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Batavia PD

Police vs. Fire hockey game raises $2,660 for McCarthy Foundation

By Staff Writer
batavia police vs. fire hockey

In a charity hockey game on Sunday at the David M. McCarthy Memorial Ice Arena, Batavia PD beat the City Fire Department pretty handily, 11-3, but more importantly, 598 people attended, and the event raised $2,660 for the David M. McCarthy Memorial Foundation.

Photos by Philip Casper.

batavia police vs. fire hockey
batavia police vs. fire hockey
batavia police vs. fire hockey
batavia police vs. fire hockey
batavia police vs. fire hockey
batavia police vs. fire hockey
batavia police vs. fire hockey

City police staffing study produces several recommendations for budget talks

By Joanne Beck
BPD Chief Shawn Heubusch and Assistant Chris Camp
Batavia Police Chief Shawn Heubusch and Assistant Chief Chris Camp review the proposed 2025 budget and a state report at City Hall.
Photo by Joanne Beck

Become an accredited agency, clearly specify job responsibilities for each sergeant, have a desk officer to take walk-in complaints once the new police station is operational, hire and fill vacancies for two school crossing guards, bump up the patrol roster by five to 25 officers and add a full-time confidential secretary.

Those are the recommendations from a New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services study for the Batavia Police Department. Chief Shawn Heubusch asked for a staffing study in June 2023, and he got back several recommendations that are up for consideration. Heubusch reviewed the results with City Council this week during the police department’s budget session at City Hall.

What went into it
The study took demographics, geography, and the area — the city has a total area of 5.2 square miles of land and 135 miles of roadway — within city limits, with major thoroughfares of east-west NY Route 5 and 33, north-south NY Route 63 and 98.

An owner-occupied housing rate of 49.3 percent with a median value of $108,100 per 2021 U.S. Census Bureau, and a population of 15,459, with 83.3. percent white, 5.8 percent Black, .1 percent American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.2 percent Asian and 7.4 percent two or more races. The median household income, again, per 2021 dollars, was $51,914, with 16 percent of the population at or below the poverty line.

The police department has been involved in community events, including Batavia Community Night Out, Shop with a Cop, and Trunk or Treat, plus a newer Batavia Police Flag Memorial. The department also assists in several other events by providing police presence, such as at 5K races and parades.

The police budget in 2023 was $4,374,567, with an average of $3,907,698 during the last four years, the report states, for services that include preventative patrols, traffic control and enforcement; criminal investigations; enforcement and crime prevention; community policing activities; interagency collaboration and work activities; and community education; plus first aid efforts of using automated external defibrillators, Narcan and assistance at structure fires, mental health transports when needed.

A detective division investigates cases involving all major felonies, homicides, serious assaults, cyber, sex and juvenile crimes. Detectives also assist patrols with other investigations as requested, and are responsible for following up on preliminary investigations initiated by patrol officers.

Working by the numbers
There were 20,020 total calls for service in 2022 and 20,885 in 2021, reflecting “a lot of calls related to COVID,” Heubusch said. The average calls in both 2021 and 2022 during the day shift (7 a.m. to 3 p.m.) were 6,444, with the most being in the afternoon from 3 to 11 p.m., at 7,110, and a drop to 6,899 during 11 p.m. to 7 a.m.

The DCJS uses a calculation to figure out how many posts are actually needed to fill three shifts per day. Using that formula, it recommended that 11 posts are needed, which was then calculated into officers, at seven for the day shift and nine for each of the afternoon and night shifts, for a total of 25 officers. 

“We are currently authorized for 20,” Heubusch said. “That’s a big jump. Their numbers back this up.” 

The formula indicates that 25 full-time uniformed personnel are required to respond to calls for service, the report states. This figure does not include patrol supervisory positions such as sergeants and/or corporals. This is the recommended minimum number, established by the application of the formula as being necessary to staff the Batavia Police Department to respond to calls for service, Heubusch said.

An overview of patrol activities showed wide differences for some tasks, such as 702 mental health calls in 2022 versus 658 in 2021 and 728 welfare checks in 2022 compared to 594 in 2021, and a few decreases, namely the 185 to 126 fraud complaints from 2021 to 2022, respectively. There were five more cases for detectives between the two years as well, up from, 325 to 330.

As is, training time, holidays, Workers Comp, “a lot of these factors are what’s driving over time,” he said. Overtime was conservatively estimated at $220,000 for the 2025 budget, and it “will probably be more,” Heubusch said. 

Parking incidents and violations rose, from 1,712 to 1,725 and 612 to 884, respectively. 

The department is in the process of becoming a DCJS-certified tactical team, Assistant Chief Chris Camp said, “and we hope to reach this goal within two years.”

“We’re really close; we just need to send a few more of our operators to our basic squad school,” he said. “Unfortunately, that’s a very time-consuming school, it’s a four-week school, and the offerings aren’t that much. So when they do offer them, we’ve got to make sure that we’re prepared to send somebody away for four weeks.”

The department is also working on an interagency agreement with Livingston County to operate as one tactical team when necessary, he said. 

