pembroke

It's red, shiny and has all the bells and whistles. No, it's not Santa's sled -- it's the new fire truck in the Pembroke Fire District.

The truck arrived at the fire station Dec. 8 and Bruce Ross sent over the picture above along with some information about the tanker.

The total cost: $285,000. But, as Ross said, "The payoff for having access to this life saving truck: absolutely priceless to both the firefighters and community."

The 2009 Peterbuilt has a 3,100 gallon tank capacity along with 60 gallons of on-board in-tank foam.

"The truck has all of the latest state-of-the-art LED emergency lighting, including a large directional arrow on the rear of the truck for use on the roadway, especially helpful on Thruway accident scenes, and a Federal Q2B siren to ensure a clear path for minimum response times to an emergency," Ross said.

The truck's equipment includes six SCBA air packs  for use on interior firefighting efforts, eight extra air bottles, 48 feet in ground ladders, various hand tools used both in interior and exterior firefighting work, hard-suction hose in order to gain access to water out of a standing water source such as a pond, and a 4,000-gallon portable pond used in remote areas.

It replaces a 1978 International Tanker that held a mere 1,800 gallons of water. Ross said the old tanker carried less equipment and was plagued by an increasing number of mechanical issues.

Crews will undergo pump and driver training and the truck is expected to be put in service in January.

The State Trooper injured in an auto accident on the Thurway in Pembroke on Saturday has been identified as Nina Johnson.

Johnson, who was taken via Mercy Flight to ECMC, was released from the hospital Saturday evening.

The Trooper was involved in traffic control following a fatal accident on the Thurway just hours prior.

Her patrol vehicle was reportedly struck by an SUV driven by Catherine A. Manahan, 27, of Williamsville.

That accident took the life of Julie I. Stratton, 33, of Synder, whose car became disabled in the fast lane after striking a deer. A tractor-trailer then ran into her car. She was pronounced dead at the scene. According to the Buffalo News, state police have yet to decide whether to file charges against the truck driver, Thomas M. Wallace, 45, of Brook Park, Ohio.

“We’re still investigating it to see if there was some distracted driving involved,” Harris said. “We’re looking at why [Wallace] didn’t perceive the vehicle in front of him.”

State police noted that other drivers were able to avoid hitting Stratton’s disabled car in the minutes before the crash.

Stratton was married and had two sons, ages 1 and 3.

A driver was killed in a late morning accident on the Thruway. She has been identified as Julie Stratton, 33, of Synder.

Stratton was reportedly in the westbound lane when her car struck a deer, causing her car to become disabled in the passing lane. Her car was then hit by a semi-truck.

The truck driver, Thomas M. Wallace, 45, of Brook Park, Ohio, was taken to UMMC by Mercy EMS and treated for minor injuries.

The westbound lane of the Thruway was closed for a 4.5 hours because of the accident, and reportedly a State Trooper at the scene was injured in an accident this afternoon. The State Police have not yet released information on that accident.

Initial Report.

A pedestrian on the Thruway has apparently been struck by a car.

It's unknown if the injuries are serious. Dispatcher says, "conflicting reports."

The pedestrian may have  been directing traffic in an eastbound lane.

Pembroke and Indian Falls and Mercy EMS responding.

UPDATE 1:57 p.m.: A State Trooper has been struck. No word yet on injuries.

UPDATE 1:58 p.m.: Mercy Flight is being dispatched.

UPDATE 2:07 p.m.: A second ambulance has been requested to treat the driver of the car. Mercy Flight has a five minute ETA.

UPDATE 2:09 p.m.: Mercy Flight now less than two minute ETA.

UPDATE 2:24 p.m.: Mercy Flight is in the air with patient.

UPDATE 2:31 p.m.: Chatter on the scanner indicating the Trooper had multiple injuries but transported via Mercy Flight primarily as a precaution, and was in a parked patrol car (not a pedestrian) at the time of the accident.

A car and semi-truck have collided on the bridge over the Thruway at the Pembroke exit.

The car is reportedly heavily damaged and  extrication is required.

Indian Falls, Pembroke and East Pembroke fire and Mercy EMS are responding.

UPDATE 11:34 a.m.: There is one injury and it is reported as serious.

