Sheriff Gary Maha

While working on a story we published earlier, we asked Sheriff Gary Maha for his position on the SAFE Act. Here's what he e-mailed to The Batavian:

I have taken an oath to uphold the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of New York. I am sworn to uphold the laws whether I agree with them or not. It is up to the Courts to determine if a law is unconstitutional or not, and it is up to our State Legislature to pass, not pass, amend or repeal any laws. Unfortunately, the Safe Act is the law of the land, but we are not going to go out and actively enforce it. However, if we receive a complaint with regard to a violation of the Safe Act, we are obligated to investigate it and take appropriate police action, which could be arrest.

Press release:

Genesee County Sheriff Gary T. Maha announced today that 12 children from the county are attending the New York State Sheriffs' Association Institute's 2012 Summer Camp.

The Sheriffs' Summer Camp is designed to provide a solid recreational program combined with the development of a sense of good citizenship. This will mark the 36th year of the camp's operation.

The Sheriffs' Summer Camp, which is located near Penn Yan in Yates County, is supported by the Sheriffs' Association's Honorary Members through their contributions and annual dues. This year, the camp will accommodate more than 900 deserving boys and girls from across New York State.

Sheriff Maha, in discussing the objectives and goals of the camp said, “The Sheriffs’ Summer Camp Program is designed to provide a child who ordinarily would not have the chance an opportunity to go away during the summer.”

Sheriff  Maha pointed out that, “The primary objective is to create a positive interaction between the kids attending camp and the Sheriffs and Deputy Sheriffs who participate in the camp programs. We have found from experience during the first 34 summer camps that the kids develop a renewed respect and understanding for the men and women who enforce our laws. The deputies become their friends and, in some cases, substitute parents for a week.”

Throughout the weeklong stay, the children observe special exhibits and demonstrations presented by Sheriffs’ Offices from across the State. Included in these presentations are D.A.R.E. presentations, boat and bike safety programs, law enforcement equipment and technical demonstrations, archery competitions for accuracy, and even a talent show just for fun.

Upon completion of the kids' stay, all children will be awarded a diploma for their participation in a program of “Good Citizenship and Law Enforcement Studies.”

Press release:

Sheriff Gary T. Maha announced today that he will be seeking another term as Genesee County Sheriff.

Sheriff Maha has more than 45 years of experience in law enforcement and has been Genesee County Sheriff for over 24 years.  Sheriff Maha stated that “In all probability, this is my last term.” Sheriff Maha holds an associates degree in Police Science, a bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice Administration and is a graduate of the prestigious F.B.I. National Academy in Quantico, Va. He has attended numerous law enforcement and police management courses including the F.B.I. Law Enforcement Executive Development Seminar.

Sheriff Maha cites several accomplishments during his past term, including achieving accreditation of the Civil Bureau; achieving reaccredidation of the Law Enforcement Bureau and Public Safety Answering Point (9-1-1 Center). In addition, the Village of Le Roy consolidated dispatching services with the county, making one consolidated dispatch center for all police, fire and ambulance calls for service.

Several methamphetamine investigations were conducted within the county and those who distributed meth were arrested and prosecuted. The Sheriff’s Office took a zero-tolerance position on underage drinking and officers made 526 unlawful possession of alcohol arrests at Darien Lake during 2011.

Several hundreds of thousands of dollars in grant funding was obtained to purchase needed equipment for the Sheriff’s Office and for enhancing public safety. Sheriff Maha attributes many of these achievements to the dedicated men and women of the Sheriff’s Office and from the support of the Genesee County Legislature.

During 2009, Sheriff Maha served as president of the New York State Sheriffs’ Association and is currently vice chair of the State Sheriffs’ Association Executive Committee. He also serves as vice chair of the National Sheriffs’ Association Criminal Justice Information Services/Technology Committee and is a member of their Homeland Security Committee. The Sheriff is a member of the New York State Law Enforcement Accreditation Council, a governor’s appointment, and is a member of the New York State Interoperable Communications Board, as a senate appointment.  The Sheriff is also an active member of the New York State Executive Committee on Counter Terrorism. Locally, the Sheriff is chair of the Genesee County Traffic Safety Board; chairs the Genesee County Criminal Justice Advisory Council; is a member of the Genesee Community College Criminal Justice Advisory Board; and is a member of the Kiwanis Club of Batavia.

Sheriff Maha is the recipient of numerous awards and recognitions from various federal, state and local agencies and organizations. He is a lifelong resident of Genesee County and resides in the City of Batavia with his wife, Susan. They have two daughters, Catharine and Kelly, and one grandson.