Sheriff's Office

Deputy Brian Thompson's new partner has convinced him to keep working a couple of years longer.

Thompson was considering retirement in December, but then "Pharoah" came into his life.

The 8-year-old, 80 pound, Czech Shepherd was donated to the Sheriff's Office by the Niagara Falls PD and handler Michael Bird after K-9 "Finn" was retired due to a medical condition.

Thompson has nothing but praise for Pharoah, who he described as a great tracker, good with children and an excellent drug detection dog.

"When we get a chance to use him for tracking, we're going to find some bad guys andhopefully find some people who might be missing," Thompson said.

Already, Pharoah is making an impact in the fight against illegal drugs in Genesee County, according to Thompson.

"He's had some awesome drug finds so far that led us into some pretty good arrests, in the Class B felony range," Thompson said. "That inspires me."

It inspires him, Thompson said, to keep going for the sake of the community.

He thinks local law enforcement has been making good progress so far in fighting meth and crack in the community.

"Hopefully, some people will be put back on their heels to say, 'I don't want to deal drugs in Genesee County -- they're catching a lot of people there,'" Thompson said. "We can clean this town up. I love this place. It's the greatest place to live in the world."

Pharoah is trained to alert on methamphetamine, cocaine, heroin, marijuana, hashish and ecstasy.

He is also trained to track human scents, both in the open and in confined areas, and trained for handler protection and criminal apprehension.

The K-9 program's vet bills, medications and non-handler kenneling are paid for from a K-9 fund set up with community and business donations, including an original substantial donation by Ken Barrett Chevrolet several years ago. All equipment for the K-9 program also comes from the fund, and when Pharoah retires in a couple of years, a new K-9 will need to be purchased from the fund, which has been dwindling over the years, Thompson said.

He said he's confident, when the time comes, the community will come through to offer continued support of the Sheriff's K-9 program.

The past year was another busy one for the Genesee County Sheriff's Office, with members of the department handling 21,334 calls for service.

While the number of calls for service was down, the overall number of calls to the dispatch center was up, according to Sheriff Gary Maha.

Increasingly, Maha said, people are using 9-1-1 or the 343-5000 number to seek all kinds of information and help.

When people don't know what to do, who to call, or after business hours for other government agencies, they call the dispatch center.

"That's fine," Maha said. "That's what we're here for -- to provide public service."

Dispatchers, Maha said, may not be able to help the caller directly, but may be able to point them to the right resource for help.

The Sheriff's Office released its 2010 annual report today, which breaks down most of the statistics related to call volume, number of criminal reports, accidents and arrests.

In recent times, in a bad economy, the Sheriff's Office has had more and more activity to deal with, Maha said, adding that less money leads to more police activity as well as tighter government budgets.

"We haven't asked for any more help," Maha said. "In our current budget situation, I certainly don't want to lay anybody off. That would put the public in jeopardy if I had to lay off any deputies and it would put my own people in jeopardy."

Maha said police services remain local government's number one priority.

"What kind of quality of life is it if you don't feel safe?" Maha asked. "If you're going to the store at night, or walking down the street, you don't want to worry about getting mugged. What kind of quality of life is that?"

Here's some highlights from the 2010 report:

More than 1,100 people were booked into Genesee County Jail. The highest single-day population was 99 and the lowest was 35. In all, 70,761 meals were served. Education services were provided to 116 inmates and 11 received GEDs.  Inmate medical expenses totaled $204,438.

There were 202 DWI arrests. Of those, 50 people age 21-24 were arrested for DWI, and 34 in the 25-29 age bracket. Males were arrested far more frequently than females, at 140 to 62. Saturday is the biggest DWI arrest day at 68 followed by Sunday at 43. Most arrests are between midnight and 3 a.m., with 83 total arrests during those hours. Two people arrested had a BAC of .31 or greater. A total of 43 people had BAC of .18 or greater. There were 27 felony DWI arrests.

There were 1,360 motor vehicle accidents handled by the Sheriff's Office. Of those, 202 were personal injury and five were fatal.

There were arrests made on 75 felony counts by the Sheriff's Office and 354 misdemeanor charges.

Crimes reported: 106 were burglary, 140 were criminal mischief, 155 were harassment, 367 were larceny, 133 were liquor law violations, and 117 were unlawful possession of marijuana.

In all, there were 1,680 criminal reports made in 2010.

There were 573 domestic incident reports.

Here's the number of calls for service by community:

Alabama: 770

Alexander: 844

Town of Batavia: 8,122

Bergen: 1,139

Bethany: 635

Byron: 695

Corfu: 252

Darien: 1,306

Elba: 728

Le Roy: 1,442

Oakfield: 1,059

Pavilion: 685

Pembroke: 1,628

A new system for communicating with emergency dispatch centers is in the works, and architects of the system are looking for feedback on what people with disabilities need, and how they use 9-1-1 systems.

Steve Sharpe, director of emergency communication for the Genesee County Sheriff's Office, is asking the people with disabilities in Genesee County take a short survey provided by the Federal Communications Commission on 9-1-1 services.

"This is a survey for folks with disabilities to rate their local access to 9-1-1," Sharpe said. "This will help the State of New York better prepare for what is now called Next Generation 9-1-1 or NG911. NG911 is the next step in contacting 9-1-1 centers during emergencies including using technologies such as texting, video and other means. We need our local special needs population to fill out the survey so we can better meet their needs in Genesee County."

To take the survey, click here.

This information was provided by the Office of the Sheriff, Genesee County.

Genesee County Sheriff's Office Chaplain Philip A. Green was selected as the "2011 Chaplain of the Year" by the National Sheriffs' Association.

The award will be presented to him during the association's annual Summer Training Conference, to be held in St. Louis, Mo., in June.