“That helps us towards becoming a certified tactical team,” he said. “We want to become certified, so we think it will open the door for us to get grant money at that point in time. One of the things that we sorely lack right now is the ability to apply for grants because we’re not a certified team.” 

Upgraded technology has helped the department, in terms of time, money and space, Heubusch said, by allowing people to pay their tickets online more immediately, to submit and transmit video recordings to and from the police and district attorney’s office for use in investigations and legal proceedings, and ability to store records in the Cloud versus having physical storage at the station. 

There is $22,750 budgeted for uniforms, and Heubusch made a special note for council that “no money is budgeted for additional officers” in that uniforms line. Council members have to make a decision about whether to add one or more additional officers to next year’s budget or plan it out for future budgets. City Manager Rachael Tabelski informed them on Monday that it would cost $84,500 per officer, plus medical expenses. 

Council members Tammy Schmidt and Bob Bialkowski said they would not support any tax increases, and Council President Eugene Jankowski was in favor of taking any personnel changes slowly and holding off this year, he said. 

Bialkowski said he thinks the department is “doing a great job,” however, there could be a better effort made with public outreach.

“I think a lot of people don’t realize what’s available … what your department is capable of,” Bialkowski said.

The department tries to educate the public and keep updated whenever possible, Heubusch said. 

“We put press releases out on new programs that we have on a regular basis. We have a program that allows people to register their cameras with us so we know where they are,” he said. “We're trying to stay ahead of technology. And that's the one thing that I take a lot of pride in and pat ourselves on the back if you will, is our technology in the department is not very far behind the general public.”

Fall, football, and security is back at VanDetta

By Joanne Beck
batavia blue devils
File photo from 2018 by Howard Owens.

Fall is in the air, with the return of school, football games, and security guards at VanDetta Stadium.

The city school district issued a reminder letter this week about proper protocols during games at the sports venue, including extra security, wanding for “unauthorized” items, and monitoring parking. 

The district’s Board of Education has hired the firm Armor Security for the past two years to provide on-site security and wanding checks at the entrance, and Batavia City Police officers also provide coverage during games.

“Security at large gatherings has become more of a focus for police departments and school districts across the country as well as ours. We have increased security efforts or police presence at nearly all our special events and details, including BCSD’s home football games and other BCSD events that are projected to draw larger attendance,” Chief Shawn Heubusch said. “The ability to respond quickly and to effectively address any matter that may present itself at large gatherings is key to keeping the event safe and orderly. We take the safety and security of these events very seriously and enjoy a great working relationship with the District to make them as safe as possible.”

The district’s school resource officers also provide “enhanced security” in and around Van Detta and at other large events, he said. Their salaries and overtime costs are paid through the district as part of an agreement with the city of Batavia, he said. 

Superintendent Jason Smith said that this year’s letter is a reminder of similar policies as last year, with the addition of also sending a copy to each school that Batavia will be hosting this year. The Blue Devils will be hosting Wayne Central at 7 p.m. on Friday. 

“We continue to draw a large crowd at each home game, and the District is being both proactive again and reminding our supportive community members of our procedures that we successfully implemented last year. We also want our fans to park courteously to our neighbors, and I know our neighbors appreciate these efforts,” Smith said.  “Safety continues to be a major district priority, and with our home games drawing such large crowds, it only makes sense that we continue to implement these proactive measures.” 

The district began to charge a $2 fee for games last year, which is used to cover costs associated with hosting home football games, Smith said. 

All of these security efforts have a price tag — a fee of $29 an hour per Armor Security guard at about five hours each per game, plus the time/overtime of city police officers and SROs. Those numbers were not available by the time of publication.

The district letter is below:

Dear BCSD Families, 

With the 2023-24 school year in full swing, we are excited to announce that our state-of-the-art facility at VanDetta Stadium will once again be hosting athletic events.

We continue to make safety our number one priority for students, staff, and community members attending events at VanDetta Stadium. We’re anticipating large crowds throughout the season, and we want to make you aware of the enhanced safety protocols, guidelines, and expectations when attending our Varsity Football games:

  • All attendees will be wand-checked by our security team to ensure no prohibited items are brought into the facility.
  • VanDetta Stadium is located in a neighborhood, so please be courteous and do not block driveways, throw trash on the ground, or use foul language. Please be a good neighbor. Parking regulations will be strictly enforced by the Batavia Police Department.
  • All students ages 12 and under should be accompanied by an adult.
  • We will be charging adults a $2 admission fee for all Varsity Football games. Students and seniors ages 62 and over will have free admission.
  • We suggest you arrive early to avoid security delays upon entry.
  • We’ll also continue to have a security presence around the stadium during events. We’re once again collaborating with Armor Security this year to help support our administrators, athletic event workers, and the Batavia Police Department to make sure safety remains a priority at our events.  

We cannot wait to welcome you back to VanDetta Stadium for another exciting season of Blue Devil events and cheer on our wonderful student-athletes. Let’s all do our part to keep our school grounds, students, faculty, staff, and community safe. 

