Genesee County Sheriff's Office

Press Release:

The Civil/Records Office at the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, 165 Park Road, Batavia, will be closed tomorrow, November 14, for an important, off-site training. It will resume normal operations at 8:30 a.m. on Friday, November 15.

Online services are available at https://www.geneseeny.gov/Department-Content/Sheriffs-Office/Civil-Bureau or https://www.geneseeny.gov/Department-Content/Sheriffs-Office/Sheriff-Records for many common requests and transactions.

This closure is part of ongoing efforts to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the office, ensuring that staff members are fully equipped with the latest tools and knowledge to serve the community.

“We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate the community’s understanding as we invest in the professional development of our staff to better serve you,” said Sheriff Sheron.

Press Release:

The New York State Sheriffs’ Institute provides a $500 scholarship to one student majoring in Criminal Justice, Police Science, or a similar program from each community college in New York State, and SUNY Canton, each year.

This year, Colton Tarbell, who is currently enrolled in Criminal Justice at Genesee Community College was nominated by the college’s Criminal Justice faculty. 

Genesee County Sheriff William A. Sheron, Jr., Undersheriff Bradley D. Mazur, and Chief Deputy Joseph M. Graff presented Colton with a $500.00 check to be used to further his Criminal Justice education, along with a scholarship certificate from the New York State Sheriffs’ Institute.

Press Release:

On Saturday, October 26 from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., law enforcement agencies across Genesee County and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration will provide the public the opportunity to prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs.

There will be three locations across the county where citizens can dispose of their medications. Sharps will only be accepted at the Batavia location which moved from the Alva lot this year. The service is free and anonymous, and no questions are asked. 

The Batavia Police Department, in conjunction with United Memorial Medical Center, will be accepting prescription drugs and sharps at the Batavia Police Department, located at 10 W. Main Street, Batavia.

The Genesee County Sheriff’s Office will accept prescription drugs ONLY at the Pembroke Town Hall, 1145 Main Rd. Corfu. 

The LeRoy Police Department will accept prescription drugs ONLY at their headquarters, 3 West Main Street, Le Roy. 

This initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue. Medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse. Rates of prescription drug abuse in the United States are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs.  

In addition to DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day, there are many other ways to dispose of unwanted prescription drugs every day, including the 11,000 authorized collectors that are available all year long. 

The Batavia Police Department Headquarters has one for everyday collection of drugs located in the lobby at 10 West Main St., Batavia. 

Containers are also located at the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office on Park Road, Batavia, and the Le Roy Police Department. 

Sharps are accepted at United Memorial Medical Center, 127 North Street, Batavia. 

The FDA also provides information on how to dispose of prescription drugs properly. More information is available here: www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/where-and-how-dispose-unused-medicines For more information about the disposal of prescription drugs or the April 27 Take Back Day event, go to www.DEATakeBack.com.

Press Release:

Genesee County Sheriff’s Office Deputies Nicholas S. Jennings, Soren M. Calderón, Matthew J. Wesolowski, and Leah L. Bezon recently graduated from the 82nd Niagara County Law Enforcement Academy at Niagara County Community College.

Deputy Nicholas S. Jennings is a 2011 graduate of Attica Central School. He received an Associate Degree from Genesee Community College in 2013 and graduated from the 27th Rural Police Training Academy in 2016. Deputy Jennings was previously employed as a Correction Officer with the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS).

Deputy Soren M. Calderón is a 2019 graduate of Pembroke Central School. He attended Hilbert College and received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice in 2023. 

Deputy Matthew J. Wesolowski received the Det. Lt. Kristina Zell Physical Fitness Award in his basic academy class. He is a 2007 graduate of Iroquois Central School, received an Associate Degree from Erie Community College in 2009, and a Bachelor of Science Degree from Buffalo State College in 2013. Deputy Wesolowski served in the United States Navy for eight years as an Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) specialist and is proficient in firearms training, sky diving, and underwater diving.

Deputy Leah L. Bezon is a 2021 graduate of Elba Central School and in 2023, received an Associate Degree in Criminal Justice from Genesee Community College.