He was nominated for this honor by Genesee County Sheriff Gary T. Maha, who said that Green is most deserving of this prestigious award.

He is the senior pastor at First Baptist Church, located at 10982 South Lake Road, Pavilion. It is a position he has held since November 2003. He was appointed chaplain of the Genesee County Sheriff's Office in May 2004 and serves on a voluntary basis without compensation. He previously served as chaplain of the Winnebago County Sheriff's Office in Oshkosh, Wis.

Pastor Green is very active in his community; volunteering his time coaching youth soccer, boys modified soccer, and basketball at a local high school. He makes himself available to officers of the Genesee County Sheriff's Office day and night, whenever his assistance is needed.

Over the years he has assisted officers with making "death notifications" to victims' families and has assisted officers and their families in times of need.

He takes part in Sheriff's Office training sessions and has also instructed deputies on stress management. Pastor Green sponsors and hosts "Red and Blue Sunday" at his church each year, whereby he and his congregation recognize and express their appreciation to the first responders in Genesee County.

Pastor Green is a member of the International Conference of Police Chaplains and a member of In-Pursuit Ministries. He has attended the International Conference of Police Chaplains conference and training seminars in Bradenton, Fla., at his own expense and is certified in Critical Incident Stress Debriefing.

He earned his bachelor's degree from Pensacola Theological Seminary and is currently working on his doctorate of Sacred Ministry from Northland Baptist Bible College in Dunbar, Wis. He is also a 2007 graduate of Leadership Genesee.

Pastor Green lives in the Town of Pavilion with his wife, Marun, and their three children: Anthony, 8, Tyler, 5, and 4-year-old Laci.

Deputy Edward Vlack is Officer of the Year in the Genesee County Sheriff's Office.

Jane Ferrando received the Distinguished Service Award.

Both were honored Friday during the Sheriff's Office annual holiday lunch at the headquarters office on Park Road.

Awards were also presented Deputy Patrick Reeves, Deputy Brian Thompson and Sgt. Thomas Sanfratello for Meritorious Service.

Commendations were presented to Chief Deputy Jerome Brewster, Deputy Lonnie Nati, Correction Officer Lisa Aratari, Correction Officer Walter Kolmetz and Correction Officer Bob Mattice.

Top photo: Vlack receives his award from Undersheriff William Sharon, left, and Sheriff Gary Maha.

More pictures and full press release after the jump:

Dispatcher Gary Diegelman receiving an award for 30 years of service, shaking hands with Steven Sharp, left, director of the dispatch center, with Chief Deputy Jerry Brewster looking on.

Keith W. Hunt, deputy coordinator for Emergency Services, accepts a Certificate of Appreciation on behalf of Emergency Services. Carolyn Della Penna, confidential secretary to the Sheriff, stands behind Hunt.

Wade Schwab accepts a Certificate of Appreciation on behalf of Mercy EMS.

Dispatcher Joyce Anderson was honored for 30 years of service.

Deputy Patrick Reeves.

Deputy Brian Thompson receiving his award from Chief Deputy Gordon Dibble.

Sgt. Thomas Sanfratello.

Chief Brewster receives a Commendation for his efforts in the investigation that led to murder charges being filed against Steven Repert in Pennsylvania.

Jane Ferrando.

 

Printed copies of the photos can be purchased by clicking here.

OFFICER OF THE YEAR – DEPUTY SHERIFF EDWARD E. VLACK

Deputy Edward E. Vlack has distinguished himself in the performance of service to the citizens of Genesee County and the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office during 2010. Deputy Vlack’s professional skills and positive attitude have been unwavering over his 20-year career. He continues to demonstrate exceptional competency, organization and leadership and has taken on several additional responsibilities, without hesitation, throughout this past year in the Civil Bureau. In times of need, Deputy Vlack can always be counted on. He is dedicated to performing his duties with professionalism and motivation and has brought great credit upon himself and the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office.

DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD – FINANCIAL CLERK/TYPIST – JANE D. FERRANDO

Financial Clerk-Typist Jane D. Ferrando has distinguished herself as a member of the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office. Jane’s professionalism to the citizens of Genesee County, coupled with her knowledge of Civil Bureau operations, has been a source of pride for this Agency. During many times of need this year, Jane was more than willing to take on additional responsibilities in Records and the Civil Bureau, at times performing the workload of three people. She continues to go above and beyond the call of duty and reflects great credit upon herself and the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office.

LONGEVITY AWARDS

Mary Hecht -- 10 years
Terese Bryan -- 10 years
Youth Officer Christopher Erion -- 10 years
Margaret Sheelar -- 10 years
Deputy Frank Bordonaro -- 15 years
Correction Officer Lisa Aratari -- 15 years
Deputy Edward Vlack -- 20 years
Youth Officer John Dehm --  30 years
Sr. Dispatcher Gary Diegelman -- 30 years
Sr. Dispatcher Joyce Anderson -- 30 years
Chief Deputy – Road Patrol Gordon Dibble -- 35 years
Warrant Officer Eric Olson -- 35 years
Chief Deputy, Investigations Jerome Brewster -- 35 years

CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION

Emergency Management Staff Sr. Dispatcher Joyce Anderson
Mercy EMS
Edward Minardo, Director, Genesee Justice

COMMENDATION

Chief Deputy, Investigations -- Jerome Brewster
Deputy Lonnie Nati
Correction Officer Lisa Aratari
Correction Officer Walter Kolmetz
Correction Officer Bob Mattice

MERITORIOUS

Deputy Patrick Reeves
Deputy Brian Thompson
Sgt. Thomas Sanfratello

Press release:

Genesee County Deputy Sheriff Jason E. Saile was recently honored by the New York State Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD)-New York State and New York State STOP-DWI for his efforts in combating DWI.