Thank you,

Jason Smith, Superintendent
Timm Slade, Acting Director of Health, Physical Education and Athletics

Batavia PD beats City Fire 14-13 in last at bat

By Howard B. Owens
batavia pd softball

After trailing the entire game, Batavia PD staged a comeback win in the bottom of the seventh inning to take the third meeting in a charity baseball game between the police department and the City of Batavia Fire Department.

The final score was 14-13 on Saturday evening at Dwyer Stadium.

Proceeds benefited the Michael Napoleone Memorial Foundation.

Photos by Howard Owens.

batavia fire and batavia pD softball

Community Night Out continues to grow in partnership between Batavia PD and City Church

By Howard B. Owens
Batavia Police Community Night out food being served
Part of Community Night Out at St. Anthony's is free food for community members who attend. 
Photo by Steve Ognibene

Tuesday's turnout for Community Night Out at City Church's St. Anthony's may have been the biggest since the church first hosted the event in 2019, according to Pastor Ryan Macdonald.

"(We're) very blessed," Macdonald said. "Packed out event. I don't think we've ever seen this many people out at his event before. I'm thankful to have all these agencies here so the community understands what is available."

Community Night Out, formerly National Night Out, was an event Batavia put on at various locations in the city every year, but it seems to have a long-term home at St. Anthony's, and a partner in City Church, that has helped it grow.

Macdonald said he's thankful for all the sponsors who support the event and the event's charity this year, Batavia PD's K-9 program.

The event is an important community outreach program for Batavia PD, said Det. Matthew Wojtaszczyk.

"The purpose of our event is to bring the community out, as you can see, to build positive relationships with the community in a relaxed setting where we're not at a 911 call or an emergency call, a stress-free environment to just build relationships within the community," Wojtaszczyk.

Photos by Steve Ognibene

Batavia Police Community Night out.  Photo by Steve Ognibene
More than 400 people attended the Community Night Out.  
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Batavia Police Community Night out.  Photo by Steve Ognibene
Ray Williams cutting hair.  
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Dan Calkins from Youth Bureau.  Photo by Steve Ognibene
Dan Calkins from Youth Bureau.  
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Det. Matthew Wojtaszczyk, Batavia Police department.  Photo by Steve Ognibene
Det. Matthew Wojtaszczyk, Batavia Police department. 
 Photo by Steve Ognibene
Det. Eric Hill, Batavia Police department.  Photo by Steve Ognibene
Det. Eric Hill, Batavia PD.  
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Pastors Ryan and Samantha MacDonald, St. Anthony's, City Church.  Photo by Steve Ognibene
Pastors Ryan and Samantha Macdonald, St. Anthony's, City Church.  
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Young girl with facepaint and balloon by the youth bureau.  Photo by Steve Ognibene
Photo by Steve Ognibene

City Council agrees to NET a solution for crime

By Joanne Beck
July 2023 file photo at Meadows apartments
July 2023 File Photo of an incident at an apartment complex in Batavia shows concerned neighbors watching as city police officers walk a suspect to the patrol car. City officials have decided to hire another police officer an re-establish the Neighborhood Enforcement Team in an effort to curb nuisance and gun violence issues throughout the city.
Photo by Howard Owens.

Recent incidents of violence — four gun shootings in the last three months — have pushed city officials to put a quick thaw on a hiring freeze that was locked until March 2024.

Instead, City Manager Rachael Tabelski has suggested bringing one more police officer on board and providing training, vehicles, and additional equipment for the new and a current officer to become a more intense Neighborhood Enforcement Team (NET) to assist the city police department and detectives to “more efficiently, proactively keep the community safer.”

“Because I think it's critically important that we have our zone cars that are out on calls. They respond very quickly to people's homes, and they're very responsive. But we need a proactive team to be in the neighborhoods doing gun and drug interdiction, and I think it's very important,” Tabelski said Monday during City Council’s conference session at City Hall. “So we're gonna find a way to make it happen in the budget next year.”

During her presentation to City Council, Tabelski emphasized that when state changes to the legal system occurred — including what's coined as “catch and release” for a quick turnaround jail and bailout time — Chief Shawn Heubusch warned her that more manpower was going to be required.

“And in the beginning, the chief told me, ‘we're going to need more, we're going to need more, we're going to need more,’ and I said, there's no money, there's no money, there's no money. Now, we're at critical mass. We can't allow this to happen in our city,” she said. “I don't think anyone here on council wants that to occur. I certainly don't. So we're gonna find a way to make it work.”

Tabelski recommended using video lottery terminal money (typically a yearly amount that comes from Batavia Down Gaming revenues) in the amount of $272,000 to pay for the salaries and benefits for the two officers for eight months ($117,000), purchasing and fitting two police vehicles ($120,000) and for uniforms and equipment ($35,000).

Councilman Bob Bialkowski asked what if the city doesn’t get the VLT aid next year, and Tabelski said she isn’t planning to use that resource next year anyway. Sales tax has been doing very well, she said, and perhaps cannabis sales will be bringing in more sales tax and will be able to help offset the cost, she said. 