Press Release:

Sheriffs’ Week celebrates the significant contributions made by the Office of Sheriff as an integral part of the criminal justice system in New York State and in Genesee County throughout our history. Having been established in the State’s first constitution in 1777, and having been continued in every succeeding constitution, it is one of the original constitutional offices of Genesee County first established in 1802.

The Office of Sheriff is currently held by William A. Sheron, Jr. He was elected Sheriff in 2017 and has worked for the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office for the past 47 1/2 years. Sheriff Sheron is also a trustee of the Executive Committee for the New York State Sheriffs’ Association.

The Office of Sheriff has evolved into a modern, professionally accredited, full-service law enforcement and public safety agency, manned by fully trained police and peace officers, as well as civilians using state-of-the-art technology and applying the latest and most-advanced theories and practices in the criminal justice field.

The Office of Sheriff is unique in the community, and the duties of the Office go far beyond the traditional role of “Keeper of the Peace,” and extend into many facets of public service, including maintaining the county jail, providing security in our schools, dispatching emergency services, communication systems, animal control, community service and victim assistance, and serving/executing civil process and victim protection orders for our courts.

As a constitutionally empowered Office directly responsible to the people, the ancient Office of Sheriff remains, even today, responsive and accountable to the public it serves. This week, we celebrate the historical and current contributions of the Office of Sheriff and the significant role that the Sheriff’s Office plays in our modern criminal justice system.

Press Release:

The Genesee County Sheriff's Office is seeking applicants for the Deputy Sheriff exam, with applications due by August 28. The examination is scheduled for September 28.

Interested candidates can find the exam application, job description, and minimum qualifications on the Genesee County Human Resources page at www.geneseeny.gov.

The Sheriff's Office is an equal opportunity employer and encourages all qualified individuals to apply, regardless of race, creed, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, or marital status.

For additional information and to apply, visit www.geneseeny.gov/departments/humanresources/exams.php.

Press Release:

“The fifth annual Genesee County Sheriff’s Office Teen Academy was another great success. The academy was held July 8 - 12, at Genesee Community College. This academy was made possible with the support of Genesee County STOP DWI, the Genesee County Legislature, and Genesee Community College. The students were provided with the opportunity to experience the various roles of law enforcement in our community, and they eagerly embraced all aspects of the curriculum. I want to thank the students for their hard work and dedication and to all those that provided instruction throughout this week-long program. A special thank you to Academy Director Deputy/SRO Joshua A. Brabon, and all the Deputies, School Resource Officers, and Investigators for their assistance and efforts in coordinating such a unique, one-of-a-kind experience for the students. We look forward to continuing this annual event for students throughout Genesee County for many more years to come,” stated Sheriff Sheron.

The following participants are graduates of the fifth annual Genesee County Sheriff’s Office Teen Academy:

Squad Leaders: Jireth Arias Diaz and Erica Gibbs

• Roan Finn 
• Audraya White 
• Kaylee Merrill 
• Dylan Vaughn 
• Erik Garcia 
• Anna McLaughlin 
• Macie Parton 
• Addisyn Van Dorn 
• Skyler Carroll 
• Kyle Pietrzykowski 
• Ashton Pfendler 
• Robert Villano, II 
• Deacon Queal 
• Michael Fortuna
• Nathan Schiller
• Bryan Lagunes-Carmona

Submitted photos.

Press Release:

The Genesee County Sheriff’s Office will hold its 5th annual Teen Academy from July 8 to July 12 at Genesee Community College. Over the past several months, posters and flyers have been posted at Genesee County Schools, and the June 1 deadline to apply is only days away. There is no charge to attend the academy.

“Partnering with GCC has allowed us the opportunity to introduce Teen Academy participants to the college’s criminal justice facilities, which include a 9-1-1 dispatch console simulator and a firearms simulator. The Teen Academy is a one-week, structured program that consists of instructional classes designed to provide high-school-aged students within our community an introduction to law enforcement
training and gain an understanding of law enforcement’s role in their community. It is our hope that teens will build confidence while learning good decision-making and leadership skills,” stated Sheriff Sheron.

