The Genesee Amateur Hockey Association (GAHA) Timbit Beginners will be participating in their end-of-the-year “Jamboree” on Saturday, March 23 starting at 9 a.m. at the David McCarthy Memorial Arena. The world has the Olympics, Buffalo has pond hockey, but we have the Beginner Cross-Ice Event – “THE JAMBOREE”.
The draft has taken place and the teams are set. Game schedules are confirmed and the blue lines are waiting for the hockey players to stand on them for the National Anthem.
The Rink will be divided into three areas and two teams will play against one another in 2-minute shifts for 12 minutes; then they move on to play more “games” with other teams – a Total of 4 games. Since there are five (5) teams the team not scheduled for a “game” will participate in skill drills in the middle section.
At 9 a.m. the players will be introduced one by one as they step onto the ice and proceed to the Blue Line for the National Anthem. We’d love to have you join us and capture the progress of the little players ages 4 to 12.
This year the Beginner Program consisted of 61 registered players. They are coached by Brennan Briggs along with Nick Harris as well as many other dads, family members plus GAHA Student Coaches serving as on-ice helpers.
Without all of this support, it would be impossible to run this program. Most of the players have been on the ice since early October through today. About 26 joined the program in early January after participating in the November USA Hockey – Try Hockey for Free Event.
At practices they run through drills established by USA Hockey’s American Development Modules – six stations are set up around the rink and a different drill is introduced at each station. The players move from station to station.
GAHA is thankful for the sponsorship of its Beginner Program by the local Tim Horton Shop managed by Dave Lumberg. They provide the jerseys for all of the players as well as Timbit donuts for our special functions throughout the year.
For this Jamboree the players are divided into five teams (featuring the Black Team, the Royal Blue Lightnings, the Navy Blue Angels Team, the White Morasco’s Rink Rats, and the Red Crushers) denoted by the color of their jerseys and will play five 12-minute games with shifts of 2 min. A great time is had by all.
At the end of the Jamboree the GAHA organization will offer a free family skate for the Beginner Program until Noon and the McCarthy Rink Staff and Management will be providing “free” rental skates for those participating.
As the Presidential Primary approaches on April 2, the Genesee County Board of Elections is providing essential information and deadlines for voters in Genesee County.
Primary Eligibility:
New York State operates as a closed Primary State. Only registered Republicans and Democrats are eligible to cast their votes in the upcoming April 2 Primary Election.
Early Voting:
Early voting will be available for eight days, from March 23 through March 30. The designated early voting site is the ARC Community Center at 38 Woodrow Rd., Batavia.
Saturday, March 23: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Sunday, March 24: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Monday, March 25: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Tuesday, March 26: 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Wednesday, March 27: 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Thursday, March 28: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Friday, March 29: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Saturday, March 30: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Please note that there will be no early voting on Easter Sunday. However, an additional hour has been allocated to the preceding eight days.
Polling Information:
All polling sites will be operational on April 2 from 6 a.m. - 9 p.m. and are fully accessible. Voters can verify their designated poll site at voterlookup.elections.ny.gov or contact the Genesee County Board of Elections at (585) 815-7804.
Absentee Ballot Information:
Absentee ballots are available upon request for those unable to vote in person. Contact the Board of Elections or utilize the NY State Portal at absenteeballot.elections.ny.gov. Important deadlines for absentee ballots are as follows:
March 23: Last day for the Board of Elections to receive an absentee ballot application.
April 1: Last day to apply for an absentee ballot in person.
April 2: Last day to postmark a ballot. The Board of Elections must receive ballots by April 9.
April 9: Military/Special Federal absentee ballots must be received by this date.
Registration Deadlines:
Voter registration applications must be received by the Board of Elections by March 23 to participate in the presidential primary.
In-Person Registration:
In-person registration is available at the Genesee County Board of Elections or any state agency participating in the National Voter Registration Act. However, applications must be received by March 23 to be eligible for the Presidential Primary.
On Saturday, March 23, the Board of Elections will be open from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. for registrations.
Please note that the west door (handicap accessible) will be the sole entry point into County Building 1, located at 15 Main St., Batavia.
Please contact the Genesee County Board of Elections for further inquiries or assistance.
Anthony Haitz, as King John, acknowledges The Bastard, played by Richard Ferris, as King John's mother, Elinor or Aquitane, played by Dorothy Gerhart, looks on. Photo by Howard Owens.
Audiences will have an opportunity to watch a French connection this weekend.
Not the one with big city narcotics detectives investigating a heroin smuggling ring, but rather, the royal Shakespearean drama of “King John,” about the difficulties of who the lead character was and that he usurped the throne, Director E. Jane Burk says.
“One of the other characters that is in this play, his name is Arthur, he is John's nephew, he was the son of John's older brother, Jeffrey, who died. John took the throne before Arthur could ascend to it; he actually usurped the throne from his nephew Arthur. So much of the play revolves around a French connection. That's why we have (on the banners at the back of the stage) English lions on one side, and we have French fleur-de-lis on the other side,” Burk said during rehearsal Tuesday. “There is a significant threat of war because the French segment, the French king, King Philip, wants to put John's nephew Arthur on the English throne. So it all revolves around the situation that it was very militaristic. You could almost say contemporary in terms of the different factions that were trying to come to power.”
Batavia Players will present Shakespeare in Springtime’s “King John” at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday at Main St. 56 Theater in Batavia City Centre.
Playwright William Shakespeare penned a significant number of plays that were histories about notables such as Richard the Third and Henry the Eighth, and this lesser known figure, King John, Burk said.
“It is not frequently performed anywhere,” she said. “And it’s interesting because, actually, this particular play is all in verse. It’s all poetry; it’s not prose, it’s not normal, conversation-type stuff.”
A passage from King John’s character states:
O cousin, thou art come to set mine eye.
