Howard) 5:04 p.m.: Photos added. Top photo: the house where we believe the person of interest was found and detained. Below, La Mexicana store, located at 4152 W. Main Street Road in Valu Home Plaza. We have few confirmed details, but the store is part of the investigation. This afternoon, the Emergency Response Team entered the store to search it. Batavia Police Chief Shawn Heubusch said use of ERT was merely a precaution since there was at least one weapon used in last night's incident.

Nathanial D. Wilson Jr., 30, with a last known address on Chestnut Street, Batavia, has been charged with murder in the second degree in the stabbing death last night of Terry J. Toote, 41, of West Main Street, Batavia.

Toote suffered a knife wound to the center of his chest. Wilson suffered a gunshot wound to his leg.

Police are looking for the suspected shooter. There is a person of interest police would like to interview.

Det. Eric Hill said he couldn't comment on whether any weapons were recovered.

After Toote was stabbed, other people in the area came to his aid. People were yelling "call 9-1-1, call 9-1-1" and a citizen started performing CPR and continued CPR until Mercy EMS arrived on scene.

Police have not said what precipitated the confrontation last night but don't believe it is connected to an incident a couple of nights earlier where a group of people were jumped by a number of other people, at least two with baseball bats and one person with a gun.

Toote has a criminal record. He was recently released from state prison on a conviction for attempted sale of a controlled substance. He was charged in Orleans County. That was a second felony offense for Toote, according to Orleans Hub. He was arrested in Batavia in 2014 on a harassment charge.

We haven't been able to confirm yet whether Wilson had any prior arrests.

The incident started some time before 11:30 p.m., Thursday. A witness who lives on Pringle Avenue said she heard people walking down Pringle talking loudly. One said, "I apologized. I apologized." When the group reached Pringle and Central, she said it sounded like the argument escalated, then she heard three gunshots. She said when she looked down the street she saw an SUV leaving the scene quickly.

Another witness said there was a car parked on Highland and the driver yelled, "They shot my boy. They shot my boy." And then that vehicle left.

Toote was pronounced dead at UMMC by County Coroner Donald Coleman.

While Wilson was being treated at UMMC, investigators developed information that indicated Wilson was allegedly responsible for stabbing Toote. Once he was released from medical care, he was taken into custody and then arraigned this morning in City Court on the murder charge.

Shortly after midnight, there was a disturbance at the hospital. Family and friends of Wilson and Toote were involved, according to police. The hospital went on lockdown as a precaution. There were no weapons displayed or threatened. The parties were separated. No charges have been filed.

Central Avenue has been a hotspot of disturbances recently so just about 24 hours before the stabbing and shooting, police activated a recently installed camera, which became critical in gathering evidence for this case.

"Due to these issues, the Department installed a video surveillance camera in the area and had the street lighting enhanced," Batavia PD said in a statement. "The street surveillance camera was instrumental in this investigation. The Department has also received several other videos showing the incident from witnesses who will remain anonymous. These, too, were instrumental in aiding in this investigation."

The case is under active investigation and Hill said police have been busy following up on leads.

From the press release:

The Department would like to thank the New York State Police, Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, the Genesee County Local Drug Task Force, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (ENCON), City of Batavia Fire Department, Mercy Medics and Genesee County District’s Attorney’s Office.

Anyone with information in reference to the case may contact Detective Thad Mart at 585-345-6372 or the Batavia Police Department at 585-345-6350, the confidential tip line at 585-345-6370 or online at http://www.batavianewyork.com/police-department/webforms/report-suspicious-drug-or-criminal-activity.

More information will be released at the conclusion of the investigation.

CORRECTION: We initially pubished the suspect's name incorrectly. The correct last name is Wilson. The story has been corrected.

From the Genesee County Economic Development Center:

Ignite Buffalo invites small businesses throughout Western New York to apply for the chance to grow your business.

We know how challenging it can be to build and grow a small business. How do you secure funding? How do you make the most effective decisions? How do you find the best suppliers, employees, and partners?

To help you navigate these and other challenge our partners have launched Ignite Buffalo.

It's a chance to tell your business story to possibly secure over a year's worth of business mentoring, training, and up to $100,000 to develop and grow your small business in Western New York.