Academy instructors are experienced Deputy Sheriffs who will discuss the day-to-day operations of the Sheriff’s Office. Participants will also: 

• visit the County Jail, 911 Emergency Services Dispatch Center, and Sheriff’s Office
• observe displays of the Emergency Response Team (ERT), Hostage Negotiation, K-9 Unit and Evidence Recovery 
• be provided insight into motor vehicle accident reconstruction 
• participate in daily physical fitness runs, defensive tactics, and team-building exercises
• participate in a classroom setting and learn about the NYS Penal Laws and Vehicle & Traffic Laws
• participate in mock traffic stops and DWI procedures 

Qualified candidates will be selected for an interview screening process if they meet the following requirements:

• must be entering grades 10-12 at the time of application submission
• must be in good academic standing with little to no disciplinary issues
• must be able to participate in physical fitness activities
• must have a positive attitude
• must have their parent’s permission

For more information or to obtain an application, scan the QR code below or contact Deputy Joshua Brabon at 585-345-3000 x3230.

Submitted photos from 2023 Teen Academy.

Press Release:

In 1991, a formal Congressional resolution acknowledged the vital role that telecommunicators play in emergency situations by proclaiming the second week in April as a week of annual recognition in their honor.

National Public Safety Telecommunicators’ Week is a time to thank these men and women who have dedicated their lives to serving the public.

Genesee County Sheriff William A. Sheron, Jr., along with the Genesee County Legislature and all emergency first responders, recognize these public safety professionals for their continued dedication, professionalism, and commitment to public service. The Genesee County Legislature issued a proclamation recognizing April 14 – 20, as National Public Safety Telecommunicators’ Week.

Emergency Services 9-1-1 Dispatchers are there 24/7, 365 days a year for police, fire and emergency medical personnel and the public in time of need. 

Many people do not think about these seemingly nameless, faceless individuals until they experience actual emergencies themselves. In many instances, Dispatchers make the difference between life and death. 

Typically, over 80,000 events are dispatched yearly, a daily average of 219, and over 100,000 telephone calls are handled, which is an average of 273 calls per day. 

The Genesee County Emergency Services Dispatch Center is comprised of 23 men and women who dispatch to 5 local police agencies, the New
York State Police, 19 fire departments/Emergency Management Service, 3 ambulance services, as well as 41 other local, county, regional, state, and federal agencies.

“Everyday citizens depend on the skill, expertise and commitment of the 9-1-1 Dispatchers. They are the first to take that phone call; the first to provide basic life support in a medical emergency; and also the first to dispatch needed fire, police or EMS responders for the call. 

They are to be recognized and commended during this very special week. I would like to personally extend my sincere appreciation for their hard work and dedication. They are truly unsung heroes in our community,” stated Sheriff Sheron.

Press Release:

National Animal Control Officer Appreciation Week is celebrated every second full week of April and is endorsed by the National Animal Care & Control Association.

The Genesee County Legislature issued a proclamation recognizing April 14 – 20, as National Public Safety Telecommunicators’ Week.

For those in the community that may not be aware, Genesee County Sheriff William A. Sheron, Jr. is responsible for the Genesee County Animal Shelter and its two Dog Control Officers (DCO), Sarah Fountain and Catherine Seward. 

DCO Fountain and Seward are tasked with picking up stray or dangerous animals every day, all year round. They protect animals from abusers and people from dangerous animals. These officers seek justice in cases of abused, neglected and abandoned animals; they conduct humane investigations pursuant to NYS Agriculture and Markets Laws, Public Health Laws, and bring in helpless animals.

They ensure any and all animals impounded are properly sheltered, fed, and watered and properly adopted, redeemed, or disposed of in a humane manner. 

If you see Dog Control Officer Fountain or Seward this week, give them a thumbs up or friendly wave. Remember, pet owners, license and tag your pet. Your local dog control officer will be happy knowing regular vaccination protocols have been followed and the tag (or chip implant) will help the officer identify the animal and you, the owner.