UPDATE 11:36 a.m.: East Pembroke's response has been canceled. "On extrication, we're all set," said the Chief responding. Mercy Flight was cancelled.

East Pembroke Fire has been dispatched to a truck fire in the westbound lane of the Thruway.

The initial report was of a brake fire, and later it sounded like the rear of a tractor-trailer was on fire.

Dispatch reports multiple phone calls about the fire.

UPDATE 11:39 p.m.: Fire under control.

UPDATE: 11:57 p.m.: East Pembroke equipment clearing the scene.

A 76-year-old resident of Corfu was struck by a car on Route 5 near Indian Falls Road in Pembroke this evening.

George Wells, of 2077 W. Main Road, Corfu, was transported to UMMC by Mercy EMS. The accident report states he had complaints of pain in his whole body.

According to the report, prepared by Deputy J.M. Graff, Wells was crossing Route 5 and the driver of the car that struck him said he attempted to swerve to avoid hitting Wells. Graff reports there are skid marks in the road consistent with that statement.

The accident occurred at 5:04 p.m.

The driver is identified as Thomas M. Yackeren, 26, of Alexander.

No tickets were issued by Deputy Graff.

Both drivers in a weather-related two-car crash in Pembroke were taken by Mercy Flight to the Erie County Medical Center this morning.

The condition of both drivers is unknown at this time. A spokesman for ECMC said both patients are currently in the emergency room.

One driver apparently lost control of her car, reportedly over corrected and spun about 90 degrees, skidding into the oncoming traffic lane. Her SUV rolled over.

Injured were Jessica Maurer, 22, of 2033 Main Road, Corfu, and Patricia A. Warren, 51, of 748 Gabbey Road, Corfu.

Maurer's Chevy was westbound on Route 5 in the area of Boyce Road. The accident occurred at 7:07 a.m..

Maurer was driving vehicle one, a 2004 Chevrolet SUV and Warren was driving vehicle two, a 2005 Chevrolet SUV.  Maurer received a ticket for allegedly driving too fast under the conditions.

The accident is being investigated by Deputy Brian Thompson.

Michael P. Murphy, 24, of 38 Columbia Ave., Batavia, is charged with assault in the third degree and harassment. Murphy is accused of entering his brother's residence and pulling him out of bed and punching him in the back of the head. He allegedly pulled his arm in such a way as to injure his brother. Murphy's brother was treated at UMMC and released. Murphy was held on $2,500 bail.

David R. Gross, 19, of 7421 Seldon Road, Le Roy and two teen-agers also from Le Roy have been charged with petit larceny and possession of alcohol under 21. The trio allegedly stole alcohol from Tops.

Susan M. Shell, 28, of 2226 12th Place, Washington, D.C., is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater and improper tail light. Shell was reportedly stopped on East Main Street by Officer Dan Coffey on Saturday at 12:53 a.m. for the alleged broken tail-light.

John W. Szabo, 54, of 9233 Main St., Lot 50, Clarence, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, consumption of alcohol in a motor vehicle and failure to notify DMV of a change of address. Deputy James Diehl responded to a "check the welfare" for a car parked on Route 77 in Alabama. Diehl reportedly found Szabo in his car allegedly intoxicated and with an open container.

John D. Baudhuin, 28, of 92 Marks Place, Apt. 3E, Staten Island, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater and failure to keep right. Baudhuin was stopped by Deputy Patrick Reeves on Route 33 in Pembroke for an alleged traffic violation and found to allegedly be driving drunk.

Joseph Isadore Brenon, 58, of 349 Wright Road, Alabama, is charged with menacing in the third degree. Brenon allegedly verbally threatened a person.

Jacquelyn M. Siverling, 28, of 3747 S. Main St. Road, Batavia, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08, a speed-zone violation and failure to keep right. Siverling was reportedly spotted driving 51 mph on West Main Street by Officer Darryle Streeter on Wednesday. Her vehicle was pulled over in the parking lot of Billy Goats.

Brian A. Merritt, 35, of Alexander, has been arrested by State Police and charged with unlawful imprisonment and criminal contempt. The alleged incident was reported at 12:10 a.m. Sunday. No further details were released.

Michael Todd Dibble, 18, of 1313 Indian Falls Road, Pembroke, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana and unlawful dealing with fireworks. Dibble was stopped by Deputy Patrick Reeves in Pembroke for alleged traffic violations. During the investigation, Dibble was found to allegedly possess marijuana and fireworks.