The tackle of my heart is cracked and burnt,
And all the shrouds wherewith my life should sail
Are turnèd to one thread, one little hair.
My heart hath one poor string to stay it by,
Which holds but till thy news be utterèd,
And then all this thou seest is but a clod
And module of confounded royalty.
The time period is 1216, and the play is paying homage to the Magna Carta, which King John signed in 1215, a year before his death at 49, Burk said. The cast quickly became familiar with the setting, the lines and the demands of such a production, and has fulfilled its responsibilities with aplomb, she said.
Auditions were in mid-January, everyone received their scripts and immediately began to learn their lines after being cast for roles, and, because another show was happening during a portion of February, rehearsals didn’t even begin until later in the month.
“And this is only March 19. And kudos to the cast. I give them so much credit. They have done an extraordinary job of creating this place that is not Western New York. That is not Batavia. That does not sound anything like the way we speak. I have French people that are speaking with French accents,” she said. “We have worked hard on this. They have learned their lines, their scripts, word for word. If you were to sit right now — I'm not exaggerating — if you were to sit and actually listen to what they are saying, watching but listening, and reading the script as you're going along, you will see that it’s word for word. It is extraordinary. That's exceptionally difficult. You cannot take away from the fact that they have given heart and soul to making this happen.”
And who are “they?” By all other accounts, they are ordinary people, volunteers in the world of community theater with a passion for the arts, people who have jobs, work for a living, tend to families, she said, and dedicate many hours to memorizing their lines and create the character they will eventually bring to life up on stage.
The premise of “King John” is that he goes to war against the French after claiming that his nephew should be king instead. John has conflict with the church, orders his nephew's death, and turns the nobles against himself. In the end, John dies after a monk poisons him, the French retreat and his own son becomes king.
Burk isn’t necessarily looking to convert the masses onto Shakespeare; however, she’s hoping that folks are willing to give it a try.
“My idea is that, on some level, most of the people that will come to see the show probably have not had any sort of prior experience with Shakespeare,” she said. “But what we hope is that if we can make a difference in the life of one person if we can make the lightbulbs click on for one person, and they understand and discover what Shakespeare is all about, then we’ve succeeded. That’s what it’s all about.”
Tickets are $22 adults, $20 students and seniors online and $24 adults, $22 students and seniors for cash at the door.
Anthony Haitz as King John Photo by Howard Owens.
James Barcomb as the King of France, King Phillip. Photo by Howard Owens
Richard Ferris as The Bastard Photo by Howard Owens
Stephen VanValkenburg, as Robert Faulconbridge, Patrick Burk, as Sheriff, and Richard Ferris, as The Bastard. Photo by Howard Owens.
Anthony Haitz as King John and Stephen VanValkenburg as Robert Faulconbridge Photo by Howard Owens
Anthony Haitz as King John Photo by Howard Owens
Heather Ferris as Lady Faulconbridge. Photo by Howard Owens
James Barcomb and King Phillip of France, Kristin Gella as Lady Constance, and Sophie Crandall as Prince Arthur. Photo by Howard Owens.
GO ART! announces a call for artwork for its 7th annual juried exhibition, Art of the Rural. This year, organizers have added a twist with the theme, ‘Total Eclipse of the Art.’ Artists are encouraged to explore the theme through their interpretation and are welcome to think outside the box.
The exhibition is open to all artists. All work must be original, created by the submitting artist, and not previously exhibited at GO ART! All media is accepted. Artwork must be properly wired, ready to hang, and no larger than 36 x 36.”
GO ART! members may submit up to 5 works for $30, $5 for each additional work. Non-members may submit up to 3 works for $30 and $5 for each additional work. Artists can drop off submissions at GO ART! located in Seymour Place, 201 East Main Street, Batavia.
Artwork will be accepted from March 20 - 23 and March 27 -29 between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. No entries will be accepted after March 29.
Art of the Rural: Total Eclipse of the Art will be on display from April 3 – June 1. The winners will be announced at the artist reception, which will take place April 6 from 5 - 8 p.m.
For a complete list of rules and entry forms, visit www.goart.org/galleries. Contact Mary Jo Whitman at mjwhitman@goart.org with any questions.
Ian Sanfratello recalled what his father meant to the community, to his family, and as a father who shared a love with his son for Sabres hockey during the funeral service on Saturday for Sgt. Thomas A. Sanfratello. Photo by Howard Owens.
In a service inside the Call Arena at Genesee Community College, Sgt. Thomas A. Sanfratello was remembered as a man who was committed to protecting and serving our community, a man who loved his children, and as a man who enjoyed his work and his hobbies.
"Grandma Sanfratello stopped me last night," said Pastor Ryan Macdonald of City Church, who officiated the service. "She said, 'Come here, pastor.' She called me over for a beautiful moment, and she whispered to me, she said, 'Pastor, please tell the people tomorrow how much Tom loved this community. Please tell them tomorrow that Jesus gave us time for a moment, for a season, and then Jesus came, and he walked him through those pearly gates and into heaven.' She went on to tell me, 'Tell the people today that Tom passed doing what he loved to do. No greater love than a man show than that he would lay his life down for his friends. Please tell them, pastor, that Tom loved being a servant and that Tom shared his love as long as he could.'
"I believe with all my heart," Macdonald added, "that Sgt Sanfratello understood God's love."
Sanfratello died early Sunday morning at Batavia Downs while trying to deal with two customers who had been asked to leave 34 Rush. One of those customers is accused of violently attacking the 32-year veteran of the Sheriff's Office, reportedly pulling a heavy chain from around his neck and striking Sanfrantello with it. The cause of death has not been released, but the suspect, Michael J. Elmore, 33, of Batavia, has been charged with manslaughter.
Saturday's funeral was attended by hundreds of first responders, including police officers from throughout the region and from as far away as New York City and Chicago. There were also hundreds of members of the community at the Call Arena, including friends and family.