“The work of the Genesee County Dog Control Officers is so important for our community. Additionally important is the support and unique relationship we have with the Volunteers for Animals organization. Dog Control Officers Fountain and Seward, along with the VFA, ensure the shelter runs efficiently and needed services are provided to the community,” stated Sheriff Sheron. 

Press Release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batavia) is honoring the life and legacy of Sgt. Thomas A. Sanfratello who tragically died early Sunday morning after responding to an incident at Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel. 

Sgt. Sanfratello suffered a heart attack at the scene and passed away after several efforts to revive him. Sanfratello proudly served the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office for 32 years beginning his career with the department in February of 1992. 

In 1996, he was appointed a deputy sheriff and then promoted to sergeant in 2007. 

Earlier this year, he had the honor of presenting his son, Ian, with several awards after he graduated top of his class at the Niagara County Law Enforcement Academy. Hawley is saddened to hear of Sgt. Sanfratello’s passing and his thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones during this time.

“The news of Sgt. Sanfratello’s passing is both heartbreaking and tragic,” said Hawley. “His service and dedication to his community over the last 32 years is nothing short of admirable and is a shining example of what it means to be a leader and a hero. Every day our law enforcement officers put their lives on the line to keep us safe, and Sgt. Sanfratello exemplified this throughout his career. I extend my deepest condolences to the Sanfratello family, and I will continue to keep them in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.”

Press Release:

Genesee County Sheriff William A. Sheron Jr. announces the graduation of Correction Officers Ian A. Sanfratello, Aaron M. Spring, and William H. Steavens today from the Niagara County Law Enforcement Academy’s 27th Basic Course for Correction Officers.

At the top of the class was C.O. Sanfratello who received the Academic Excellence and Joseph E. Steblein Memorial awards. Joseph E. Steblein was the first director of the Niagara County Law Enforcement Academy. This memorial award is presented to the individual who demonstrates overall excellence in all areas of training and is selected by the instructors of the academy.

The 247-hour course included training in effective communications, essential services, use of force, NYS Penal Law, Criminal Procedure Law, Inmate Transportation, Firearms, Pepper Spray, Taser and Defensive Tactics, and other topics pertaining to corrections. 

“Congratulations to all three of these Correction Officers. We look forward to your future in Corrections at the Genesee County Jail,” stated Sheriff William A. Sheron, Jr.

Press Release:

Sheriff William A. Sheron Jr. announced Wednesday that he will not be seeking
reelection for another term as Genesee County Sheriff. Sheriff Sheron’s current
term ends on Dec. 31, 2024, at which time he will retire.

Upon completion of this term, Sheriff Sheron will have served 47 1/2 years with
the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, starting in 1977 as a 9-1-1 Dispatcher and
progressing through the ranks of Deputy Sheriff – Jail, Deputy Sheriff – Road
Patrol, Sergeant, Investigator, Chief Deputy – Road Patrol, and Undersheriff for
20 years before being elected Sheriff in 2016.

"It has been an honor and a privilege to serve with the Genesee County Sheriff’s
Office, and I wish to thank my family, current and former members of the
Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, along with the citizens of Genesee County, for
all the support provided throughout the years," Sheron said.

The Genesee County Sheriff's Office has lifted the travel advisory for Genesee County as of midnight Monday. The sheriff's office urges caution if motorists decide to travel. 

Press Release:

Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, the City of Batavia Police Department, and the Village of LeRoy Police Department will be participating in a coordinated effort with the Genesee County STOP-DWI program to bring awareness to the dangers of impaired driving. 

Law enforcement officers and STOP-DWI programs across New York State will be participating in a combined effort to bring awareness to the dangers of impaired driving, prevent injuries, and save lives. 

The campaign, which runs through January 1, aims to educate people about the dangers and consequences of driving drunk. Highly visible, highly publicized efforts like the STOP-DWI High Visibility Engagement Campaign aim to further reduce the incidence of drunk and impaired driving.

While STOP-DWI efforts across New York State have led to significant reductions in the numbers of alcohol and drug related fatalities, still too many lives are being lost because of crashes caused by drunk or impaired drivers. If you are going to drink, drink responsibly. Don’t drink & drive. 

Designate a driver. Don’t let alcohol take the wheel.