“We need to find a way to make it happen next year,” she said.

As for the equipment, that would be a one-time expense, Council President Eugene Jankowski Jr. added. 

“I know it will work. It worked in the past,” he said.

The method for attacking the problem of gun violence, repeat offenders and nuisance neighbors is a team approach, Police Chief Shawn Heubusch said. “It’s a one-off,  it’s a very effective format,” he said. “You get to saturate a neighborhood. This is not a new concept. We did staff this way back in the day, and it was very effective.” 

Councilwoman Kathy Briggs was on board with the plan.

“I support this. We need this,” she said.

By a unanimous vote, council agreed to proceed with hiring an officer and using VLT money for the extra expense. 

After the meeting, Jankowski, a retired lieutenant with the city police department, shared his thoughts about what may be happening in the city and how this approach can help. 

“It worked in the past, which I hope it does in the future. When there were pockets of areas of maybe a drug house or some type of disruptive behavior in a neighborhood, we were able to send that team in there. And they were able to make observations, work with the community, work with the neighborhoods, and find a resolution to calm everything down and put it to rest. So if that works as well as it did last time, we have several hotspots we'd like to target, and we're going to want to use there and see how well it works,” he said. “And we're going to monitor it monthly to make sure that we are making gains. If it's not working out, then we're going to have to regroup and try something different. But we're pretty sure this will help.”

The Batavian asked Heubusch if there was already a list of potential candidates for the new officer and how long it would take to get one ready for this task.

“So we have a list that we've been working off of to hire our last round of hires. We'd have to take a look at that list and see who we can pick from it. We would have somebody in the background, we'd be able to put somebody in the background fairly quickly because we have a list that's already established, he said. “Police Academy for about five months and then field training for about four months after that. So it's a lengthy process unless we're lucky enough to find somebody that's willing to lateral to the department to fill the position then it's just field training.” 

Community night out proceeds to support K-9 program

By Press Release

Press Release:

The City of Batavia Police Department announced that Batavia Downs Gaming, Upstate Niagara/O-AT-KA Milk Products and WNY Heroes have signed on as Diamond Sponsors ($2,500+) for the department’s annual Batavia Police Community Night.  

The event is in partnership with The City Church and will take place on Tuesday, Aug. 22 from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at St. Anthony's, 114 Liberty St., Batavia.  Batavia Police Community Night is an annual community-building campaign that promotes strong police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make safer neighborhoods. 

Various organizations and groups once again will be participating in the annual event which will include free food, a bounce house, games for kids and more.  

There are various sponsorship opportunities at the Bronze level ($249 or less); Silver level ($250 - $499); Gold level ($500 -$2,499); and, Diamond level ($2,500+). There will be several interactive displays and booths available. The sponsorship deadline is Tuesday, August 1, 2023. 

“This event is aimed to enhance the relationship between neighbors and law enforcement while bringing back a true sense of community,” said Batavia Police Chief Shawn Heubusch. “The support of sponsors is critical to this effort and we are extremely grateful for the generosity of various businesses across the city and region as they recognize the vital importance between law enforcement and the community we serve.” 

Gold sponsors include Chapin, Genesee County Youth Bureau, Ken Barrett Chevrolet Cadillac, Mogavero's Auto and the Tonawanda Valley Federal Credit Union. 

Silver sponsors include Batavia Teachers' Association, Batavia Original Pizzeria, GCASA, Genesee County Economic Development Center, Habitat for Humanity Genesee County, Horizons Health Services, Northside Deli, Salmon Orthodontics, Southside Deli, V.J. Gautieri Constructors, Inc., and the WNY Association of Chiefs of Police. 

Bronze sponsors include Bob Bialkowski, Batavia Composite Squadron Civil Air Patrol, Bohm-Calarco-Smith Funeral Home and Roman’s. 

For more information and for those interested in a sponsorship opportunity, should contact Batavia Police Department Detective Matthew Wojtaszczyk at 585-345-6357 or at mwojtaszczyk@batavianewyork.com.

Batavia Downs donates unclaimed funds to K-9 units with Batavia PD, GCSO

By Press Release
Batavia downs K-9 donation
Deputy James Stack with K-9 Rayzor, Deputy Andrew Mullen with K-9 Frankie, and Officer Stephen Quider with K-9 Batu.
Photo by Howard Owens. 

Press release:

On Thursday, a ceremony was held in the lobby at Batavia Downs Gaming as Batavia Downs presented both local K-9 Units with a check from money that went unclaimed at Batavia Downs. 

When the money went unclaimed, Batavia Downs decided to sponsor the Department’s K-9 Unit as they have done in the past.  Both the Genesee County Sheriff’s Department and the Batavia Police Department’s K-9 Units received $2,000 each.

“We’re happy to once again support the local K-9 Units,” said Henry Wojtaszek, President and CEO of Batavia Downs.  “Now more than ever, it’s important for our local law enforcement to have the resources they need to keep local residents safe.  These officers do so much for the community, and we’re glad to do our part to help.”