His sister Michelle Panasiewicz and his son Ian Sanfratello, along with Sheriff William Sheron, were the speakers.
Panasiewicz recalled growing up with her brother and watching him grow into a man who served his community and loved his family, especially his children, Ian, Kyla, and Alexis.
"Nothing made him prouder than spending time with them and watching them grow into the people that they have become," Panasiewicz said.
Growing up, as siblings do, Tom and Michelle had their differences, but as adults, she said, Tom was the strength of the family.
"When I had a question that my husband Joel couldn't answer, I'd call or text Tom," she said. "More often than not, he had the answer. We leaned on each other when we needed to, and we always knew that we were there for each other no matter what time of day or night without needing words."
She asked how she and the family would go on without Tom.
"I guess I have to learn that I have my family, my friends, my loved ones and we will continue to go on," Panasiewicz said. "This memory will live on, and all of us will continue to have a memorial of some kind. Or, like I said, his memory will never go away. He was loved by too many for his memory to ever go away."
Sgt. Thomas Sanfratello was twice named Officer of the Year for the Genesee County Sheriff's Office, including in 2012, when Gary Maha, right, was sheriff and William Sheron was undersheriff. File photo by Howard Owens.
Sheron noted that Sanfratello dedicated his entire adult life to serving people, first as an EMT who put himself through training, working in Buffalo and Rochester, as a volunteer for the Alexander Fire Department, as a dispatcher in Batavia, before joining the Sheriff's Office in 1992 as a dispatcher.
"You knew, right from the beginning, there's something special about Tommy," Sheron said. "You know, there are individuals when you hire him, you just go, 'This guy is going to go somewhere. Tommy would take on tasks in the communication room that might have been lingering for years. But Tommy's energy, he just got in there and got it done."
Sanfratello collected Hot Wheels and Legos and attended conventions all over the country for collectors. He loved children and kept a bucket of Hot Wheels in his office to share with children who visited the office, either with department family members or when caught up in some serious situation.
It's no surprise, then, that one of Sanfratello's favorite duties was helping to organize the Christmastime Shop with a Cop at Walmart.
Ian, now himself a corrections officer who graduated from the academy top in his class, recalled seeing his dad in action at work and said he was clearly a leader in the Sheriff's Office.
"He did try to steer everybody in the right direction," Ian said. "Even if he didn't see eye-to-eye with someone, he would always have their back and trust them with his life."
He said, "Deputies would tell me how he was the glue that held the department together. They don't know what they will do without him. One way of looking at it, as I have the past couple of days, when he passed away was he was doing what he loved. He loved working overtime."
Ian recalled how they shared love for Buffalo Sabres hockey. He said he will miss their phone calls -- win or lose, they would critique the games, either what the Sabres did right or what they need to improve.
"It won't be the same any more ," he said, but he hopes someday he will have a son to carry on the family tradition.
Michelle Panasiewicz rubbing her hands together the way her brother, Sgt. Thomas A. Sanfratello, would when he was excited about something. Photo by Howard Owens.
While members of the Genesee County Sheriff's Office salute, the Keystone Club Police Pipes & Drums Corp. enter the Call Arena. Photo by Howard Owens.
Hundreds of police officers from throughout Western New York and as far away as New York City and Chicago, attended the funeral for Thomas A. Sanfratello. Photo by Howard Owens
Sgt. Kyle Krzemien and Sgt. Andrew Hale. Photo by Howard Owens
Pastor Ryan Macdonald Photo by Howard Owens
Colorguard entering the service. Photo by Howard Owens.
Pastor Ryan Macdonald. Photo by Howard Owens.
Sheriff William Sheron. Photo by Howard Owens.
Corrections Officer Ian Sanfratello, son of Sgt. Thomas A. Sanfratello. Photo by Howard Owens.
Officers praying during the service. Photo by Howard Owens.
Photo by Howard Owens.
Sheriff William Sheron exiting the service. Photo by Howard Owens.
Sheriff's deputies, including Patrick Reeves, leaving the service. Photo by Howard Owens.
March is "Music in Schools Month" across the nation, and on Thursday evening, Batavia City Schools held its annual concert featuring educators and students at all levels to celebrate the month.
The concern opened with the faculty/alumni band playing Sir Duke, a Steve Wonder hit honoring Duke Ellington.
Also performing are the High School Orchestra, the Middle School Beauty Shop, High School Guitar, John Kennedy Second Graders, High School Select Choir, Middle School Band, High School Rock Band, and High School Jazz Ensemble.
Notre Dame High School opens its staging of the musical "Anastasia" tonight (Friday) at 7 p.m. in the high school auditorium.
A second show is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Saturday.
Director Kate Edwards said of the show:
Anastasia the Musical is based on the animated film Anastasia, which is also based on the real-life story of the Romanov family. It takes place during the Russian Revolution when the Bolsheviks took over Russia and killed the Czar and his entire family. The rumor was always that young Anastasia, the youngest of all the children, actually lived.
The musical is based on the animated film of the same name. The plot is that Anastasia did live, but her memory has been wiped. She now knows herself to be Anya, and she’s searching to find where she belongs. She looks for help from two Russian revolutionaries, who are also good-hearted con men. They are looking for a young girl who can pretend to be Anastasia because they want the reward money. They also need to escape Russia because the communists are taking over.
Through a series of escapades and traveling from Russia to Paris, they discover that Anya is actually the real Anastasia. Meanwhile, the Bolsheviks are looking for Anya because if she really is alive, they want to kill her.
To see what happens next, you’ll have to come see the show!!
The casket of Sgt. Thomas A. Sanfratello, who died in the line of duty on Sunday morning, was carried by Hearst on Friday morning from the Gilmartin Funeral Home to the Call Arena at GCC.