Deputy Saile was one of 17 local law enforcement officers recognized statewide for outstanding achievements in deterring drunk/impaired driving. During 2009, Deputy Saile made 43 DWI arrests, of which nine were felonies; made 72 criminal arrests and issued 537 traffic tickets.

Deputy Saile was presented an Individual Officer Award during the MADD and STOP-DWI Law Enforcement Recognition Awards Event held in Albany, New York on Tuesday, November 16, 2010.

Deputy Saile was nominated for this award by Sheriff Gary T. Maha.

The inability of the Genesee County Jail to house female prisons continues to create an expense and drain of resources for the Sheriff's Office, according to Sheriff Gary Maha.

Monday, Maha informed the County Legislator's Public Service Committee that the cost of housing female prisoners in other counties is going to be $30,000 more than anticipated.

That's the bad news. The good news is, Genesee County Jail has been getting additional federal prisoners for short-term detention. So while the county anticipated $10,000 in revenue from the Border Patrol and Federal Marshals, the actual figure will be closer to $30,000 or $35,000.

But keeping female prisoners in out-of-county facilities has a cost that doesn't show up on a balance sheet -- the only means of transporting female prisoners is to use a designated road patrol.

Deputies must shuttle inmates from Genesee County to Orleans County, or Wyoming or Allegany.

And a deputy on prison transport is a deputy who isn't on patrol.

Ideally, the Sheriff's Office would have a dedicated prisoner transport team, Maha said, but that just isn't a realistic proposal right now.

"Unfortunately we have to live with it, with the resources we have, with the situation the county is in economically," Maha said.

Orleans charges the county $70 per day per prisoner to house Genesee's female inmates.

Because Orleans County jail is closest to Batavia, the Sheriff's office prefers to keep detainees not yet convicted and with pending court dates at that facility.

Convicted prisoners are housed primarily in Allegany County.

Sometimes, however, Orleans runs out of space, and deputies are dispatched there to pick up one of Genesee County's female prisoners and move her to Allegany County.

Maha said he is particularly worried about what the impact will be on the jail if Genesee Justice is eliminated.

"They help us manage our jail population," Maha said. "We have a very efficient operation."

Genesee Justice helps with prisoners who need medical care and it also manages programs that provide alternatives to incarceration. Maha said he is concerned that without Genesee Justice, the local male prison population will outgrow available bed space.

He plans on addressing that issue with the County Legislature at a public hearing on the budget at 6 p.m., Wednesday, in the County Courthouse.

K-9 "Finn" has tracked his last criminal and is on the verge of becoming somebody's family pet.

The 6-year-old police dog suffered a parasite infection in his hip about a year ago and his muscles have yet to regain their full strength.

“He’s not going to ever fully recover to the point to be able to do the job of a K-9 police dog,” Sheriff Gary Maha told the Ways and Means Committee on Wednesday.

Maha is asking the County Legislature to pass a resolution allowing the Sheriff's Department to donate "Finn" to a person in the community, and then accept -- as a gift from the Niagara Falls PD -- a K-9 about the same age.

Deputy Brian Thompson said he will be sorry to see "Finn" go, but with another police dog about to join his household, there just won't be room for "Finn."

"It's heartbreaking to me," Thompson said.

The new dog, whom Thompson already knows, will be the last K-9 Thompson will work with professionally. After 19 years, going back to his time in the Army, Thompson is stepping aside as a K-9 handler. The Sheriff's Office is already starting the process of finding a new handler.

The new handler will get a "green" dog, at a cost of $6,200 to $6,500, plus the cost of at least 16 weeks of training.

The Niagara Falls dog is available because its current handler was involved in a shooting and has had trouble returning to work. The dog will be donated to Genesee County.

Thompson said the expectation is that the dog will have two or three years of working life left before retirement. Thompson will continue on as a K-9 handler so long as that dog is able to work.

Meanwhile, Thompson continues to work with K-9 "Jay," whom Thompson said is "the best narcotics dog I've ever worked with." 

"Jay" is 13 years old, however, and is no longer physically able to handle chasing suspects or tracking criminals.

"Finn" was only on the job for six months when he was out on a detail assisting Niagara Regional Police Services in Canada.

Thompson had to take him into a wooded area, and it turned out the area was full of ticks. The ticks were treated and the dog seemed fine at first, but parasites apparently weakened the muscles in his hip.

Over the next couple of months, he developed muscle tears while working and training. On one job, it became apparent that "Finn" was in a good deal of pain. He's been out of service for nearly a year.

A friend of County Attorney Charles Zambito raises purebred German shepherds and is interested in taking in Finn, but first the woman needs to ensure "Finn" and her other dogs will get along.

If that person accepts "Finn," Zambito will need to draft a contract relieving the county of any liability.

Both Maha and Thompson, however, said "Finn" would make an excellent family pet.

"He’s not a violent dog," Maha said. "He’s a very friendly dog."

"Finn" just isn't aggressive at all, said Thompson.

"Even in his job, he doesn’t like the aggression part of it," Thompson said. "It’s just not in him. We tried putting it in him with different training and different work, but it’s just not part of his personality. He’s not the least bit interested in harming anybody."

If you try to call the Sheriff's Office at 343-5000, you might not get through.

The problems with the phone lines this morning is not affecting 9-1-1 at all, according to Undersheriff Bill Sheron.

People who need to place non-emergency calls to the Sheriff's Office are asked to call 345-3000 and select and press 0.

If you have a mobile phone in New York, each month you pay a $1.20 surcharge for "New York State Public Safety" that you might think goes to pay for emergency dispatch.

If you think that, you're mistaken, according to Sheriff Gary Maha.

Last year, the surcharge generated $210 million in revenue, of which about $9 million was allocated to dispatch centers.

The balance of the fund, Maha said, goes straight into the state's General Fund for any number of non-law-enforcement related purposes.