The Genesee County Local Drug Enforcement Task Force, comprised of police officers from the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office and Batavia Police Department, charged a Le Roy man with two counts of the criminal sale of a controlled substance, third degree, and two counts of the criminal possession of a controlled substance, third degree, on Dec. 18 as the result of an investigation into the possession, transportation and sale of crack cocaine in and around Genesee County. 

Brant G. Matthews, 29, was taken into custody on a sealed indictment warrant out of Genesee County Court Dec. 18 after it was alleged that he sold a quantity of crack cocaine to an agent of the Genesee County Drug Task Force in the city of Batavia on two occasions.

Matthews was arraigned in Genesee County Court and released on his own recognizance in accordance with bail reform laws.

Task Force members were assisted by uniformed deputies of the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, Batavia Police Department and the Genesee County District Attorney’s Office.

Ebony Lauren Jenkins, 24, of Child Street, Rochester, was charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, seventh degree, and resisting arrest for an incident that occurred at 4:37 p.m. on Dec. 14 at North Lake Road in the Town of Bergen.

Jenkins was charged after she was allegedly found to be in possession of a controlled substance Dec. 12. She was contacted on Dec. 14 by Genesee County Sheriff’s Office for an unrelated matter and it is alleged that Jenkins attempted to resist arrest when responding deputies took her into custody for the aforementioned charge, deputies said. 

Jenkins was issued appearance tickets and released. She is due to appear at 3 p.m. in Bergen Town Court on Jan 17.

A 30-year-old Webster man was charged with introducing dangerous contraband into prison, first degree for an incident that allegedly occurred at 9:15 a.m. Dec. 18 at Genesee County Jail, 14 W. Main St., Batavia.

Kenneth Scott, of Daniel Drive, was arraigned on Dec. 19 in CAP Court.

Amanda Knauss of Batavia was charged with petit larceny after it was alleged that she stole property valued at $230.75 on Dec. 16 from Walmart on Veterans Memorial Drive, Batavia. Knauss, 30, was issued an appearance ticket for 3 p.m. Jan. 9 in Batavia Town Court.

Donald Stephen Lewandowski, of Back Street, Corfu, was charged with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, first degree, aggravated unlicensed operation in the second degree, and driving while intoxicated, for an incident on Dec. 20, Genesee County Sheriff’s deputies said.

Deputies responded to Sharrick Road in the Town of Darien at 6:58 p.m. Dec. 20 for the report of a property damage accident. Lewandowski, 45, was identified as the operator as a result of an official police investigation. He allegedly crashed his vehicle while in an intoxicated condition and attempted to flee the scene, deputies said.

Lewandowski was transported to the Genesee County Jail for processing, and was also charged with leaving the scene of a property damage accident and unlicensed operator, speed not reasonable and prudent, failure to keep right, moved from lane unsafely and no seat belt.

Lewandowski was held at Genesee County Jail awaiting arraignment at CAP Court scheduled for Dec. 21. 

A 36-year-old Le Roy man was charged with second-degree criminal contempt after allegedly failing to appear in Genesee County Grand Jury on two occasions after being served subpoenas, Genesee County Sheriff’s deputies said. 

Joseph Daniel Summers Jr., of Myrtle Street, was issued an appearance ticket for 1 p.m. Jan. 9 in Batavia City Court. 

Deajah D. Johnson, 22, Diamond L. Reed, 25, and Jahki T. Jackson, 24, were each charged with petit larceny and conspiracy, sixth degree, on Dec. 19, Genesee County Sheriff’s deputies said.

Sheriff’s Office personnel responded to a larceny in progress at Walmart in Batavia on Dec. 19, and as deputies arrived on scene, the three above-named individuals were allegedly pushing out a cart full of stolen items, deputies said. 

Reed and Johnson were taken into custody without incident. Jackson took off on foot and, after a brief foot pursuit, Jackson was also taken into custody. Johnson, Reed and Jackson allegedly stole merchandise from the store. Jackson was also charged with obstruction of governmental administration, second degree.

Johnson, Reed and Jackson were released on appearance tickets and are to appear at 10 a.m. Jan. 9 in Batavia Town Court.