The route went down Park Road, past the Sheriff's Office, then to Route 98, to West Saile Drive, to Bank Street, to Assemblyman R. Stephen Hawley Drive.
The casket was then carried into Call Arena by a Sheriff's Office detail prior to calling hours on Friday afternoon.
Sanfratello's funeral will be held in the Call Arena at 11 a.m. on Saturday.
Calling all green thumbs and community builders! Emmanuel Baptist Church is seeking gardeners to plant in our community garden at 190 Oak St in Batavia.
Our garden features 20 spacious 4x3 plots which will be transformed into thriving vegetable, fruit, and herb gardens once YOU put the seeds in! Each person who signs up gets to plant and harvest from their own plot!
Being a gardener at our community garden is more than just a chance to get your hands dirty. It's an opportunity to connect with fellow garden enthusiasts, learn new skills, and contribute to a project that benefits the entire community.
Whether you're a seasoned gardener or a complete beginner, you can grow veggies or flowers and grow yourself as well! Our team will provide all the necessary tools and seeds.
So if you're looking for a place to get your garden growing while enjoying the great outdoors, come join us at Emmanuel Baptist Church's Community Garden. Together, we can create something truly special.
The cost is $20 per plot. Call 585 343 4905 or email ebcbatavia@gmail.com to sign up.
Chief Deputy Joesph Graff holds his phone with Morgan Blann on Facetime leading a moment of silence in honor of Sgt. Thomas A. Sanfratello on Thursday night at Van Detta Stadium in Batavia. Photo by Howard Owens.
Sgt. Thomas A. Sanfratello, who died in the line of duty early Sunday morning, was honored by about 50 first responders and family members with a mile run around the track at Van Detta Stadium in Batavia.
The run was part of a national program called "Running For Heroes," which is comprised of young people who run in honor of a first responder who dies in the line of duty.
Thursday's run was coordinated with Morgan Blann, a 13-year-old from New Jersey who connected with runners in Batavia through Facetime and then her actual run was live streamed on Facebook.
Members of law enforcement in her community joined her on her run.
Morgan told the participants that since she was six, she's dreamed of working in law enforcement as a K-9 handler.
Chief Deputy Joesph Graff and Undersheriff Bradley Mazur with other participants in Thursday's "Running for Heroes" at Van Detta Stadium with Morgan Blann on Facetime. Photo by Howard Owens.
With Easter around the corner, it's once again time for the Annual Kiwanis Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, March 30 at 9 a.m. sharp. The event will take place at Centennial Park with three age categories birth-3, 4-7, and 8-10.
Along with the thousands of eggs hiding in the park, there will be nine golden eggs, three in each age group. The nine lucky children who discover the golden eggs will be able to exchange them for a chocolate bunny from Oliver’s Candies.
There will also be one golden egg hidden each day in Centennial Park beginning on Friday, March 22 through Thursday, March 28. The golden eggs will be hidden at different times each day to allow families with different schedules to search and have an equal chance of finding them.
The golden eggs are restricted to kids aged 12 and under, although older siblings and family members can help search! The winning golden eggs must be turned in at the Easter Egg Hunt on March 30 to receive an Oliver's Candies chocolate bunny.
The club is asking those who find golden eggs prior to the Easter Egg Hunt, to please send pictures to the Kiwanis Club of Batavia Facebook page at facebook.com/kiwanisclubofbatavia.
Kiwanis Club of Batavia is proud to offer fun, healthy family activities that serve children in our community. For more information, visit the club’s Facebook page. The club meets on the 2nd and 4th Thursday at 12:10 p.m. at TF Brown’s and welcomes new members.
Photo of the 2023 Business Pitch Competition, courtesy of Genesee Community College.
Press Release:
Every solid business venture starts with one thing - a pitch! Whether making a sale or convincing an investor, your business idea pitch has to be organized, well-thought-out, powerful, and convincing! GCC is here to help get you prepared!
"A solid business idea pitch is essential for every startup. This competition offers participants a valuable opportunity to acquire the skills needed to structure, refine, and present a compelling and persuasive pitch.," said Dr. Lina LaMattina, director of business programs at GCC.
If you have a passion you would like to turn into a business, but you aren't sure if anyone else will think it's a good idea, consider participating in GCC's Annual Business Idea Pitch Competition on Thursday, May 2 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in room T102 of the Conable Technology Building at Genesee Community College's Batavia Campus.
To participate in this event, you MUST register for our Business Idea Pitch Competition by emailing Dr. Lina LaMattina at lmlamattina@genesee.edu no later than Friday, April 26.
The competition is free and open to the public and prizes of $100 for first place and $75 for second place will be awarded to the most outstanding competitors in the "most likely to succeed" and "most creative" categories. Pitches will be judged by local business leaders.
Among the leading causes for startup failure is a lack of basic business experience. In lieu of losing thousands of investment dollars, today's entrepreneurs have found another way to gain that experience before launching their startup - education. Genesee Community College offers a degree, certificate and micro-credential programs in Entrepreneurship to prepare emerging business owners for success.
For more information contact Vice President, Development and External Affairs Justin Johnston at (585) 345-6809, or via email: jmjohnston@genesee.edu.
Long-time Notre Dame football coach Jimmy Fanara has decided to retire ending a 22-year stint coaching football at his alma mater.
Coach Fanara had planned that 2022 (his son Jimmy’s Senior year) would be his final season before he stepped up to take the head varsity coach position when Joe Zambito’s job took him out of the area.
Fanara held a variety of coaching positions, spending most of his years on the coaching staffs of Notre Dame HOF coaches Bill Sutherland and Rick Mancuso before taking over the Varsity reins in 2022.
His final team team advanced to the Sectional semifinals before losing a hard-fought contest to York-Pavilion.
AD Mike Rapone commented “When I coached Jimmy in basketball during his high school years, he demonstrated the leadership, determination, passion for athletics, and the love of Notre Dame that he displayed for his 22 years coaching football at ND. Any of the young men who were fortunate enough to have been coached by him have benefited greatly from the experience. He will be missed!”