Last year, Genesee County -- which spends $2 million each year to operate its dispatch center -- received just $38,000 from this fund.

“We need to keep the pressure on the state that this money should be used for what it’s intended for and not used to pay for general fund expenses," Maha told the County's Public Safety Committee today.

The committee passed a draft resolution to send to the State Legislature asking them to use the money according to its intended purposes.

The fund used to be called the 9-1-1 Surcharge, but even with the "public safety" label, the revenue is rarely being used to pay for public safety expenses, Maha said.

There is also a county-collected 35-cent surcharge on landlines for the dispatch center. But increasingly, people are abandoning landlines in favor of mobile phones, cutting down significantly on the amount of revenue this fund generates, Maha said.

Governor Paterson has proposed that $50 million from the surcharge monies, or about 21 percent, be made available to county 9-1-1 centers, Maha said.

The proposal has met with stiff opposition in the State Legislature.

The State Assembly proposes that only $8 million above last year's $9.3 million funding be provided to county 9-1-1 centers. Many think that the Legislature will take all of these monies to help fill the approximately $9 billion budget deficit facing the state, Maha said.

Often times, according to Emergency Communications Director Steven Sharpe, when people call 9-1-1 looking for help in a hurry, they don't understand why the dispatcher starts asking a lot of questions.

A father has fallen from a ladder, a grandmother has had a stroke, or a child is seriously ill. The caller has one thought: Get an ambulance here fast!

And some dispatcher on the other end of the phone starts asking questions and seems to be taking up a lot of time talking. The caller is thinking: Why can't you just send help now instead of gabbing on the phone?

What the caller may not realize, is that the dispatch center is staffed by three or more people who can share information quickly and easily through their computers. While one dispatcher is gathering vital information that will assist emergency responders when they arrive on scene, another dispatcher is already putting out the call to the appropriate agency.

Sharpe sent a press release to local media explaining procedures in detail. The full release is available after the jump:

Your family member falls off a ladder and is howling in pain, you call 9-1-1 and the dispatcher starts asking you a series of questions. Aren’t these questions just wasting time? You’re frustrated; you just want help as fast as possible.

When you call 9-1-1 and get the Genesee County Emergency Dispatch Center, there are a number of things happening simultaneously that are designed to help you.

A majority of the time, while you are being questioned by a 9-1-1 dispatcher, the dispatcher’s partner is listening and often is already in the process of sending first responders to your location, as long as the location has already been provided. 

That is why the first question asked is always, “Genesee County 9-1-1, what is the address of your emergency?” The dispatcher needs to know your exact location so help can get to you as quickly as possible. Although there have been a great deal of improvements in location technologies, cellular companies only have to provide 9-1-1 location information within 300 meters. Three hundred meters could mean up to a couple of blocks radius within the city. That is why it is necessary to confirm your exact location. 

Next, the dispatcher will ask your name and call-back number so it is known who to call in case the line gets cut off. This is especially important if you are calling from a school or business where all the outgoing lines go through a PBX (Private Branch Exchange).  Calls have been received where the 9-1-1 screen shows an address from one building, but the person in need is at a branch office miles away. Having your name and direct call-back number can be the difference between saving a life and sending help to the wrong location.

At this point, if you haven’t already explained what your emergency is, you will be prompted to "tell me exactly what happened.” For medical calls, an Emergency Medical Dispatch Protocol is followed, in accordance with NYS 9-1-1 Board Adopted Standards.  This protocol is a series of questions and instructions designed to help the dispatcher send the right response, provide life-saving instructions, and help a caller remain calm during this time of crisis. You will then be asked additional questions about the patient’s status (age, awake, breathing, etc.). These are the very basic questions that help the dispatcher determine if it is appropriate to stop asking questions and dispatch responders.

Depending on the situation, additional questions may be asked; and based on your answers, either an Advanced Life Support Ambulance or a Basic Life Support Ambulance will be sent. For Basic Life Support, the information you provide will determine the urgency of the medical care needed and whether the ambulance travels with lights and sirens. Which agencies respond is determined by your location. 

After the call is dispatched, the 9-1-1 dispatcher will stay on the line to give you instructions to help the patient and the emergency medical professionals. Instructions may include: do not let the patient have anything to eat or drink, unlock the door, etc. For more serious emergencies, the dispatcher may have you send someone to get an AED (Automated External Defibrillator), provide step-by-step instructions on how to deliver a baby (this has been done four times to date), or help you perform rescue breathing or CPR.

The Genesee County Emergency Dispatch Center is here to help when you are potentially having the worst day of your life. Although it may seem like time is being wasted when dispatchers initially ask a series of questions; they are, in fact, sending responders your way while providing you the appropriate assistance. There have been a number of cases where following the dispatcher’s instructions have helped to save a patient’s life.

If you have further questions about the processes involved when a 9-1-1 call is received, how to contact agencies for non-emergencies, or if you would like a tour of the Genesee County 9-1-1 Center, please feel free to contact Director Sharpe at 585-343-5000.

Remember to call 9-1-1 for all police, fire, or medical emergencies!

The Genesee County Emergency Dispatch Center is on track to become one of the elite dispatch centers in the state, if not the country, with Director Steven C. Sharpe setting the bar high.

It's Sharpe's goal -- and has been since 2006 -- to have the dispatch center receive an Accredited Center of Excellence rating from the the National Academies of Emergency Dispatch.

No New York county has received an ACE rating since Monroe did it 18 years ago.

"It’s aggressive, but if you want to be the best and you want to say you’re the best, then you prove it by doing it," Sharpe said.

Sharpe, along with dispatchers John Spencer and Beth Hynes-Fisher will attend a training program in Orlando, Fla., in April that will provide the trio with more information on what it takes to win the accreditation as well as training in leadership, educating others and quality assurance. There will also be a series of classes on specific dispatch situations they can take.