This grant opportunity is presented by 43North in partnership with national and local partners, including: facebook, M&T Bank, Intuit Quickbooks, AWS, WordPress.com, WOO COMMERCE.

A total of 27 grants will be awarded, ranging from $25,000 to $100,000.

All applications must be submitted by June 13 at 12 p.m. EDT.

Click here to learn more and apply.

Press release:

Congressman Chris Collins (NY-27), member of the Energy and Commerce Committee, applauded the advancement of 40 bills out of the Energy and Commerce and Ways and Means Committees to help combat the opioid crisis. Collins worked with his colleagues to address two specific problems related to the opioid epidemic, the over-prescription of opioids and fraud.

Collins worked with Congressman Scott Peters (CA-52) and Congressman Peter Welch (VT-At Large) to author an amendment that passed the Energy and Commerce Committee that improves the quality of care Medicaid patients receive.

Their bipartisan work will require states to identify and address inappropriate prescribing and billing practices under Medicaid to decrease the likelihood that an excess of these drugs will make their way into communities.

“We’ve seen the devastating impacts of the opioid epidemic in every community across our nation,” Collins said. “These harmful drugs can fundamentally change who you are and rob you of your ambition, dreams, and dignity. It is our responsibility to do everything we can to prevent addiction from happening in the first place, which is why we need more reporting and accountability from the state level.”

“The opioid crisis is devastating families in San Diego and across the country. We need to do more to address the root causes of the epidemic,” Rep. Peters said “This amendment, led by Rep. Collins, Rep. Welch and me, will help identify patterns of overprescribing and inappropriate billing through Medicaid by using data already collected by states. Most important, it will direct states to remedy any practices that indicate abuse and help reduce the likelihood that opioids reach our communities.”

“Families and communities in Vermont are struggling with the scourge of opioid addiction,” Welch said. “To contain this epidemic, the federal government must have a multi-prong strategy that includes attacking the root cause of overprescribing. Our bipartisan legislation requires state Medicaid programs identify and educate outlier providers writing an excessive number of opioid prescriptions.”

Additionally, Collins co-authored a bipartisan piece of legislation that stops payments from Medicare prescription drug programs if a pharmacy is being investigated for fraud by the Inspector General. This bill, The SENIOR Communities Protection Act, was reported favorably from the Ways and Means Committee.

Collins added: “If there is any suspicion of a person fraudulently prescribing opioids, we must quickly take action and get to the bottom of the situation before providing any compensation. There are so many factors that have contributed to the opioid epidemic, and I’m proud of the meticulous work that we have done to address all of these issues in order to prevent over-prescription and fraud.”

For more information on yesterday’s Energy and Commerce Committee hearing and to read a copy of the amendment by Reps. Collins, Peters and Welch, click here. For more information on H.R. 5676, The SENIOR Communities Protection Act, click here.

A victim of a gunshot wound is reported at Central and Pringle avenues in the city. CPR is in progress. City police and fire responding.

UPDATE 11:37 p.m.: The gunshot is unconfirmed. A victim of a stabbing is transported to UMMC. City and state police have Pringle Avenue and Central Avenue cordoned off.

UPDATE 12:05 a.m.: Several witnesses at the scene say they heard at least three gunshots. A witness on Pringle Avenue says she heard people arguing; one person said she heard "I apologized; I apologized." When the subjects got to Pringle and Central Avenue, a witness reports hearing the argument escalate. Then she heard three gunshots. Then she saw an SUV peel off. Another witness said she heard a group of people on Pringle Avenue and they were screaming "Call 9-1-1; call 9-1-1." Another witness says there was a car parked in a driveway on Highland and the driver yelled: "They've shot my boy, they've shot my boy!" before peeling off in a vehicle. Yet another witness says he saw a shirtless white male running from the area. We've only confirmed with law enforcement that there is a stabbing victim; it is not confirmed there is a shooting victim."

UPDATE 12:10 a.m.: The state Department of Environmental Conservation is on scene with personnel and a canine capable of detecting gunpowder residue. A press conference is imminent.