Anyone interested in applying to be the next Varsity football coach at Notre Dame should email a letter of interest and a resume to michael.rapone@ndhsbatavia.com. Applicants must have or be willing to pursue NYS Coaching Certification.
NOTE: The Batavian reached out to current and former members of the Genesee County Sheriff's Office to write up remembrances of Sgt. Thomas A. Sanfratello, who died in the line of duty while serving and protecting his community on Sunday morning. Below are the remembrances we received. While we limited the request this round to people associated with the Sheriff's Office, we will publish more remembrances from the community if we receive a sufficient number. We invite other first responders, whether in law enforcement, fire services, EMS, or any community group, especially those of his friends and neighbors in Alexander, where he served as a town board member, to submit remembrances. Email your statements to howard@thebatavian.com, and please be sure to include at least "Sanfratello" in the subject line. If we receive a sufficient number by Friday evening, we will try to have them published by Saturday morning. Please also include your full name and any appropriate title in the body of the email.
Former Sheriff Gary Maha:
When I received the phone call early Sunday morning from a deputy, who was assigned to make notifications of Sgt. Tom Sanfratello’s death, I was shocked. I thought to myself that if this were going to happen to someone, it wouldn’t be Sergeant Sanfratello. He was outgoing, very friendly to everyone and easy to get along with. However, he knew how to do his job and would do it well. It has been very emotional as it has been with his family, friends and especially current and past members of the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office who knew and worked with Tom.
I remember when I hired him as a deputy sheriff in 1996. He was a young, thin guy working in dispatch. I am sure some thought why did they hire him as a deputy! I watched him mature, gain knowledge, and experience, and become an excellent officer. He was promoted to sergeant in 2007 and became an excellent road patrol supervisor and supervisor of the Civil Bureau.
He loved working for the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office and loved being a law enforcement officer. As someone said, “he would give you the shirt off his back if you needed it.” Tom was always dependable. If you asked him to do something, he would do it and do it right. He was instrumental in the implementation of our Public Safety Computer System and was a great source for younger officers with his 32 years of experience. He will be missed. RIP, Sergeant Sanfratello, and God Bless You.
Retired Chief Deputy Gordon Dibble:
I remember when Tommy started with the Sheriff's Office as a dispatcher. He was a skinny, twenty-two-year-old kid. When they hired him as a deputy sheriff, I remember thinking this is a mistake, he'll never cut it as a deputy. I was wrong. Tommy was like a sponge -- a quick learner, a problem solver, always wanting to know more.
Tommy filled out physically and got involved in as many things as he could. He was even on the SCUBA team. He was an overtime hog, working every extra detail that he could. I wonder how many hours he put in at Darien Lake Theme Park. He supervised almost every concert, working closely with the theme park managers to make concert nights go as smoothly as possible, and he was fearless. He was often first into a messy situation, leading from the front.
Tommy had a great sense of humor, a great smile, and the laugh of someone who enjoyed life. We shared many laughs together. We also shared an addiction. We were both addicted to Mountain Dew. My wife even shared an addiction with Tom: an addiction to the video game Candy Crush.
I am just one of many, many people who will greatly miss Tom.
Chief Deputy Joseph Graff:
The loss of Sgt. Sanfratello has been a tragedy for his family, our law enforcement family and our community. Tom was a valued resource. His most recent role was as the sergeant in charge of our civil division and warrants. Tom always made himself available, whether on duty or not, to answer a question or phone call and was often sought out for his expertise in civil matters.
Tom had a remarkable ability to recall sections of the law that are not often used and had a system of organization that kept things running. Even after 32 years in Law Enforcement, Tom was still willing to go out into our community and do the job. Tom’s heart was evident in the annual Easter egg hunt he would hold at his home, hiding thousands of eggs and inviting the families of our office.
It was an honor to have had the opportunity to know Tom professionally and personally. His presence will truly be missed in our lives. My thoughts and prayers are with the family of Sgt. Sanfratello. Godspeed GS 9.
Investigator Chad Minuto:
When I was approached by Howard to provide a memory or story about Tommy, it took me some time to comb through our past twenty years together.There are so many memories together that it would be impossible to choose just one. I think I would rather like to say a few words about my friend.
I myself became a lot closer to Tommy over the past seven years after being promoted to Investigator.I would visit Tommy daily to bend his ear.Tommy was the pulse of the department.He was highly adept at how our office operated and played a crucial role in keeping the “engine running.”Tommy was organized “In his own way” and took a systematic approach to everything he did.Tommy was an extremely hard worker, a devoted deputy, and someone who cared deeply about the Sheriff’s Office.His work ethic, experience, and wealth of knowledge will be irreplaceable.
Tommy not only loved the Sheriff’s Department, but above that, he loved his family and children.Tommy, himself, was a giant kid at heart.He was an avid collector of Hot Wheels and Legos, often traveling across the country to attend and work at toy shows. I remember the smile on Tommy’s face when I told him my son had become interested in Legos.Tommy would routinely show me sneak peeks of unreleased Legos and share his duplicates of Lego mini figures with my son.Personally, I think Tommy shared these Legos because he felt bad knowing that I would not find these in stores.Why, you ask? Well, Tommy had likely cleaned out the inventory locally.
These past few days have been so surreal, and it is still hard to wrap my head around the fact that Tommy is gone. I know there will be times in the weeks and months ahead when something will remind me of Tommy and stop me in my tracks. I welcome these moments, as they will ensure that I will never forget what Tommy meant to this department or me. We will miss you, GS-9!