The accreditation focuses on emergency medical dispatch, but Sharpe said the benefits go beyond sending ambulances out.

"The thing is, it doesn’t just effect our emergency medical dispatching," Sharpe said. "It makes us better dispatchers for police and fire as well.”

While achieving the accreditation is something Sharpe set his eye on as far back as 2006, he couldn't have dispatchers focus on the training during the years of moving into a new facility and consolidating with Batavia and Le Roy. Sharpe said his team started concentrating heavily on the accreditation in June and has already achieved a better than 90-percent compliance with protocols and calls. Accreditation requires at least 90-percent compliance on most calls and more than 95 percent on certain types of calls.

Part of the procedure required is that dispatchers go through a series of questions with callers in emergency medical situations. It's important for dispatchers to correctly assess the situation so they send the right personnel and ensure the emergency responders are properly prepared for what they might find.

"People often ask, 'why am I being asked all these questions?'" Sharpe said. "What we’re trying to do is find out what all the signs and symptoms are, and more importantly, give you instructions so you can help the person who is in need of assistance."

He said callers don't often understand that while one dispatcher is conducting the interview, another dispatcher is already starting an ambulance to the scene. Callers sometimes express concern that an ambulance isn't being sent right away, and that usually is not the case.

Sharpe joined the Sheriff's Office in December 2005 after eight years in the Air Force working in intelligence. He said his USAF background plays a critical role in how he approaches his job now.

"One of the core values of the Air Force is excellence in all we do and this is one of the things I carry over into here," Sharpe said "It’s what we expect of our dispatchers. It’s a very challenging job. It’s a very difficult job. It’s very stressful. But they hold themselves to such a high standard."

Dispatch Center photo is a file photo.

The Sheriff's Office is looking for Corey A. Johnson, who is wanted for an alleged violation of probation.

Johnson is 22 with a last known address in Silver Lake. Johnson was convicted of larceny and was on supervised probation.

Anybody who might have information on her whereabouts is asked to call (585) 343-3000.

UDPATE Jan. 13, 9:10 a.m.: The Sheriff's Office reports Corey Johnson is in custody.

Deputy Ronald E. Meides, right, with Sheriff Gary Maha, was named the Genesee County Sheriff's Office 2009 Officer of the Year today during a luncheon at the department's Park Road facility.

The Distinguished Service Award went to Senior Emergency Services Dispatcher Gary D. Diegelman. Pictured left to right below: Steven Sharp announcing the award, Director of Emergency Communications while Undersheriff Bill Sheron, honoree Diegelman, Sheriff Maha and Chief Deputy Gordon Dibble.

More pictures and the complete list of award winners after the jump:

Emergency Services Dispatcher Beth Hynes-Fisher

Emergency Services Dispatcher Larry Buck

Deputy Brian Thompson

Information Technology Systems Specialist R. William (Bill) Oliver

Chief Deputy Gordon Dibble presents awards to, left to right: Deputy Patrick Reeves, Sgt. Gregory Walker, Deputy Chris Parker and Deputy Bard Mazur, seated with his son.    

Sgt. Thomas A. Sanfratello

Sgt. Brian M. Frieday

Deputy James Diehl

Deputy Jason Saile

Full press release on the awards from the Sheriff's Office:

 

Sheriff Gary T. Maha Announces Departmental Awards Presented to Members of the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office for Exceptional Service During 2009.

Officer of the Year – Deputy Ronald E. Meides

Deputy Ronald E. Meides has been a member of the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office since March 28, 1991.  During 2009, Deputy Meides has distinguished himself in the performance of service to the citizens of Genesee County and the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office. His professional skills and devotion to duty has been unwavering over his eighteen year career.  Deputy Meides has demonstrated exceptional competency, organization and leadership.  He often volunteers for additional responsibilities while remaining one of the statistically busiest deputies.  Deputy Meides performs his duties with dedication, motivation and professionalism and has brought great credit upon himself and the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office.

Distinguished Service Award – Senior Emergency Services Dispatcher Gary D. Diegelman

Gary D. Diegelman is a Senior Emergency Services Dispatcher with the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office and has been employed by the Sheriff’s Office since September 1, 1980.  Sr. Dispatcher Diegelman’s professionalism to the citizens of Genesee County coupled with his experience and knowledge of emergency dispatch operations has been a source of pride for the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office.  He continues to go above and beyond the call of duty for the citizens of Genesee County and the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office.  Sr. Dispatcher Diegelman has brought great credit upon himself and the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office.

Meritorious Service Awards

Undersheriff William A. Sheron, Jr.

Undersheriff William A. Sheron, Jr. has been with the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office since June 4, 1977.  Undersheriff Sheron’s leadership, dedication and commitment continue to enhance the services of the Sheriff’s Office.  His efforts and assistance with computerization of the Sheriff’s Office has led to great technological strides for this Office.  Undersheriff Sheron performs his duties with motivation dedication and professionalism and has brought great credit upon himself and the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputy Brian A. Thompson

Deputy Sheriff Brian A. Thompson has been employed by the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office since November 1, 1991.  Deputy Thompson’s self-initiated activity consistently goes beyond the obvious, often resulting in the detection of crimes that would otherwise go unnoticed.  Deputy Thompson manages to be both tenacious and compassionate at the same time in his everyday dealings with the public.  Deputy Thompson has brought great credit upon himself and the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office.

Sergeant Steven C. Mullen

Sergeant Steven C. Mullen has been employed by the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office since August 19, 1991.  Sergeant Mullen continually displays leadership, professionalism and dedication as Sergeant in the Criminal Investigation Division.  Sergeant Mullen supervises the daily operations of the Local Law Enforcement Drug Task Force where criminal investigations and arrests are at an all-time high.  Sergeant Mullen is always available and continually goes above and beyond to meet the mission of the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office.  Sergeant Mullen has brought great credit upon himself and the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office.