UPDATE(S) (By Howard) 12:49 a.m.: We'll have a little more information in a bit, but two things: There are two victims. The gunshot victim was transported to UMMC by private vehicle. At about 12:30 a.m.; UMMC was placed on lockdown.

UPDATE 1 a.m.: Assistant Chief Todd Crossett briefed reporters at the scene on what police know at this time. Police were dispatched to Central and Pringle for a report of a man down in the street. They located a man who was the apparent victim of a stabbing. A second victim was transported to UMMC by private vehicle.

"Anyone with information is asked to call 9-1-1 and then we will get an officer out to talk with you as soon as we can," Crossett said.

Crossett said there is no information at this time to indicate this incident is associated with the one at Jackson and Central a couple of nights ago where four people were assaulted with baseball bats and a pistol.

"But obviously, it's still really early (in the investigation)," Crossett said.

In recent weeks, Batavia PD has given Central Avenue more attention, Crossett said, with increased patrols during the day and patrols stationed on the street when available at night.

"We've done some different things with increasing the street lights, making them brighter," Crossett said. "We've just recently moved our street camera down here. So we've done some things to try to get a handle on this to see what's going on down here."

There's no information yet available on the victims as far as description, age, race, gender. They are both in serious condition. 

Given the early nature of the investigation, Crossett was not able yet to provide descriptions of other people who may have been involved or how many people were involved.

UPDATED 5 a.m.: One victim has died, according to Crossett. He didn't say which victim.

It will be an exciting day sometime in June when the Holman family -- Matt, Maren, and Reya, who is 3 months old -- can finally move into their new home on Edgewood Drive, Batavia.

Five years ago they put their names on a waiting list for their planned home to become a construction project for the BOCES building trades program, they finally got to draw up plans with an architect a year ago.

After 11 months of building, the 1,800-square-foot, three-bedroom, two-bath house with a finished basement is nearly complete.

"Obviously they did a phenomenal job around here," Matt Holman said. "The teachers kept them in line the way that good teachers do. It's been a phenomenal process. They take care, so it's just a good value for everybody and that is evident in the work."

The building trades program gives students interested in construction work an opportunity to learn about construction both from a residential standpoint and a commercial standpoint. The students do the work under the supervision of teachers coupled with classroom construction on what they're doing and why.

Affordability was a big reason Mat and Maren turned to BOCES for their new home construction.

"We've been through the last four or five (BOCES houses) and we saw the quality of work they did," Matt said. "That was the tipping point. We knew the potential cost savings but we wanted to be sure that the quality was where we wanted to be."

It is and now they will have a new home for their infant daughter.

"We did it all for her," Matt said. "She's the reason we're here."

David Russell was auctioneer last night for the Stafford Garden Society's annual spring plant auction in the courtroom at the Stafford Town Hall. The society has about 50 members and has been conducting the plant auction for at least 20 years, according to a member.

Darcia M. Golda is indicted for the crime of third-degree grand larceny, a Class D felony. It is alleged that on Oct. 26 in the Town of Batavia that Golda stole property with a value of more than $3,000 -- in this case, U.S. currency. In count two, she is accused of the crime of falsifying business records in the first degree, a Class E felony. It is alleged in count two that on Sept. 6 in the Town of Batavia that Golda, with intent to defraud, made a false entry in the business records of an enterprise. She allegedly did so by making a fraudulent return slip for $20 for the purposes of stealing from a store. In count three, the defendant is accused of the same crime as in count two, but it allegedly occurred on Sept. 19 for $99.87. In count four, the defendant is accused of the same crime as in count two, but it allegedly occurred on Sept. 11 for $150.37. In count five, the defendant is accused of the same crime as in count two, but it allegedly the fraudulent return slip was undated; the amount was for $125.03. In count six, the defendant is accused of the same crime as in count two, but it allegedly occurred on June 22, 2016 for $79.45. In count seven, the defendant is accused of the same crime as in count two, but it allegedly occurred on June 26 for $60.20. In count eight, the defendant is accused of the same crime as in count two, but it allegedly occurred on June 27 for $81.25. In count nine, the defendant is accused of the same crime as in count two, but it allegedly occurred on June 29, 2016, for $74.65. In count 10, the defendant is accused of the same crime as in count two, but it allegedly occurred on June 15, 2016, for $140.30. In count 11, the defendant is accused of the same crime as in count two, but it allegedly occurred on June 15, 2016, for $85.74. In counts 12, 13, 14 Golda is accused of third-degree forgery, a Class D felony. It is alleged that on Sept. 6, Sept. 19, Sept. 11, respectively, she falsely made, completed or altered a written instrument -- store return slips. In count 15, she is also accused of third-degree forgery for allegedly falsely completing an undated store return slip, sometime between Oct. 26, 2016 and Sept. 27, 2017. In counts 16, 17, 18 and 19, Golda is again accused of third-degree forgery for allegedly falsifying a return slip, respectively on: June 22, 2016; June 26; June 27; and, lastly, on June 15, 2016.