Dispatcher Jason Holman:
Sgt. Sanfratello, the Sheriff's sergeant, provided a calm and consistent veteran command presence to our office. He was a leader and mentor to those around him. He had a large part in the training and development of most of the deputies and investigators we have now. His long career and vast experience were an asset to new patrols as they came into their own. His knowledge of the operations of our agency, both out on patrol and within the Civil and Records Departments, will be sorely missed and not easy to replace quickly. He oversaw special detail assignments/scheduling at locations such as Darien Lake and Batavia Downs. His command of the staff at those assignments will be difficult to replace.
He was also an advocate for the work we do in the dispatch center because of his history there. Many times, as the first point of contact with someone in need, that dispatcher can set the tone for a call for service or demonstrate the effectiveness and professionalism of the Genesee County Sheriff's Office. Sgt. Sanfratello understood the importance of recruiting, hiring, training and retaining quality Emergency Services Dispatchers.
As a former union president, he advocated for his members. He was always searching for and often finding ways to improve the quality of life, salary, and benefits provided to our staff.
On the other side, Tom Sanfratello, the man, was a son, brother, father, uncle and, significant other, friend to many who loved him. Outside of work, he had an affinity for collecting diecast cars, specifically Hot Wheels. That hobby took him all over the country to shows and swap meets and garnered him a whole different community of friends and colleagues that I'm sure are also feeling the pain of his loss. More recently, he had taken up collecting and building Lego sets. What started as fun for him and his youngest daughter, Lexi, turned into another hobby and a large collection. He was a family man who loved his children. Ian recently graduated from the Corrections Officer Academy at the top of his class, and I don't think you could wipe the smile off of Tom's face that week. He was very proud of Ian's accomplishments and the fact that he was able to work alongside him.
I'd also like to remind you that March 21 will be the one-year anniversary of Emergency Services Dispatcher Andrew Merkel's untimely passing. Our staff is also dealing with the weight of that anniversary. He shared many qualities with Tom and he is still sorely missed by many at our office.
Lastly, I'll leave you with something that has always struck home with me during a loss. For those who are hurting during this:
"Keep fighting. Persevere. Those who left us too soon are proud of you. Even though they may not have had the chance to say it."
Forgive me, as I don't recall where I once heard/saw that and could not tell you who may have said it. But some version of those words has stuck with me for a long time as I have dealt with loss in my own life.
Investigator James Diehl:
Tom was a man who never grew up. This is the best way I can describe Tom Sanfratello.
He loved collecting Hot Wheels cars and Legos. He got giddy like a kid on Christmas when new ones were going to be released or he found a rare Hot Wheels car.He had knowledge about the different types of cars, which ones were special, what codes meant what, and what cars he had that were overly impressive. Tom kept a bucket of Hot Wheels cars in a drawer in his office and would always tell people to take some for their kids or to hand out.
I’ll remember the fantasy football leagues that he organized and the drafts he would have at his house.
My kids and I will always remember the Easter Egg hunts that “Mr. Tom” put on at his house. Tom and I would discuss him prepping for the event, filling 1,000 eggs weeks before the event with candy, Lego figurines, and hot wheel cars, all the things he loved. When I arrived on the day of the event to help put eggs out, it would be three hours before, and he came out of the house with box after box after box of plastic eggs totaling somewhere in the 4 to 5 thousands.
At the same event, he would hide golden eggs with money or a ticket for a large Oliver’s candy chocolate Easter bunny. Tom did all this without asking for a dime.
In recent years, many of us who attended had to tell him to accept money towards it, but he would still rarely look for help. During the event, he would walk around with his daughter Lexi, watching her and all the other kids run and gather so many eggs they wouldn’t be able to carry the bag they brought with them, and he would smile and take it all in, seeing what kids got the cherished golden eggs. He would ask if the kids got enough, knowing full well that parents were carrying bags bigger than the kids.
Tom got the same smile on his face during Shop with a Cop. He would help organize the event and liked to float through the store watching kids shop and maybe looking for a stray rare Hot Wheels car at the same time. But I feel like seeing the kids smile and the happiness that was brought towards the kids and families on that day, the good interactions deputies had with people, and the light conversations that developed is what he liked most.
He brought this same love to talk to people, to joke, sarcastic banter, and kid-like fun to work as well. His office is a perfect display of his personality as it holds toys in every direction. There are multiple-sized Lego cars, Hot Wheels cars in display cases, and a wall of signed photos of Tom meeting actors, including Erik Estrada (Officer Frank Poncherello) and Larry Wilcox (Officer Jon Baker) from the TV Show CHIPS, Catherine Bach (Daisy Duke), WWE celebrities Brie and Nikki Bella, John Cena and Bryan Danielson, Candy Clark (Debby) from American Graffiti, Jim Kelly, and Brad Paisley along with so many others. Until recently, a Halloween skeleton dressed as a deputy would sit across from Tom in his office and scare half the people who walked into it.Closest to his chair, along his desk, were photos of his kids, Ian, Kyla, and “Lexi.”
As our many conversations would lead us to different topics, he talked about these kids often. He was proud of all of them, especially recently when Ian graduated from the Correctional Academy and was working at the Genesee County Jail. As conversations about kids usually go through the ups and downs of life and the “he/she should do this or that” moments, I remember Tom saying that, most importantly, he wanted them to “do what makes them happy.” I’ll miss our daily conversations, our banters, him telling me like a dad that I’m wrong and being unreasonable. We had many discussions, conversations, and arguments, and Tom could always understand where you were coming from, even if he didn’t agree.
Retired Investigator Pete Welker:
Tommy and I went through the police academy together back in 1996. We were young and excited to become Sheriff’s deputies. Going through the academy and then field training (FTO) can be very stressful for recruits. We helped each other along the way and ultimately made it through training. We then served in different capacities alongside each other for 30 years at the Sheriff’s Office, as well as serving on the union board together for probably 20 of those years.