Emergency Services Dispatcher Larry J. Buck

Emergency Services Dispatcher Larry J. Buck has been employed by the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office since August 24, 1996.  During 2009, Dispatcher Buck was appointed to the position of Communications Training Officer.  Not only was Dispatcher Buck a tremendous help during multiple bank robberies in progress this year, he also assisted with training of three new Emergency Services Dispatchers.  Dispatcher Buck demonstrates great teamwork in the Dispatch Center and has brought great credit upon himself and the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office.

Emergency Services Dispatcher Barbara J. Eddy

Emergency Services Dispatcher Barbara J. Eddy has been employed by the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office since March 2, 1981.  During 2009, Dispatcher Eddy has often times assumed the position of Officer-In-Charge of the Dispatch Center and has performed this function with great competence and efficiency.  Dispatcher Eddy was also a tremendous help during multiple bank robberies in progress this year and coordinated the capture of three larceny suspects when acting as Officer-In-Charge.  Dispatcher Eddy demonstrates great teamwork and leadership in the Dispatch Center and has brought great credit upon herself and the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office.

Emergency Services Dispatcher Beth A. Hynes-Fisher

Emergency Services Dispatcher Beth A. Hynes-Fisher has been employed by the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office since February 16, 2002.  During 2009, Dispatcher Hynes-Fisher was appointed to the position of Communications Training Officer.  She was instrumental in the training of three new Emergency Services Dispatchers and performs her duties with motivation, dedication and professionalism.  Dispatcher Hynes-Fisher demonstrates great teamwork in the Dispatch Center and has brought great credit upon herself and the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office.

Information Technology Systems Specialist II R. William (Bill) Oliver

IT Systems Specialist Bill Oliver has been a member of the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office since June 26, 2006.  During 2009, IT Systems Specialist Oliver worked diligently with the LeRoy Village Police Department, LeRoy Volunteer Fire Department and the LeRoy Ambulance Service to facilitate the consolidation of dispatch services and records management with great success.  Over the past three years IT Systems Specialist Oliver has implemented a completed system changeover, automatic vehicle location upgrades and two consolidated projects.  Bill demonstrates great teamwork and has brought credit upon himself and the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office.

Genesee Justice Counselor Roseanne M. Smart

Genesee Justice Counselor Roseanne M. Smart has been a member of the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, Genesee Justice Program, since June 5, 2006.  Roseanne plays an important role in a number of Genesee Justice programs, including the DWI Conditional Discharge Program, Community Service and Victim Services, and therefore she carries a very large caseload.  Despite the number of clients she has, Roseanne always gives each case her full attention and treats each individual with compassion and respect.  Roseanne goes above and beyond to ensure that each and every one of her clients issues are addressed.  Roseanne performs her duties with dedication, motivation and professionalism and has brought great credit upon herself and the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office.

Commendation Awards

Sergeant Brian M. Frieday

Sergeant Brian M. Frieday has been a member of the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office since May 13, 1996.  Sergeant Frieday is the Officer-In-Charge of the night shift and on October 12, 2009 at approximately 12:47 AM, he was patrolling along on Route 77 in the Town of Pembroke when he observed a garage on fire.  Sergeant Frieday reported the fire to the Dispatch Center and then went to the house where he notified the elderly owners and escorted them out of the house to safety.  Sergeant Frieday kept them safe until members of their family arrived.  Sergeant Frieday’s alertness and quick action limited the fire to the garage and ensured the safety of the elderly couple.  Sergeant Frieday has brought great credit upon himself and the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office.

Sergeant Steven C. Mullen

Sergeant Steven C. Mullen has been a member of the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office since August 19, 1991.  Throughout this past year, Sergeant Mullen developed information with regard to sales and production of methamphetamine within Genesee County.  During his investigation, multiple undercover methamphetamine purchases were made and sufficient information was developed for the issuance of search warrants for residences in the Town of Alabama, City of Batavia and Village of LeRoy.  Three methamphetamine labs were located and dismantled and those responsible were arrested.  Sergeant Mullen has brought great credit upon himself and the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office.

Sergeant James M. Meier

Sergeant James M. Meier has been a member of the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office since October 4, 1986.  Sergeant Meier, along with Deputy Jason Saile were instrumental in the apprehension of one of the Elba Bank robbery suspects on June 18, 2009.  One of the suspects had hidden himself in some very thick brush and Sergeant Meier and Deputy Saile went into the brush and took him into custody.  It had been reported that this suspect was armed.  Sergeant Meier has brought great credit upon himself and the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office.

Sergeant Thomas A. Sanfratello

Sergeant Thomas A. Sanfratello has been a member of the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office since February 29, 1992.  Sergeant Sanfratello was instrumental in the consolidation of dispatch services with the City of Batavia and Village of LeRoy police departments.  Sergeant Sanfratello was a key contributor in the migration process of these police agencies to the New World software by providing them with hands on instructions and technical support.  Sergeant Sanfratello performs his duties with dedication, motivation and professionalism and brings great credit upon himself and the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office.

Investigator Ronald G. Welker

Investigator Ronald (Pete) Welker has been a member of the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office since May 11, 1994.  During this past year, Investigator Welker developed information with regard to methamphetamine sales and production within Genesee County.  During the course of his investigation, multiple purchases of methamphetamine were made and sufficient information was developed for the issuance of search warrants.  Search warrants were executed at residences in the Town of Alabama, City of Batavia and Village of LeRoy, which resulted in the discovery of active methamphetamine labs.  These methamphetamine labs were dismantled and those responsible arrested.  Investigator Welker has brought great credit upon himself and the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office.