“We appreciate the support from local businesses like Batavia Downs, “said Genesee County Sheriff William Sheron, Jr.  “These funds will help cover the K-9 unit’s expenses like food, training and equipment.”

“Public support and donations play an integral role in supporting our K-9 program,“ said Batavia Police Chief Shawn Heubusch.  “These funds will be used to offset the cost of food, veterinary services, training, equipment and other K-9-related expenses.”

Batavia downs K-9 donation
Henry Wojtaszek, CEO of Batavia Downs.
Photo by Howard Owens.
Batavia downs K-9 donation
K-9 Batu
Photo by Howard Owens.
Batavia downs K-9 donation
K-9 Rayzor
Photo by Howard Owens.
Batavia downs K-9 donation
K-9 Frankie
Photo by Howard Owens.
Batavia downs K-9 donation
Photo by Howard Owens.

Photo: Batavia PD holds annual flag ceremony for deceased retired officers

By Howard B. Owens
batavia pd flag service
The men and women who retired from the Batavia Police Department and are buried in local cemeteries were honored on Wednesday with flags placed by their headstones. The police department held a short service in the afternoon to commemorate the service of the former police officers.
Photo by Howard Owens.

Photo: Residents respond to Drug Take-Back Day, filling four boxes

By Howard B. Owens

drugdropoff2023.jpg

Today was another successful Drug Take-Back Day, said Batavia PD officers this afternoon at the drop-off spot on Alva Place in Batavia.

Four boxes were filled with unwanted prescription drugs so they can be safely destroyed.  Det. Jason Ivison said Le Roy PD officers also dropped off several full boxes for disposal.

Batavia PD, the Sheriff's Office on Park Road, and the State Police on West Saile Drive, all operate drug drop-off boxes in their lobbies throughout the year.

Photo by Howard Owens. Officer Connor Borchert, Det. Jason Ivison, and Officer Peter Post.

Lions Club prepares for Day of Caring bike restoration project

By Press Release

img_0567.jpg

Press release:

As the Batavia Lions Club continues to move past the pandemic, we are reconnecting with our partners from past projects.

For many years the Club had been working with the Batavia Police Department and Adam Millers to refurbish bikes that have been recovered by the BPD and get them into the hands of children and adults who can use them. To that end, Detectives James Defreze and Matthew Wojtaszczyk (pictured above with Lions President Diane Hawn) visited the Club to review how bikes might be recovered and be eligible for donation to the Lions Club.

Many bikes are recovered each year that are damaged beyond repair. Those bikes are disposed of. If owners can be found for the usable bikes, they will be returned. If there is no way to determine ownership, they can be donated to an organization like the Lions. In past years those bikes have been refurbished and distributed to organizations such as The Salvation Army and ARC.

The detectives do encourage people to register their bikes with the BPD so if they are recovered, the bikes can be returned to the owner.

A relaxed discussion followed on several issues that the BPD faces every day and the complexity of modern law enforcement. Detectives Defreze and Wojtaszczyk were relaxed and informative in the give-and-take with the Lions Club. The Club looks forward to re-establishing the bike program and working with BPD to serve the community.  

Top photo: Submitted.

dayofcaring2014-9.jpg

File photo from 2014 Day of Caring outside Adam Miller Toys and Bicycles by Howard Owens, from front: John Huntzinger, Chuck Brenner, Bob Swanson, Tom Clark, Pier Chipollone, Dave Cuttia, John Roach and Van Scoy.

Batavia PD participating in program to raise cancer awareness

By Press Release

bataviapdcancer.jpg

This February 2023, the City of Batavia Police Department has teamed up with the local Cancer Services Program (CSP) provided through United Memorial Medical Center to raise cancer awareness.  The Cancer Services Program provided Batavia PD members with several options of pins to wear during their tour of duty to raise cancer awareness.  The City of Batavia Police Department would like to thank the CSP and for allowing Batavia PD and it’s Officers to participate in spreading the word on such an important topic.  Batavia PD would also like to thank our local CSP and their employees for all the great work that they do for our community. 

The Cancer Services Program provides breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer screening, follow-up tests, help getting treatment and support services at no cost to people who qualify. 

Who qualifies?  People who;

  • Live in New York State
  • Do not have health insurance
  • Have health insurance with a cost share that makes the cost of screening too high
  • Meet the program rules for age in income

Why should I be screened?

  • Cancer screening can save lives.  Screening tests check for signs of cancer before there are symptoms or problems.
  • Screening tests for breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer can find cancer early, when it may be easier to treat.
  • Cervical and colorectal cancer can be prevented if found early.

Cancer Screening

  • Breast Cancer Screening
    • Women ages 40 and older
    • Women under age 40 at high risk for breast cancer
  • Cervical Cancer Screening
    • Women ages 40 and older
  • Colorectal Cancer Screening
    • People age 45 and older at average risk for colorectal cancer
    • People at increased or high risk for colorectal cancer

Follow-Up for Abnormal Tests

  • If a screening test finds something, the CSP will do more testing, called diagnostic tests.  These tests can tell if something is, or is not, cancer.