Melissa R. Rosenberg is indicted for the crime of aggravated driving while intoxicated, a Class E felony. It is alleged that on Nov. 27 in the Town of Batavia that Rosenberg drove a 2001 Acura on Route 5 while intoxicated and while a child under age 15 was a passenger in the vehicle. In count two, she is accused of aggravated DWI, also a Class E felony, for DWI while a second child age 15 or under was a passenger in the vehicle. In count three, the defendant is accused of DWI as a misdemeanor. In count four, she is accused for DWI, per se, for having a BAC of .18 or more at the time. In counts five, six and seven, she is accused of endangering the welfare of a child, a Class A misdemeanor, for allegedly knowingly acting in a manner likely to be injurious to the physical, mental or moral welfare of a child less than 17 years old. In counts eight, nine, 10 and 11, Rosenberg is accused of vehicle and traffic law violations. Respectively, these are: driving left of pavement markings; moving from lane unsafely; failure to use designated lane; and moving across hazard lines.

Gioacchino F. Aquino is indicted for the crime of third-degree burglary, a Class E felony, for allegedly knowingly entering a building unlawfully with the intent to commit crime -- in a convenience store on Broadway Road in the Town of Darien on Jan. 10. He is accused of criminal mischief in the third degree, a Class E felony, for allegedly intentionally damaging the property of another person -- a glass door -- in an amount exceeding $250.

Joshua Francis Zalar, 20, of School Street, Le Roy, and Alexander R. Dunn, 22, of Warsaw Road, Le Roy, are charged with trespass. Zalar and Dunn are accused of trespassing on Hanson Aggregates property in the area of Circular Hill Road, Le Roy. Zalar fell off a cliff and required rescue by the Le Roy Fire Department. He reportedly suffered a foot injury. No information has yet been released on why Zalar and Dunn were in the area of the gravel pits at 12:18 a.m. (Initial Report)

Michael Joseph Mawn, 55, of Roosevelt Highway, Hamlin, is charged with DWI, driving while ability impaired by alcohol, speeding, and aggravated unlicensed operation, 1st. Mawn was stopped at 5:57 a.m. Monday on Route 33, Stafford, by Deputy Joshua Brabon.

Paula Deborah Bennett, 34, of Myrtle Street, Le Roy, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, leaving the scene of a property damage accident, and moving from lane unsafely. Bennett was stopped at 2:32 a.m. Wednesday on Lake Street Road, Le Roy, by Deputy Mathew Clor.

Christina R. Armstrong, 32, of Main Road, Pembroke, is charged with petit larceny. Armstrong is accused of stealing from her employer, an undisclosed business at 412 E. Main St., Batavia (the Masse Plaza).

Rae C. Cook, 29, of Central Avenue, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of stolen property, 5th, conspiracy, 6th, and resisting arrest. Cook was arrested following an investigation into the theft of items from a residence on East Main Street, Batavia.

Booker T. Ricks, 46, of Prune Street, Batavia, is charged with dog running at large. Ricks' dog allegedly attacked a dog in another yard that was properly leashed.

Sean M. Keem, 37, of Joseph Street, Cheektowaga, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, and moving from lane unsafely. Keem was stopped at 8:19 p.m. May 9 on Ross Street, Batavia, by Officer Darryle Streeter.