Assisting in the investigation were Sergeant Michael Lute, Investigator Ryan DeLong, Investigator Erik Andre, Deputy Schildwaster, Deputy Jeremy McClellan, Deputy Travis DeMuth and Deputy Jenna Ferrando.

Donte J. Roberson, no known address, was charged with petit larceny for allegedly stealing traffic cones on Dec. 17. The 42-year-old was issued an appearance ticket for 6 p.m. Feb. 1 at Oakfield Town Court.

Emilia Carolyn M. Santiago, 28, was charged with petit larceny, conspiracy, sixth degree, and possession of burglary tools, after being stopped at 7:19 p.m. Dec. 14 while leaving Dick’s Sporting Goods at 4180 Veterans Memorial Drive in Batavia. 

Santiago had pending charges with the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office and was placed under arrest, deputies said. After a search of Santiago, it was allegedly found that she had stolen goods in her handbag that she was carrying while leaving the store.

Santiago, of Stevens Street, Buffalo, was taken to Genesee County Jail and was arraigned on Dec. 15 and released pending another court date.

Press Release:

Genesee County law enforcement agencies, including the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, City of Batavia Police Department, and LeRoy Police Department will be participating in a coordinated effort with the STOP-DWI program to bring awareness to the dangers of impaired driving. 

The statewide STOP-DWI Impaired Driving High Visibility Engagement Campaign runs: Oct. 27 – 31.

Designate a driver. Don’t let alcohol take the wheel. When it comes to impaired driving Halloween can turn the roads into a horror fest. While families spend time with their children trick or treating and hosting parties with loved ones, law enforcement officers and STOP-DWI programs across New York State will participate in special efforts to stop impaired driving, prevent injuries, and save lives.

The STOP-DWI Halloween High Visibility Engagement Campaign is one of many statewide initiatives promoted by STOP-DWI NY and the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee. Highly visible, highly publicized efforts like the STOP-DWI High Visibility Engagement Campaign aim to further reduce the incidence of drunk and impaired driving.

Impaired driving is completely preventable. All it takes is a little planning.

Sheriff’s deputies encounter a lot of different scenarios when out on patrol, and after a weeklong training on various mental health issues, several of them will be more versed to handle crisis intervention training in this area as well, county Mental Health Director Lynda Battaglia says.

Battaglia and co-facilitator David Moore, an investigator with the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, wrapped up the 40-hour course with eight graduates Friday at Genesee Community College. 

“It’s a co-instructor, co-facilitated course taught by law enforcement and mental health to really bring the disciplines together. We know that law enforcement responds quite frequently to individuals that are in crisis — emotional crisis, or they have mental health concerns -- and law enforcement needs to be prepared on how to, you know, appropriately respond and assist the individual with the help that they need,” Battaglia said. “We do scenario-based training, we do a lot of education on mental health. We talk about Alzheimer's, we talk about developmental disabilities, we talk about substance use, adolescents, juveniles -- we bring in family members and consumers or individuals who are in recovery. We brought in community resources this week. And it was a great opportunity to connect law enforcement with mental health so that they know that we are here for them, and vice versa.”

The course had been offered some years ago, and more recently, police agencies have been sending their employees to similar training in other counties, Moore said. He and Battaglia just completed an instructor’s course to be able to offer it here, and they plan to do so regularly for the Sheriff’s Office, and Batavia and Le Roy police departments.

“And it's been, I think, a really great experience for our people too, because it's been tough to almost establish and build that relationship with our mental health professionals in the area. And I think that this was a great opportunity to educate them on exactly what resources we have available,” Moore said. “And in doing so, I mean, putting faces with law enforcement and mental health in this area, and actually being able to come together and work together to provide that better experience and a higher level of care for the residents in Genesee County. So, I think that this has been fantastic for our guys, and I look forward to continuing to do that for other members in this county too. 

“So ultimately, we are public servants. We do have to provide a service to Genesee County residents, and as work professionals, we need to be held to that standard. So I think this is definitely a step in the right direction,” he said.