Help with Treatment

  • If breast, cervical or colorectal cancer is found, the CSP helps though who meet the program rules enroll in the New York State Medicaid Cancer Treatment Program (MCTP).  The MCT provides full Medicaid for the entire time a person is treated for cancer.
  • -Men diagnosed with prostate cancer by a CSP-participating health care provider may be able to enroll in the MCTP.

Note: The CSP does not pay for prostate cancer screening or diagnostic testing.

Support Services

  • Patient Navigation
    • CSP staff can help you find transportation and other assistance you may need if you are having trouble making o getting to your screening appointment.
  • Case Management
    • CSP case managers make sure follow-up appointments for more testing are scheduled and that patients have the supports they need.
  • Links to Other Cancer Service Organizations
    • Organizations through New York State provide support services to New Yorkers with cancer and their families.  Call 1-866-442-2262 to find services, such as survivor support groups and genetic counseling.

What if I have health insurance?

  • Most health insurance covers breast, cervical and colorectal cancer screenings at no cost to the patient.  This includes Medicaid and plans in the New York State of Health.  Check with your insurance plan to find out what cancer screening services are covered.

What if I need health insurance?

  • To enroll in the New York State of Health, call 855-355-5777 or find out more on their website: nystateofhealth.ny.gov

Did you know…

  • Breast cancer is most often found in women age 50 and older.  Women ages 50 to 74 years should get a mammogram every two years.
  • Cervical cancer is most often found in women who have never been screened.
  • About 9 in 10 colorectal cancers occur in people age 50 or older.  People ages 45 to 75 years should get colorectal cancer screenings tests.

How do I find a CSP?

  • Call your local CSP at 716-278-4898
  • You may also call 1-866-442-CANCER ( 2262).  The call is free and operators are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to connect you to a CSP near you.  Hablamos Espanol.  There are translation services for other languages.

Members of the City of Batavia Police Department and your local Cancer Services Program employees.  The sign reads “Are you uninsured?  Call the CSP and ask about free cancer Screenings!  716-278-4898”

BPD raises $1,560 for Genesee Cancer Assistance in Movember

By Press Release

movember_2022.jpg

Press release:

The Batavia Police Department has closed out the Movember / Don’t Shave December campaigns for 2022. The department was able to raise $1,560 for Genesee Cancer Assistance. Department members would like to thank the community for their support and donations.

The Movember Worldwide Campaign started in 2003 in Australia and has since grown. Movember was created to bring awareness to Men’s Health, specifically, prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health, and suicide prevention.

Submitted photo.

BPD participating in Polar Plunge for Special Olympics, fundraising goal of $1k

By Press Release

polar_plungebpd.jpg

Press release:

The City of Batavia Police Department has accepted the challenge to support Special Olympics New York by participating in the Polar Plunge located at John Kennedy Intermediate on Feb. 10, and has set a goal to raise at least $1,000!

Children and adults with intellectual differences that participate in Special Olympics New York pledge an oath, "Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt". Today, the oath has never been truer, and Special Olympics New York athletes need our help!

How can you help? Please take a moment to visit our personal fundraising page and make a donation to help us reach our fundraising goal!

Your donation will help Special Olympics New York continue to provide year-round sports training, athletic competition and healthy living programs. Giving every athlete to experience physical fitness, learn to be courageous, experience joy and meet new friends with Special Olympics New York athletes.

Thank you for considering a donation to this fundraiser! We will continue to update our progress to reaching our fundraising goal and we appreciate the support!

Be on the lookout for our School Resource Officers, Officer Borchert and Officer Stevens on February 10th participating in this event!

If you wish to donate or register yourself to join our team and participate (Batavia Blue Devils), you can click this link. http://events.nyso.org/goto/BataviaPoliceDepartment

Thank you for your support!

Efficiency, equality, emergency response on deck for city police requests during Monday's council meeting

By Joanne Beck

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A one-time salary adjustment, three years of increases, an extra holiday, and a $1,500 stipend have been negotiated into the city police contract that was set to expire on March 31, city management says.

City Council approved the new contract during its business meeting Monday at City Hall.

In an effort to retain employees and become more competitive with cities comparable to Batavia, the deal was struck to bump up salaries with a 3 percent increase the first year, followed by a 2.5 percent for each second and third year, Assistant Manager Erik Fix said.

The total budget impact for the three-year deal is an extra $296,220. Fix was pleased with how negotiations went with the Police Benevolent Association union, which will pay increased healthcare premiums of between 15 to 30 percent.

“We both brought a lot of respect to the table,” Fix said.

June 19, a newly declared federal holiday will be added to the department’s holiday schedule, and, while the average pay is currently more comparable to other cities, the top salary is still above Batavia’s pay, he and City Manager Rachael Tabelski said. This new agreement will bring that more in an equitable range, they said.

The $1,500 stipend, considered much the same as a signing bonus, will be a one-time payment to come from American Rescue Plan Act funds doled out as post-COVID relief monies.