Tyshon L. Taylor, of Morse Place, Batavia, is charged with menacing, 3rd. Taylor allegedly made comments to a person that he intended to kill that person. He then allegedly made a motion like he was going to hit that person but was stopped by a bystander. He was jailed on $2,500 bail.

Nicholas D. Culver, 22, of Batavia Stafford Townline Road, is charged with petit larceny. An 18-year-old (name not released) resident of Batavia Stafford Townline Road was charged with conspiracy, 4th. The two men were arrested by State Police for an incident reported at 11 a.m. Wednesday. No further details released.

Assemblyman Steve Hawley poses with Genesee County Emergency Management Coordinator Tim Yaeger in the Assembly Chamber.

Submitted photo and press release:

“It was my pleasure to welcome Genesee County’s Emergency Management Coordinator Tim Yaeger to Albany Tuesday and recognize the crucial role he plays in responding to accidents, natural disasters and keeping our residents out of harm’s way,” Hawley said.

“When calamity strikes, Tim always remains cool and collected under pressure, and I admire his work on behalf of all of Genesee County. It was truly a pleasure honoring him in Albany.”

Yaeger, who wore his full dress uniform when visiting the state Capitol, was among a large contingency of officials in firefighting, disaster preparedness and emergency management statewide who traveled to Albany this week.

A caller reports that a friend has fallen over a cliff in the area of 8425 Circular Hill Road, Le Roy.

The caller reports his friend called him on a mobile phone. He said he cannot see his friend but can talk to him.

Law enforcement along with Le Roy Fire and Le Roy Ambulance dispatched.

UPDATE 12:27 a.m.: A fire chief is requesting all manpower stage at the fire hall. He's at the scene.

UPDATE 12:29 a.m.: A UTV requested to the scene.

UPDATE (By Billie) 12:47 a.m.: The victim who fell while walking on the edge of "a gravel pit" has been located and possibly has a broken foot. He is being taken via North Street Road (in the area of 8667 North Street Road) to a nearby ambulance for transport to a hospital. His friend, the caller, is uninjured; safe inside a vehicle. Bergen Fire Department was called to assist with the rescue, but put back in service.

There are few firefighters at age 23 who come into City Fire with a resume to match Ryan Hinz.

He's been a volunteer in Alexander since he was 16. He twice won Firefighter of the Year. He rose to the rank of EMS captain and won awards for his EMS work. He also won a chief's award.

Fire Chief Steve Napolitano said Hinz scored high on his civil service exam and his agility test and excelled at the fire academy.

Perhaps this isn't a surprise. He's the son of career firefighter Marty Hinz, currently a captain with City Fire, and the grandson of a firefighter who also served for several years as Genesee County's emergency coordinator.

Marty Hinz said he almost sees Ryan through his father's eyes.

"I remember when I joined the Alexander Fire Department and became chief down there and how proud my father was," Marty said. "And now I can empathize with his feelings, you know, just the look on his face -- now I understand where he was coming from and now I understand how proud he was. Now I'm just as proud of Ryan."

Napolitano was quick to emphasize that Ryan -- who is assigned to the First Platoon with Marty is assigned to the Third Platoon -- wasn't hired because he was Marty's son. He earned it.

"We're expecting big things from him," Napolitano said. "You know, he's got a good 30-year career out of here. We're expecting the same things that he's done from 16 to 23 to continue over the next 30 years."

Marty, understandably, but with good reason, thinks Ryan is qualified to be a career firefighter.

"Ryan has a certain pride, the intelligence, the humility that it takes to be a good firefighter," Marty said. "He's just a great kid."

Ryan said while he was inspired by his father to pursue a career in fire services, that isn't the only reason he took this career path.

"I like being able to help people," Ryan said. "I know that sounds like a cheesy response but it's just what I enjoy doing."

He said he is proud to follow in his father's footsteps and that serving an Alexander was a great experience that gave him a good idea what a career in firefighting might be like, plus, he said, he formed lasting friendships with his fellow volunteers.

Whatever inspired Ryan to become a career firefighter, Napolitano said it is what will make him an asset to the department.