Battaglia added that it’s an opportunity to “really transform” the county’s crisis response system. Law enforcement may go out on a call, and mental health responds with some additional assistance to law enforcement and the community “so that they have a well-rounded approach when somebody calls in distress,” she said.

For example, if deputies go out for someone who seems a bit incoherent or disoriented and is a little lost, “then you know, part of this training is to equip law enforcement with slowing things down and remembering you’re working with everybody, so this could be somebody with Alzheimer’s and how do you approach that using the appropriate tools and skill set to handle the situation,” Battaglia said. 

The course not only went into specifics, but there was also a section about what is mental illness, and the variety of different factors involved, she said. 

“You could have a mental illness and substance use addiction as well as medical problems,” she said. “So, that's a lot for one person to handle. So you know, equipping law enforcement with the tools on how to respond appropriately to somebody who has a whole host of issues and concerns that they need help with just better equips police.” 

What did the class members walk away with? Sergeant Kyle Krzemien has learned a lot from prior training and being on the job, but he did pick up a valuable reminder when dealing with folks he sees who are typically going through some type of crisis.

“Whether it's small or big, it's really big to them. And just finding a way to slow down and just have a conversation with people and be a good listener, tends to help people out,” he said. “So just slowing down and being a good listener and finding ways to deal with certain types of disorders that people have. There's ways to … talk to people with schizophrenia and stuff like that.” 

Monroe County emergency dispatch received a call on a non-emergency number Monday afternoon reporting a murder-suicide at 3865 Countyline Road in Darien.

Genesee County Sheriff's Office and State Police responded, along with Mercy EMS, and found a farm field at that address. They checked three neighboring residents near that address and didn't find any issues. Patrols have cleared the scene. 

 "We checked residences out of an abundance of caution given that we had plotted the address to an empty field," Chief Deputy Joseph Graff said.

Graff said the call may have indicated that a person had shot his girlfriend and then killed himself and that a third person may have been involved.

According to Graff, the Orleans County Sheriff's Office checked a similar address in Orleans County and also found no incident.

Officials are calling this a swatting incident. 

Graff said prank calls such as this are a danger to law enforcement, other first responders, and the community.

"I think the danger is just evident," Graff said. "We have law enforcement resources responding in an emergency fashion to essentially check out a false report. Not only does that endanger the law enforcement individuals who are responding, but also the community at large."

Since these sorts of incidents have helped elsewhere in the county, law enforcement has learned, Graff said, to hold some resources back so there are still patrols available in other parts of the jurisdiction. 

Since the call didn't come in on an emergency line, there was no immediate caller ID information available, Graff said, but authorities will be working to identify the caller. Criminal charges are possible. 

"The caller could be charged with filing a false report or falsely reporting an incident; those are the first two that come to mind," Graff said.

Either can be charged as a felony or a misdemeanor. The severity of the charge would depend on the actual statements made by the caller, Graff said. 

Asked what motivates these types of calls, Graff said, "I wish I knew the answer to that. I don't know."

Press Release:

“The Fourth Annual Genesee County Sheriff’s Office Teen Academy was another great success. The academy was held July 17 – 21 at Genesee Community College. This academy was made possible with the support of Genesee County STOP DWI, the Genesee County Legislature, and Genesee Community College. The students were provided with the opportunity to experience the various roles of law enforcement in our community, and they eagerly embraced all aspects of the curriculum. I want to thank the students for their hard work and dedication and all those that provided instruction throughout this week-long program. A special thank you to the Academy Director, Deputy/SRO Joshua A. Brabon, and all the Deputies, School Resource Officers, and Investigators for their assistance and efforts in coordinating such a unique, one-of-a-kind experience for the students. We look forward to continuing this annual event for students throughout Genesee County for many more years to come,” stated Sheriff Sheron.

The following participants are graduates of the Fourth Annual Genesee County Sheriff’s Office Teen Academy:

• Robert Villano - Squad Leader
• Michael Ehrmentraut
• Derryk Gacek 
• Kayden Crocker
• Anna McLaughlin 
• Macie Parton

Submitted photos courtesy of Genesee County Sheriff Office.