Councilman Bob Bialkowski asked if the extra holiday would cause any issues with overtime for officers. Chief Shawn Heubusch said that extra holiday could be paid out to those not wanting to take the day off, or it could be used as a floating holiday. He didn’t promise that overtime wouldn’t be an issue, though he hoped that wouldn’t be the case.

In other police action, City Council approved spending $62,292 to replace firearms — from the Glock 22, 40 calibers to Glock 17, 9 mm -- a projectile that has come "a long way" in accuracy and precision. The department also asked to purchase five AR-15 rifles to ensure that each member of the department will have access to one during a type of crisis active shooter situation, Assistant Police Chief Chris Camp said.

The detective bureau's vehicles are not currently equipped with AR-15s, he said.

"They can go to the Armory to pick one up, but that's not realistic, in my opinion. We want them to have them in their vehicle ... to save lives," Camp said.

Other equipment requests included community speed display signs and street surveillance camera replacement for $20,908 and $99,700, respectively. Such community displays are “great visual reminders and reinforce the speed limits in appropriate areas,” he said, and cameras have been “instrumental in solving cases across the spectrum for the department.”

Tabelski recommended that the council approve a transfer of $100,000 from video lottery terminal funds (a portion of the city’s total from Batavia Downs’ proceeds) to go toward the equipment expense.

Council approved the transfer and purchases during its business meeting.

Photo: Assistant City Manager Erik Fix and City Manager Rachael Tabelski discuss a PBA contract during Monday's conference session at City Hall. Photo by Howard Owens.

No matter whether incoming or outgoing, all are thankful for city service, opportunities

By Joanne Beck

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If not for God’s call to become a pastor, Donald Shirk may have been working alongside the men in blue he so proudly served as a police chaplain, he says.

Shirk was honored for that service of 22 years by City Council during its conference session Monday evening at City Hall. The senior pastor at Grace Baptist Church now for 36 years, Shirk was led to a different path, and has embraced his chaplain role as “a great privilege” to work with the men and women police officers at the city station, he said.

“I’ve been so honored to serve along with them in the course of time and to also consider them as friends. And so I just have greatly appreciated that, I also just wanted to say what a tremendous privilege it's been to serve the past and present officers of our community. We have extraordinary men and women in that capacity,” Shirk said. “No one has the kind of front-row seat into the challenges of dealing with the darkness and the brokenness of this world than our law enforcement community. And that can take a toll on you. And it's been my privilege to be able to come alongside them and help remind them of that because law enforcement is God's idea. It comes with his blessing and his comfort and his strength.”

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Shirk also gave a nod of confidence to incoming chaplain Zack Dawson and his heartfelt thanks to the City Council for the group’s “tireless work” on behalf of its citizens. Dawson said he was thankful "that I get the opportunity to serve the police and the community in this way and to be a part of helping to better any needs that are here."

"And to be a support to the police officers in the department and then the community members as well," he said. "So I'm just thankful for the opportunity."

A Stakeholder Group report was issued in January 2021 regarding various aspects of the city police department, including the fact that being a law enforcement officer can be extremely stressful and challenging enough to impact the mental wellness of police officers.

Batavia Police Department planned to implement an Officer Wellness Program to support the safety, health (both physical and mental), and wellness of every member of the force with additional resources to help them cope with the acute and long-term trauma of police work and the effects it can have on one’s personal life. Resources such as the Police Chaplain program were to be made available to the members on a confidential basis.

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In other recognitions Monday evening, Wade Schwab was presented with a proclamation for his baker's dozen of “dedicated service as a vital member of an emergency response team” since September 2009.

Schwab was “instrumental” not only in training other team members and coordinating resources but as a leader working in the field.

“He served his community with professionalism and compassion,” Councilwoman Kathy Briggs said, reading the proclamation. “In a true spirit of appreciation for over 13 years of selfless, dedicated service to the city of Batavia, the City Council of the City of Batavia does hereby make this proclamation to sincerely thank Wade Schwab for his service to our community and to wish him well.”

He in turn thanked the city for the opportunity, noting that it has been “a very humbling experience.”

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Top Photo of Rev. Donald Shirk; incoming police Chaplain Zack Dawson; retiring emergency response team employee Wade Schwab; and City Council President Eugene Jankowski Jr. presenting the proclamation to Donald Shirk during a City Council meeting Monday evening. Photos by Howard Owens.

Batavia PD and FD to battle it out on the ice this Sunday

By Press Release

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Press release:

This Sunday, Jan. 8, at 6:30 p.m., the City of Batavia Police Department and Fire Department are squaring off for a hockey match-up. 

The two agencies have battled it out on the softball diamond in years past. 

The game will take place at the David M. McCarthy Memorial Ice Arena. 

The board of directors at the ice rink has gone above and beyond to make this event both successful and memorable.

Robbie Nichols (owner of the Batavia Muckdogs) brought this idea to both departments.  Nichols hosted similar events in Binghamton.  Marc Witt (employed by Nichols and the Muckdogs) has taken lead on organizing the game. 