Timothy P. Young, 47, of Batavia, was arrested by State Police at 8:45 p.m. and charged with unlawful imprisonment, criminal mischief, criminal possession of a controlled substance, unlawful possession of marijuana, harassment, and two counts of acting in a manner to injure a child. He was jailed without bail. No further details were released.

Wayne R. Freeman, 33, of 8545 East Ave., Gasport, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater and aggravated unlicensed operation in the first degree. Freeman was also reportedly cited for "multiple" equipment violations ("too many to list," states the Sheriff's Office report). Freeman was reportedly driving on Route 77 in Pembroke when Deputy Kevin McCarthy spotted his vehicle with an alleged broken tail light. Upon stopping Freeman, McCarthy discovered that Freeman's license was previously revoked for a prior DWI conviction and that Freeman was allegedly violating the terms of his conditional release. McCarthy then determined that Freeman was allegedly driving drunk. Freeman was jailed on $2,500 bail.

Peter B. Burton, 51, 360 Seward St., Rochester, was arrested and charged on a warrant for aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle in connection with an incident on May 22. In its press release, Batavia Police did not specify the nature of the alleged incident. Burton was jailed on $1,500 bail.

Nicole M. DellaPenna, 23, of 3842 Rose Road, Batavia, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana and criminal possession of a controlled substance. DellaPenna was allegedly found in possession of marijuana and cocaine during an investigation of a suspicious vehicle parked on Farwell Drive.

William J. Cassidy, 28, of 107 State St., upper, Batavia, is charged with loitering. Cassidy allegedly refused to leave the area of 20 Center St. after being asked to do so by police.

James Joseph Laudico, 19, of 1055 Sliker Road, Pembroke, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Laudico was reportedly a passenger in a vehicle stopped for an alleged traffic violation by Deputy Patrick Reeves. Reeves reportedly found marijuana in Laudico's left front pants pocket.

Kaitlyn Ann Kelly, 22, of 4079 Connecticut Ave., Island Park, is charged with petit larceny. Kelly allegedly stole $53.49 in merchandise from Target.

Allison Irene Thomas, 19, of 15 Robert Quigley Road, Scottsville, is charged wih petit larceny. Thomas allegedly stole $78.47 in merchandise from Target.

Ramon Cortes-Vasquez, 60, of Elba, was arrested by State Police in Elba on Friday at 2:42 p.m. on an unspecified arrest warrant. The State Police blotter item classifies the case as "immigration." It also says it is not a criminal investigation. The arrest took place at State Route 98 and Mechanic Street. Cortes-Vasquez was held without bail.

Leon C. Bloom, 27, no permanent address, has been jailed on $50,000 bail for allegedly failing to abide by drug court rules.  In May, Bloom was arrested for allegedly violating an order of protection.

Timothy Daniel Eastridge, 32, of 30 Bennett Ave., Oakfield, is charged with criminal possession of stolen property, aggravated unlicensed operation, DWI, criminal mischief and unlawful possession of marijuana. Eastridge is accused of driving a stolen vehicle into a fence and tree near Alex's Place on Park Road, and then driving to the Batavia Downs parking lot, where he parked the car. Witnesses helped police find the car, and Eastridge was allegedly seen exiting the car. Eastridge was taken into custody by Deputy Chris Parker. The deputy reportedly found a marijuana pipe on Eastridge. The car was reportedly stolen from an area near Faletti's Ice Rink on Evans Street a short time earlier. Batavia Police assisted in the arrest.

Patricia A. Poole, 20, of 4036 W. Main Street Road, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Poole allegedly stole an item from Hess Mart on Nov. 8. She was jailed on $250 bail.

Brian J. Lambert, 28, of 120 State St., Upper, Batavia, is charged with unauthorized use of a vehicle in the third degree. Lambert was stopped in the Town of Alexander by Deputy Chris Parker after Lambert reportedly failed to return the vehicle of his mother's boyfriend as agreed.

Lonnie J. Hamilton, 22, of 14776 Baker Road, Kent, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater and failure to keep right. Hamilton was stopped on Route 98 in the Town of Batavia by Sgt. Thomas Sanfratello for alleged failure to keep right. Sgt. Sanfratello concluded that Hamiliton was allegedly driving drunk.