Investigator Kristopher A. Kautz

Investigator Kautz has been a member of the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office since February 4, 1988.  On February 16, 2009, Investigator Kautz was assigned to assist in the investigation of a man who had been found walking on North Lake Road in the Town of Pembroke.  This man was wearing bloody coveralls and sneakers.  Investigator Kautz conducted a thorough investigation, interviewing the man, collecting critical evidence and following-up with additional interviews. Investigator Kautz’s attention to detail and adherence to proper police procedures subsequently resulted in the location of a homicide victim and the placement of murder charges against the man.  Investigator Kautz has brought great credit upon himself and the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputy James M. Diehl

Deputy James M. Diehl has been a member of the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office since March 17, 2008.  On February 16. 2009 Deputy Diehl was working the afternoon shift and at approximately 8:41 PM he was assigned a call of a suspicious person in the vicinity of North Lake road and Route 5 in the Town of Pembroke.  Deputy Diehl located a man walking along North Lake Road in the bitter cold, wearing bloodstained coveralls and sneakers and carrying a vehicle jack.  Although the man stated that the blood was deer blood, Deputy Diehl followed proper police procedures and placed the man in his patrol car.  Deputy Diehl’s adherence to proper procedures and excellent follow through with interviewing the individual, led to the discovery of a homicide and subsequent murder charges against the man.  Deputy Diehl has brought great credit upon himself and the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputy Sheriff Patrick J. Reeves

Deputy Sheriff Patrick J. Reeves has been a member of the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office since February 17, 1996.  On February 16, 2009, Deputy Reeves was Officer-In-Charge of the afternoon shift.  At approximately 8:41 PM, a suspicious person call was received in reference to a man in the vicinity of North Lake Road and Route 5 in the Town of Pembroke.  Responding to assist Deputy Diehl, who had located a man covered with blood walking on North Lake Road, Deputy Reeves recognized the man and interviewed him.  Deputy Reeves’ careful interviewing and adherence to proper police procedures were crucial in the investigation that subsequently let to murder charges against the man.  Deputy Reeves has brought great credit upon himself and the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputy Jason E. Saile

Deputy Jason E. Saile has been a member of the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office since July 18, 2005.  Deputy Jason Saile was instrumental in the apprehension of one of the Elba bank robbers on June 18, 2009.  When one of the suspects was located in very thick brush, Deputy Saile, along with Sergeant James Meier went into the brush and took the suspect into custody.  It had been reported that this suspect was armed.  Deputy Saile has brought great credit upon himself and the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputy John R. Duyssen

Deputy John R. Duyssen has been a member of the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office since April 19, 1993.  During April 2009, Deputy Duyssen handled a complaint from an elderly man who had been transferred to the New York State Veterans Home.  This elderly man had lost some of his valuable personal property consisting of purple hearts, bronze stars, silver stars, letters from United States Presidents and personal photos and books.  This gentleman had accumulated these items while serving in the United States military.  Deputy Duyssen recognized the importance of these items to this man, who gave of himself fighting for his Country, and therefore worked diligently, going above and beyond, to recover most of the items, which were eventually returned to the man.

Deputy Duyssen has brought great credit upon himself and the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office.

Correction Officer Peter M. Hoy

Correction Officer Peter M. Hoy has been a member of the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office since June 29, 1998.  Correction Officer Hoy has been instrumental in ensuring that the Genesee County Jail has an outstanding record for taking and reporting inmate DNA samples, as required by the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services.  Officer Hoy consistently does an efficient and thorough job regarding the inmate DNA samples.  When it is necessary to obtain a DNA sample from an inmate, Jail supervisors know that Officer Hoy will get it done on a timely basis and it will be done correctly.  Correction Officer Hoy has brought great credit upon himself and the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office

Longevity Awards 

Investigator Roger M. Stone, 35 years

Correction Officer Randy L. Smith, 25 years

Deputy Eric J. Koziarski, 20 years

Investigator Ronald G. Welker, 15 years

Deputy Daniel M. VanValkenburg, 15 years

Deputy Nathan W. Balduf, 15 years

Deputy John P. Weis, 10 years

Deputy Bradley D. Mazur, 10 years

Certificates of Appreciation

Tiffany Szmanek Assistant Director, Genesee Justice

Paul Caffo Detective, Batavia Police Department

Sgt. Gregory Walker Genesee County Sheriff’s Office

Deputy Bradley Mazur Genesee County Sheriff’s Office

Deputy Patrick Reeves Genesee County Sheriff’s Office

Deputy Chris Parker Genesee County Sheriff’s Office

David Barton Chief, Darien Lake Security

Timothy Yaeger & Staff Emergency Management

Neil Gagne Genesee Justice

 

If somebody calls you up and says you just won $1.2 million, it's not necessarily your lucky day.

A Corfu resident who recently received such a call on his mobile phone, did the smart thing and asked a few questions. The caller identified himself as Detective Brown and said that the lottery was "100 percent verified by the United States Government."

When the Corfu resident inquired about how Det. Brown obtained his mobile number, the caller mentioned something about paying bills online and buying goods "at a favorite grocery store."

The would-be victim figured out that the area code for Det. Brown was in Jamaica.

After getting off the phone, the complainant, who is on a "Do Not Call List," contacted Verizon Wireless and asked how this phony could have obtained his number. A Verizon operator said the company is aware of this particular scam, but did not explain, according to the Sheriff's Office, why the Corfu man's phone number was compromised.

Investigator Roger Stone warns residents to be especially aware during the Holiday Season of scammers and bunko artists. Many grifters will often try to obtain key personal and account information on the promise of sending large sums of money. Some flimflammers will ask "marks" for advance payment for insurance or shipping, etc., before claimed winnings or windfalls are transferred.

Would-be marks are encouraged to first, don't fall for the con, and second, report the incident to their local law-enforcement agency.