The doors at the ice rink will open at 5:30 p.m.  Patrons will be welcomed by some high-energy music to set the tone for the evening.   The teams will take the ice for warm-ups around 5:50 p.m.

At around 6:30 p.m., the show starts.  Team introductions will have all patrons on their feet.  The National Anthem is being played by Miles Meyer on electric guitar.  Puck drop is scheduled for 6:35 p.m., directly after the ceremonial puck drop. 

The ice rink secured a one-day liquor license and will be stocked with your favorite food/beverages.  The night will include 50/50 drawings.  Staff is still trying to work out the logistics of the fan favorite “chuck a puck.”  The Batavia Rampart Mite Teams will keep fans entertained by playing during intermissions. 

All proceeds will benefit the David McCarthy Memorial foundation.    

Submitted photo.

Harvester Center businessman 'pleased' with informative response from police chief, more discussion to follow

By Joanne Beck

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Even though all of business owner Rob Credi’s scrutinies have not been quelled, he feels that portions of city management have given him what he wanted: informative communication.

After sending emails to city leaders and talking publicly at this week’s City Council meeting, Credi has gotten answers and a prospective meeting to further discuss his issues.

He has served as a representative of his Pub Coffee Hub and for other entrepreneurs in Harvester Center, which houses 75 businesses.

During Monday’s council meeting, Credi wanted to express his frustration and know why “no parking” signs were re-installed on the east side of Harvester Avenue, where he operates his coffee shop.

City Police Chief Shawn Heubusch informed Credi Wednesday that the signs “were never intended to be removed” permanently, Credi said. They were taken down temporarily as part of the Harvester road construction project and were to be returned upon completion of work.

Credi said he wasn’t surprised that it took quite awhile to return the signs, or that there was “no communication with us whatsoever.” He was, however, disappointed to find out, after believing that his street was going to reap some extra parking spots for customers, that it was just a matter of delayed action to re-install the "no parking" signs.

He also learned that similar signs on the west side of Harvester do not fall within City Code and cannot, therefore, be enforced by city police. To clarify, approving the City Code falls within the authority of City Council and not the police department.

“(Heubusch) has no explanation as to when or how they got there,” Credi said. “We are working to schedule a meeting for mid-January to look into the best way to address parking on both sides.”

Credi said he is “very pleased with the communication” from the police chief. He has, though, tallied another tick mark in “the disappointment column from the construction debacle,” he said.

For prior coverage, go to: 

Harvester Avenue businessman presses city for answers

Harvester Avenue road construction a slow-moving hindrance

File Photo of Rob Credi when he opened Pub Coffee Hub in July 2020 at Harvester Center, Batavia, by Howard Owens.

BPD promotes Lindsay to sergeant

By Press Release

Press release:

The City of Batavia Police Department is honored to announce the promotion of Officer Christopher "CJ" Lindsay to the rank of Sergeant.

Sergeant Lindsay began his career with the City of Batavia Police Department in September of 2014.

He attended the Basic Police Academy at the Monroe County Public Safety Training Center, graduating in 2015.

Sergeant Lindsay is a Field Training Officer, Bicycle Patrol Officer and a member of the Department's Emergency Response Team. He has been active in community events and has received recognition from the Department, City and community for his work on several cases. 

Sergeant Lindsay is a 2006 graduate of Cornerstone Christian Academy, where he received his high school diploma and then attended Genesee Community College, graduating in 2013 with his Associate's Degree in Criminal Justice.

Sergeant Lindsay will be assigned to the swing shift.

Shop With a Cop set for Saturday

By Press Release

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Press Release

The Batavia Police Department in collaboration with the Village of LeRoy Police Department and Genesee County Sheriff’s Office will hold the 8th annual “Shop With a Cop” event. The event will take place Saturday, December 10th at the Walmart located at 4133 Veterans Memorial Drive in Batavia. 

Approximately 30 children will be participating in Saturday’s event, and any excess funds raised will be banked towards next year’s event. Each child will have the opportunity to take a photograph with Santa and meet their individual police officer before browsing the store.

“I want to acknowledge the hard work and effort put forth by our officers into organizing this event for the community and in particular Detective James DeFreze who does a tremendous job every year in putting this event together,” Batavia Police Chief Shawn Heubusch said. “We are proud of the efforts of our department to have started this event eight years ago, and by partnering with the Le Roy Police Department and the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, this has become a highly anticipated event in the community.”

Donations have been received from Wal-Mart, H.E. Turner & Company, Inc., the Batavia Police Benevolent Association, Civil Service Employee Association (CSEA), Bonarigo and McCutcheon law office, and other members of the community.

Approximately $2,800 has been raised to date.  Those interested in donating can contact Detective James DeFreze at jdefreze@batavianewyork.com.

“On behalf of our department, the Village of LeRoy Police Department and the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office we would like to thank Walmart for their generosity and assistance in making this event possible,” Heubusch said.

File Photo of City Police Chief Shawn Heubusch participating in Shop With a Cop in 2021. Photo by Howard Owens.

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