Scott Joseph Richardson, 20, of 5 Lakewood Drive, Rochester, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Richardson was reportedly the passenger in a car stopped for an alleged traffic violation by Deputy Patrick Reeves. Reeves reportedly found marijuana on Richardson.

Donald J. Monroe, 46, of 580 Cohocton Road, Corfu, is charged with DWI, and aggravated DWI with a BAC of .08 or greater. Deputy Patrick Reeves responded to the area of Cohocton Road in Pembroke after the Sheriff's Office received a report of a drunk or sick driver. He subsequently pulled over Monroe's vehicle and charged him with DWI.

Jonathan Scott Viterise, 21, of 75 Stone Fence Road, Rochester, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Viterise was reportedly the passenger in a car stopped for an alleged traffic violation by Deputy Patrick Reeves. Reeves reportedly found marijuana on Viterise.

Richard Dale Fennell, 29, of 5 Exchange St., Akron, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance. Fennell was reportedly a passenger in a vehicle stopped by Deputy Patrick Reeves that was stopped for an alleged traffic violation. Reeves reportedly found a medication on Fennell for which he didn't have a prescription.

Gerald "Zach" Z.L. Watts, 25, of 5 Otis St., Batavia, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater and failure to keep right. Watts was reportedly stopped on S. Lyon Street in Batavia by Sgt. Thomas Sanfratello of the Sheriff's Office for alleged failure to keep right.

Brett R. Doward, 23, of 16 Harvester Ave., Batavia, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater and driving on the shoulder. Doward was reportedly stopped by Deputy Howard Carlson on Route 33 in Stafford.

Richard D. Ryan, 33, of 136 Pearl St., Batavia, is charged with criminal mischief. Ryan allegedly damaged furniture of his ex-girlfriend, valued at $250. He was jailed without bail.

Thomas K. Lee, 46, of 4 MacArthur Drive, Apt. 10, Batavia, is charged with two felony counts of criminal contempt and three counts of harassment. Lee allegedly violated an order of protection. The harassment charges stem from alleged actions toward the protected person, and the third count stems from alleged actions toward a probation officer. Lee was jailed without bail.

David P. Schlitz, Jr., 45, of 112 Howard Road, Batavia, is charged with DWI and refusal to take a breath test. Schlitz was reportedly stopped on Clinton Street by Officer Thad Mart after a caller provided the license plate number of a vehicle allegedly driven by a drunken driver.

A 16-year-old from Bergen is charged with harassment. The girl was reportedly involved in a domestic argument. She was jailed on $250 bail.

Christopher P. Clute, 30, of Middleport, is charged with auto stripping, third degree. Clute was arrested by State Police at 6566 Dysinger Road in Alabama.  He was issued an appearance ticket.

A controlled burn of leaves apparently got out of control at 2099 Phelps Road, Pembroke.

Fire crews have been dispatched to the location to help put out a grass fire.

UPDATE 2:45 p.m.: Fire knocked down.

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A boy whose death Oct. 22 shocked the communities of Pembroke and Corfu is a confirmed case of H1N1, according to Randy Garney, interim director of the County Health Department.

In a news release this morning, the health department said it would not identify the boy, but when we spoke to Garney, he said the death was the same one as a boy who died in Erie County.

That boy has been previously identified as Jared Peters, child of Timothy and Linda Peters.

Meanwhile, the county has begun receiving supplies of the H1N1 vaccine and is scheduling clinics as doses become available.

The priority group for vaccination include pregnant women, caregivers for infants 6-months and younger, health care and emergency medical personnel, people from 6-months to 24-years of age, and people over 25 with health conditions associated with a higher risk of complications from the flu.

UPDATE 1:15 p.m.: Randy Garney asks that we clarify that he did not explicity provide the name Jared Peters.

An obituary appeared today in the Buffalo News for Jared Peters, child of Timothy and Linda Peters.

Friday, Pembroke Central School District announced the death of one of its students. We cannot confirm at this time that the reports are connected.

Visitation will be.. at the Wendel & Loecher Funeral Home, 27 Aurora St., Lancaster, 4 to 8 p.m. tomorrow. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Mary's RC Church, Lancaster, at 8:30 a.m. on Monday.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Women's and Children's Hospital.