Tommy was a very productive deputy (sergeant). Even in his latter years, Tommy would not only take a good amount of overtime, but he would be sure to get things done while working it. If he took DWI overtime, he would often times make an arrest during that shift. Tommy was a fixture at the Darien Lake concerts during the summer, supervised those details for years, and could somehow make chaos seem manageable. He was in charge of the Civil Office, in charge of warrants, and tasked with final approval and merging of all reports.
Tommy could be stern at times and was a stickler for making sure paperwork was complete, accurate, and on time. That said, however, as union president and even as a union rep before that, Tommy was the first one to stand up for the guys when labor-management issues arose.
Tommy was very proud of all of his children and spoke of them often. He and I would usually chat in his office a couple of times a week. You don’t realize how much you talk to someone until they are no longer there to talk to. In today’s society, the term “cop” has grown to mean so much more than just someone who makes arrests. It takes a wide array of skills to maneuver your way through serving communities in today’s world. Tommy had those skills and was a wealth of knowledge. Tommy loved being a cop and truly wanted to help people in any way that he could. We are all saddened by the loss of our friend and co-worker, Sgt. Thomas Sanfratello and it gives me some peace knowing that Tommy took his last breath on this earth doing what he loved and was sworn to do: protect and serve.
Those that were effected and those that knew him professionally will miss Sergeant Sanfratello, the Deputy. We will miss the playful sarcasm, the laughter, his caring nature, our conversations, experienced wisdom, youthful spirit, partner, father, and friend. We will miss the man who never really grew up.
Sergeant Tom Sanfratello was often the liaison between the Sheriff’s Office and many other agencies. I believe he loved the interactions, the communication, and, at times, even the chaos that went with the job as well. He loved to work at the Sheriff’s Office and especially at Darien Lake Concert events. It would be rare to work there without him, and he will be missed this year. He would take on so many additional duties and always answer when you needed advice or had questions. He always was there for anyone who needed him.
Those who were affected and those who knew him professionally will miss Sgt. Sanfratello, the deputy. We will miss his playful sarcasm, laughter, caring nature, our conversations, experienced wisdom, youthful spirit, partner, father, and friend. We will miss the man who never really grew up.
Retired Dispatcher Gary Diegelman:
I first met Tom when he came into communications in February 1992. He was always willing to learn and fast to learn. Tom always had a great attitude. I remember him always smiling and laughing. He was very excited to have been hired as a deputy sheriff. He excelled as a road deputy, and after being promoted to sergeant, Tom never forgot where he started in communications. Every day, he would stop in to say hi. If he needed help, he knew dispatchers were a good place to start. This will leave a huge hole in the Sheriff's Office. It such a tragic end to a well-loved professional, coworker and friend.
Retired Deputy Brian Thompson:
Tommy rose through the ranks with hard work and determination. As a patrol officer we got along well and worked on cases together. As a sergeant, he did an excellent job streamlining report-taking and was always available to help with a question or glitch in the systems incorporated over the years. I always appreciated his patience with me or assistance in getting reports done, in the database and recovered for court cases. Enjoyed a lot of laughs and tears with Tom over the years. Our prayers and deepest condolences are with family and friends.
Retired Deputy Chris Erion:
Two things stand out when I think of Tom.He was a supervisor, and where he really excelled was his decisiveness.He didn’t just sit on the sideline giving directives, keeping his uniform clean.He followed through with his own directives and was willing to walk shoulder to shoulder with other members of law enforcement into any kind of hornet’s nest we may have encountered. I saw him do this on many occasions when it was called for.When I learned about his final call at the Downs, it sounded just like Tom to make a decision, and go straight towards the problem to restore order.
The other thing that really pops out when I think of Tom is how he loved his children. This was so obvious. If he were having a bad day or upset about some circumstance, that would all go away when he started to talk about some event, activity, or success of one of his children. He was very proud of them!
Lest we forget his Hot Wheels collection – if you didn’t know the difference between a Matchbox and a Hot Wheels, Tom would quickly, thoroughly, and with great passion explain the difference.
Dispatcher Nate Fix:
Tom will be sorely missed. He was not only a born leader in this organization but someone I looked up to; I've been with Tommy since the late 90s at Darien Lake, now Six Flags, as the concert lieutenant. Personally, for the last 15 years, I've worked extremely closely with him. There are endless stories of the nights with Tommy and his leadership at Darien Lake and and how well he did. Tom will mostly be missed by me bedcaue of our 20-year relationship at Darien Lake concerts.
He was a very giving person, particularly started four years ago with his daughter's Easter egg hunt -- 4,000 Easter eggs, doing it all with his own money. He would put all the Easter eggs together with his daughter Alexei.
Those are just small things that Tommy did. In the end, you look back, and you realize how generous he was.
Not only will I miss him as a comrade here at the facility, but the town board in Alexander will also miss him. He worked great with the Alexander Fire Department.
It was a year this month that we also lost (Dispatcher) Andy Merkle. So that's also been playing on our minds a year later, we're kind of going through something similar with someone we work with and it's unexpected.
Tom was a pillar of this organization. There are things that he did behind the scenes of this organization that we're going to have to figure out. I just wish he had the time and took the time to retire and enjoy his retirement and see it. But his long hard work doesn't go unnoticed in his years of service.
And I can't forget our daily talks as union presidents. He was DSA and I was GCSEA.
I hope the Sanfratello family finds comfort in knowing how many people truly love their brother, their uncle, and their father.
Each situation is weighed individually when a school employee is arrested, City Schools Superintendent Jason Smith told The Batavian in response to a query about the apprehension of a teacher and her husband on March 2.
Both are charged with resisting arrest, and the husband, Aaron Fix, 50, is accused of assaulting a police officer.
Fix has been a volunteer assistant varsity football coach and was the head coach of the flag football team. He resigned from that position following his arrest, Smith said.
Kristen Fix, 49, is a teacher at Robert Morris, which Jackson Primary School administers.