"We're very fortunate in the fact that we have someone that has that internal desire to want to continue the family lineage and someone that it's not just a job for him," Napolitano said. "That is pretty much everyone in this department. It's a passion. It's not just a job. And that translates to the service delivery that we're able to provide. It's not just going through the motions. It's they live they breathe it and that they value the opportunity to work here. That translates to the service product that we're putting out there.

"To have Ryan, who, again, this is what he wants to do, this is where he comes from. It just enhances our service delivery."

Previously: 

• Photos: Alexander fire awards and officer installation​
• Alexander FD installs new officers, recognizes member accomplishments
• Photos: Alexander Fire's annual awards and installation dinner

Chief Steve Napolitano, Ryan Hinz, and Capt. Marty Hinz.

The first platoon: The new mentors for Ryan Hinz.

A dispatcher just informed a Batavia PD supervisor of some pending calls, including:

• Somebody has written their name or initials in the freshly poured concrete sidewalk on Tracy Avenue; and,
• There's a dog in a car at Swan and Summit (it's 79 degrees).

Batavia CTE NYS HOSA (from left): Nicole Welka, Bonny Shelby -- Batavia CTE Center Health Dimension instructor, HOSA co-advisor and New York State HOSA advisor; Danielle Mason, Catherine Corbin, Faith Jones, Maxim DuFour, Jeffrey Evert; and Sara Kutter -- Batavia CTE Center HOSA co-advisor and instructional support teacher.

Submitted photo and press release:

Batavia Career and Technical Education Center (CTE) students recently attended the New York State HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America) Leadership Conference, which was held in Syracuse.

Seven Health Dimensions students participated in this event, which included more than 300 students who represented New York state schools and BOCES. As a result of this competition, all of these students have qualified to attend the national HOSA Conference which will be held in Dallas in June.                            

The students, their competitions, and their placements are noted below.

Health Career Issues Exam

• Emily Antonucci (Alexander) – Second Place
• Jeffery Evert (Attica) – Third Place

Interviewing Skills

• Faith Jones (Caledonia-Mumford) – Second Place

HOSA Happenings

• Students must score an 80 percent to qualify for nationals; Nicole Welka (Byron-Bergen) scored an 85;
• Online Testing International Leadership (ILC) Conference qualifiers: Nicole Welka, Maxim DuFour (Attica), Jeffery Evert, Emily Antonucci, Catherine Corbin (Batavia), and Danielle Mason (Byron-Bergen);
• New York State HOSA Future Health Professionals State Officers for 2018-2019: Maxim DuFour will serve as parliamentarian; Faith Jones will serve as Region E vice president.

The Batavia CTE Center HOSA AM Chapter submitted a theme, “The Heartbeat of Health Care,” at the Delegates Meeting and it was chosen as the theme for the New York State HOSA Future Health Professionals Fall Leadership Conference.

The Batavia CTE Center HOSA PM Chapter donated $100 to National Alliance on Mental Illness and will receive recognition at National HOSA for this donation.

“I am so very proud of this group of students; they are exceptional leaders,” said Bonny Shelby, Batavia CTE Center Health Dimensions instructor, HOSA co-advisor and New York State HOSA advisor.

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The Batavia Career and Technical Education Center is a program of the Genesee Valley Educational Partnership. The Partnership operates as a Board of Cooperative Educational Services offering shared programs and services to 22 component school districts located in Genesee, Wyoming, Livingston and Steuben counties in New York state.

Submitted photos and press release:

Peconic Landing and historic Brecknock Hall in Greenport, N.Y., are honored to announce the winners of the eighth Annual Veterans Day Wedding Giveback. The willing couple will receive an all-expenses paid wedding at Brecknock Hall thanks to the support of area businesses.

Air Force Technical Sgt. Trenton Todd Zanow, 27, of Batavia, (enlisted 2009) and his fiancée, Air Force Staff Sgt. Jennifer Lynn Lenzi, 23, of Ridge, N.Y., (enlisted 2012) have been named this year's winning couple.

Both are active service members who met while serving at the 106th Rescue Wing at Francis S. Gabreski Air National Guard Base in Westhampton Beach, N.Y.

The couple currently serves full time at the 103rd Airlift Wing, a unit of the Connecticut Air National Guard. The couple was notified they were selected during a surprise reveal Tuesday afternoon. (View the You Tube video of the announcement here.)