Jared's sisers are Megen and Kristin.

Robin Lee Buckman, 40, 7 Otis Street, Batavia Rochester, is charged with petit larceny. Buckman is accused of shoplifting four DVDs from the TA Travel Center in Pembroke.

Officials of the Pembroke Central School district announced on the district Web site this morning that a student died late Thursday afternoon (pdf).

The notification informs parents that tests for influenza came back negative and that the Genesee County Health Department determined it was safe for children to attend school today.

Counselors are available for students who need to talk about their friend's passing.

No further details were given.

Superintendent Gary Mix is currently meeting with district staff and not immediately available for comment.

UPDATE 10:36 a.m.: Superintendent Gary Mix just issued a written statement to the media, but included no new information apart from the prior statement.  It says, "It is out of respect for the family of our student that we cannot release any additional information at this time."

UPDATE 10:59 a.m.: Randy Garney, interim health director for Genesee County, said he can't legally release any information. A source tells me the death occurred in Erie County.  A woman I spoke to at the Erie Couny Health Department said that department isn't likely to release any information, and that nobody would even be able to return my call until late this afternoon.

UPDATE 2:50 p.m.: A spokesman for the Erie County Health Department just called. He referred me back to Gensee County, saying that even though the death occurred in Erie County, "it's Genesee County public health case."

UPDATE 3:10 p.m.: Gary Mix just released this statement: "As an update, in our most recent consultation with the Genesee County Health Department and the New York State Department of Health, the District has been informed that the cause of death for the Pembroke Central School student is still to be determined."

UPDATE 3:30 p.m.: I e-mailed Randy Garney asking for more information.  Here is his response: "This is a pending investigation.  Due to HIPPA Act, by Federal Law, I can not share any patient medical information.  However I will tell you that the NYSDOH or the GCHD has never ruled out influenza as a cause. "

Full announcement after the jump:

It is with a great deal of sadness and sympathy that we are notifying you that one of our
students passed away late Thursday afternoon.

Medical tests did indicate that the influenza screen came back negative, therefore ruling
out the flu.

In consultation with the school district’s physician, who in turn consulted with the
Genesee County Health Department, it was determined that it is safe and appropriate to
have school in session today.

The student’s principal, Mr. Calderon did personally contact the parents of the child’s
immediate classmates to inform them of the loss of a dear friend on Thursday evening.

Plans have been made to provide counseling services for our students who may wish to
talk with a counselor.

If you should have questions please feel free to contact your building principal or school
nurse.

Please keep this family in your thoughts and prayers.

Anthonly J. Spearance, 24, of 107 Washington Ave., Batavia, is charged with disorderly conduct and reckless endangerment. Spearance allegedly punched his pregnant girlfriend in the stomach. He was jailed on $1,500 bail.

James T. Moore, 50, of 115 Summit St., Batavia, and Patricia L. Brinkman, 48, of the same address, are both charged with assault in the third degree. Both were allegedly involved in a physical altercation during a domestic dispute. Both were jailed on $500 bail each.

Christopher C. Say, 18, of 514 E. Main St., Batavia, is charged with menacing. Say allegedly brandished a large knife and threatened another person with it during a fight. He was jailed on $1,000 bail.

Jeremy A. Weatherbee, 40, of 65 Roosevelt Ave., Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt. Weatherbee allegedly sent text messages to a person he was barred by court order from contacting.

Amanda L. Spring, 26, of 34 Walnut St., Batavia, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, refusal to take breath test and unsafe turn without signal. Spring was stopped on Walnut Street at 3:03 a.m. on Sunday.

Kara M. Marquez-Davidson, 24, of Tonawanda, is charged with DWI and driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. Marquez-Davidson was stopped by State Police on Route 77 in Darien at 9:42 p.m. on Friday.

Mark S. Wells, 44, of Oakfield, is charged with DWI and driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. Wells was stopped by State Police on Route 5 in Pembroke at 2 a.m. on Thursday.

A 15-year-old from Oakfield has been arrested by State Police and charged with sexual abuse of a person under 14 and endangering the welfare of a child. The alleged incident was reported Oct. 10. The teen was taken into custody at 6:04 p.m. Friday. No further details were released.