In answer to a request from The Batavian, Steven C. Sharpe, director of emergency communications for the Genesee County Sheriff's Office, sent along this note about call volume at the dispatch center yesterday:

On December 10, 2009, the Genesee County Emergency Dispatch Center received 1,004 telephone calls, of which 354 were 911 calls.  Our busiest period was from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. when we received 400 calls of which 165 calls were made to 911.  During that same time period there were 442 radio transmissions to and from dispatch.  To put it in perspective, during that four hours we received or answered the radio every 33 seconds, a telephone call every 36 seconds, a 911 call every 87 seconds.  We dispatched a total of 268 incidents, however many of these responses involved multiple agencies such a police, fire, emergency medical services, highway departments, and utilities.  According to our records there were 107 calls for service created for cars off the road or disabled vehicles, but many of the jobs involved multiple vehicles.  There were 56 property damage and/or personal injury accidents that were dispatched.  

These job numbers do not reflect the number of calls we transferred to the New York State Thruway for disabled vehicles and accidents on the NYS Thruway.  What is also not captured is the number of calls we received from callers telling us they were leaving their vehicles in municipal or private parking lots nor the calls we received regarding road conditions and travel advisories.  One way to help out the dispatch center is to have your listeners/readers call 585-345-3000 extension 3300 to hear the Road Conditions Update.  They can also read the different definitions for Travel Advisory, Road Closings And Travel Bans at the county website located at http://www.co.genesee.ny.us/dpt/sheriff/weatheradvisory.html
 

Buckle up -- that's the message from local law enforcement.

The State Police announced increased seatbelt enforcement and the Genesee County Sheriff's Office will join the effort, according to Chief Deputy Gordon Dibble.

"There have been a number of deaths recently that would not have occurred had the victims been wearing their seat belt and shoulder harness," Dibble said in a press release.

The law requires all occupants in a moving vehicle to be wearing a restraint system that includes lap belts and shoulder harnesses.

From Dibble:

It is also important to understand that both the seat belt and shoulder harness make up the occupant restraint system that is designed to keep a crash victim from leaving their seat. The use of just the seat belt without the shoulder harness is illegal, and greatly decreases the effectiveness of the system. The law requires the proper use of both the seat belt and the shoulder harness. Those that buckle their seat belt, but slide the shoulder harness behind their shoulder, are in violation of the law and will be ticketed.  Unfortunately, too many people believe that wearing just the lap belt is legal. 

Anyone who has a medical excuse for not wearing the restraint system must have a doctor's note with them to show a police officer.

Seat belts and shoulder harnesses reduce injuries and save lives. Put them on and make sure everyone in your car does the same.

The Genesee County Sheriff supports a proposed state constitutional amendment to permit inmates to work for nonprofit agencies.

Sheriff Gary Maha is asking voters to approve this as well come November.

According to the Sheriff's press release today, it was never intended that the state Constitution prevent a Sheriff from assigning inmates to a work crew at a nonprofit agency or organization. The current law prohibits the practice when an inmate is "contracted, given or sold" and dates back to at least 1898. It was probably intended to prohibit the sale of inmate labor to contractors or private parties.

Nowadays, the Sheriff's Office typically assigns inmates to work at cemeteries, libraries, service organizations, parks, playgrounds and other locations operated by nonprofits. The inmates aren't paid and are always supervised.

Current provisions in state law do not prevent inmates from working for the state or other municipality. Therefore, most people thought that inmates who volunteered for work detail could also work for nonprofits. The labor is considered part of their rehabilitation program, not a form of required or compensated labor.

But a few years ago, the state Commission of Correction -- the agency which oversees all correctional facilities in New York -- began questioning the practice of inmate labor for nonprofits and suggested that the state Constitution be clarified in this regard.

So the state Legislature passed a bill to allow county jail inmates to work for charitable organizations. Having passed the Legislature in 2007 and 2009, this issue will be on the November ballot for voter consideration.

Sheriff Maha is asking voters to approve the proposed New York constitutional amendment permitting inmates to work for nonprofits.

A dog was hit by a car yesterday at 1:30 p.m. and Deputy Brian Thompson, a K-9 officer, and Animal Control Officer Bill Taylor responded to the scene.

The accident occurred at Route 77 and Reynolds Road, where a stray boxer-mix darted into the road, according to Deputy Chief Gordon Dibble.

The dog was struck by a car driven by a person from Florida.

Thompson and Taylor first took the dog to an animal hospital, which recommended treatment at Corfu Vet Clinic, so Taylor and Thompson transported it there.

From what I heard on the scanner, the dog didn't sound seriously injured. Dibble said there's no information on how the pooch did after being transported.

I spoke with Shannon at the vet, who was off that day, and she said the dog was transferred to another facility, although she doesn't know where.

But it was good to hear on the scanner Monday about the extra effort Thompson and Taylor went to to care for the stricken animal.

A Sheriff's Deputy was forced to destroy an aggressive Rottweiler this afternoon after the dog bit him on the hand.

Deputy Cory Mower responded  to a report of an aggressive dog running at large in the area of 8300 block of Bank Street Road in the Town of Batavia.

When Mower located the dog and approached him, the dog attacked him, biting his left hand, according to Deputy Chief Gordon Dibble.

Mower was heard on the scanner during the incident telling dispatch, "I tried to make friends with him."

After animal control arrived on scene, Mower transported himself to UMMC, where he was treated and released.

The 1:30 p.m. call was the second complaint the Sheriff's Office received today of a Rottweiler running loose in that neighborhood. In the morning, a deputy searched the area but did not find the dog. (The deputy did locate the dog, but was not able to capture it and it ran away. See comments below.)

The Rottweiler reportedly had current rabies tags, but the owner has not yet been identified and the incident remains under investigation.