Trenton has served for 10 years and is currently an E6 Flight Engineer. He has received a Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, and National Defense Service Medal, among other medals and ribbons.

Jennifer has served for five years and is currently an E5 Airfield Manager, and was recently named "Airman of the Year" for the Connecticut Air National Guard 103rd Operations Group. She has also received an Air Force Commendation Medal in support of her service during Operation Enduring Freedom, among multiple other medals and ribbons.

The couple intends on making a 30-year career in the military and also spends time volunteering in their local community, including making care packages for members overseas and donating Thanksgiving dinners to wounded veterans, among others. Jennifer has also helped coach a youth cheerleading team.

Trenton and Jennifer were engaged Veterans Day Weekend 2017 while taking a helicopter tour in Rhode Island to celebrate Jennifer's recent promotion to Staff Sergeant. The two landed in a field at sunset where Trenton proposed.

“First and foremost I want to extend my sincerest thank you to all those who contribute to making this military wedding giveaway possible!" Jennifer said. "It's truly amazing to know that so many people in our community support military members and are willing to donate their time and resources to make our dream wedding a reality.

"We are forever grateful and equally as excited! Our military lifestyle can sometimes make seeing family and friends difficult so I am extremely thankful that this special occasion will bring everyone together and Brecknock Hall at Peconic Landing is a breathtakingly beautiful place to do so. We are truly blessed and overwhelmed with joy!"

Trenton added, "we cherish your support for military veterans and are honored to have been chosen as the winning couple. Thank you for helping make Jennifer's dream wedding become a reality. We look forward to working with all the vendors over the next few months and can't wait to see it all come together. Thank you again for your support."

The winning couple was chosen by a panel of Peconic Landing's veteran members who judge the contest based on the number of years served, special military honors, contributions to the community and each couple's personal love story. Their wedding will take place on Sunday, Nov. 11, 2018, in celebration of Veterans Day, and will accommodate up to 80 guests.

"The Veterans Wedding Giveback Committee diligently reviewed 12 applications this year; it is always a tough job to narrow down to one couple from the list." said Ted Webb, a Navy veteran and president of the Brecknock Hall Foundation. We are delighted to congratulate Trenton and Jennifer as this year's winners."

We are indebted to all the sponsors and vendors for their generous support. What a wonderful way to say 'thank you' to those who serve our country in the armed forces."

Those wishing to contribute can contact Valerie Tirelli-Hallock, Brecknock Hall Sales & Events Coordinator at info@brecknockhall.com.

Robert J. Syron, president and CEO of Peconic Landing, delivered the good news during the surprise reveal on May 15.

“It has been some time since we had a couple actively serving at the same time, and it’s also very fitting that they have served in our local community at the 106th in Westhampton Beach," Syron said. "We wish them a future of happiness and success. Thank you, again, to all of the sponsors who make this giveaway possible."

Sponsors of the 2018 Veterans Day Wedding Giveback, so far, include: A Flippin Good Time, Allison G. Pressler at Blue Sage Day Spa, American Tent Company, Beautiful by Dina, Blue Duck Bakery, Christopher Michael Catering, East End Event Catering, Fire Monkey Hair Design, Greenporter Hotel, Greenport Harbor Brewing Company, Ivy League Flowers, Jillybean Custom Designs, Kim Jon Designs, Lisa Nicolosi Photography, Make Some Noise DJ’s, Massage Me by Sara Leonard LMT, Mattituck Environmental Services, Moments In Time Floral Designs, Moriches Main Street Florist, North Fork Bridal Shoppe, North Fork Brides, Southold Fish Market, The North Fork Box and Southold-Greenport-Mattituck ROTC. Times Review Media Group has signed on as the media sponsor.

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Peconic Landing is an innovative, not-for-profit CCAC-CARF-accredited continuing care retirement community (CCRC) located on the waterfront in Greenport, N.Y., on the North Fork of Long Island. Among its long list of achievements, Peconic Landing is the only equity-based LifeCare community in the State of New York. It is a member of LeadingAge and LeadingAge New York and embraces a healthy, active lifestyle infused with a sense of exploration, creativity, and generosity of spirit.