"Many factors are considered in determining how school districts respond to an employee’s arrest, including the nature of the charges, whether and to what extent the charges/conduct are related to the school/students, whether the employee has any prior discipline or related conduct, whether the employee is cooperative in sharing information related to the arrest, among others," Smith said.
He added, "Each matter is reviewed on an individual basis, consistent with applicable provisions of New York State Law and the collective bargaining agreement."
He did not directly address Kristen Fix's status, the status of any investigation, or how the district is proceeding in this individual case.
While Kristen Fix has been charged, she has not been convicted of any crime. Her case is pending in City Court, and her next scheduled appearance before Judge Andrea Clattenburg is April 4.
While a matter is under review, under state law, it is a personnel issue. When there is disciplinary action against a government employee, it is generally public record.
The incident involving the Fixes began at 10:22 p.m. on March 2 with a traffic stop by Deputy Zachary Hoy in the area of 561 East Main St., Batavia.
According to a report by Hoy obtained by The Batavian from City Court, Kristen Fix was driving a vehicle that was observed moving out of its lane of travel, almost striking a curb, and stopping in the middle of the roadway.
Kristen was charged with DWI (first offense), resisting arrest, obstructing governmental administration in the second degree, moving from lane unsafely, and unlicensed driver.
The resisting arrest is based on an allegation that she walked away from officers while being advised she was under arrest.
On the report for refusal to submit to a chemical test, the section listing evidence of alleged impairment includes being "abusive."
Aaron Fix is charged with assault in the second degree, resisting arrest, criminal mischief in the fourth degree, and obstructing governmental administration in the second degree.
Based on court documents, Aaron is accused of interfering with the arrest of Kristen. He allegedly got in and out of the vehicle multiple times.
He is accused of resisting arrest by stiffening his arms when officers attempted to place handcuffs on him.
He is charged with assault in the second degree with intent to injure an officer based on alleged injuries sustained by Officer Andrew Mruczek. Mruczek reportedly sustained injuries on his neck and the right side of his forehead.
The charge of criminal mischief is based on an accusation that Aaron intentionally damaged Mruczek's uniform collar brass.
Aaron's next court appearance is scheduled for April 17 before Judge Durin Rogers.
A GoFundMe campaign has been set up to assist the family of Sgt. Thomas Sanfratello, who died in the line of duty on Sunday.
The Deputy Sheriff's Association organized the campaign and will ensure the money is distributed to the family. The Batavian confirmed that this is a DSA-backed fundraiser.
The association set a goal of $50,000. More than $8,000 has been raised so far.
Genesee Cancer Assistance will hold its Annual Spaghetti Dinner on Thursday, April 25. The event is held in memory of Joe Gerace, who was a valued and dedicated volunteer to the organization for many years.
This will be a Dine-In or Take-Out event held at Ascension Parish Hall, 17 Sumner St., Batavia.
The menu will include spaghetti and meatballs, salad, bread, and dessert. Tickets are $15 each. There will also be raffles, including wine & chocolate baskets, with tickets available for purchase.
Pre-sale dinner tickets are available online at www.geneseecancerassistance.org, from any Board member, or through the office by calling (585)345-0417. Pre-sale tickets are suggested but not required.
While a narrative of events at Batavia Downs early Sunday morning that led to the death of Sgt. Thomas A. Sanfratello was shared at a press conference on Wednesday, the 32-year veteran of the force was remembered as a great co-worker, good friend, and loving father.
Sheriff William Sheron said, "Wow. Unbelievable person. I have known Tommy since he began. He was just an incredible human being. He was always there for everybody else. He had many important functions here in the department. He ran our civil department. He was on the State Sheriffs Association accreditation programs as an assessor. He oversaw our Darien Lake details. As you know, we have had many, many concerts out there and many, many thousands of people. He ran them flawlessly. Tommy was one that we counted on, and any time he was involved, we knew we didn't have to worry about anything."
He added later, "Tommy never said, 'No.' If you needed something, Tommy was there. It didn't matter who you were or what time of day or night it was; if he could help you, he would help you. The guys could always use them as a resource, too, you know. If they had something they weren't quite certain of, 'Okay, let's ask Tommy. Tommy will know.'"
District Attorney Kevin Finnell said, " I'd like to add that I also have known Tom since he first hit the road. We talked on a regular basis about cases and issues. He'd often call and say, 'I think I know the answer, but he always did. He never lost his enthusiasm for the job and for what he did. He was a very, very good police officer, and he was a better man. So we will all suffer a loss for a long time to come. We will miss him dearly. I'd also like to express my thanks for the community support thus far, the outpouring of support, not only for the Sanfratello family, but in the assistance of this investigation."
Chief Shawn Heubusch Photo by Howard Owens
Batavia Police Chief Shawn Heubusch said, "Tommy was a resource for every law enforcement officer in this county, not just within the sheriff's office. I mean, I personally called Tom on many occasions to ask for advice on something, whether it dealt with a civil matter or whatever. And he never said no. He always answered his phone. He was one of the first guys that I ever met when I got to Batavia. He was just a great guy, and, you know, just a snippet from the videos before this encounter occurred, Tom was talking to people within the casino, and he's smiling and laughing with them. I mean, that's just Tom's personality."
Sanfratello's son, Ian Sanfratello, closed out the press conference by reading a written statement that concluded, "I want everybody to know my dad. My dad was one of a kind. An amazing dad, son, brother and co-worker. He loved my sisters, Lexi and Kyla with all of his heart and he loved to spend time with us. I know we will all cherish the memories we have with him. He will never be forgotten. He will be missed immensely by all who had the chance to not only know him but also talk to him. And he will always be loved."
The press conference opened with Undersheriff Bradley Mazur and Heubusch recounting the events of Sunday morning at Batavia Downs, beginning with the call of a disturbance in 34 Rush, one of the bars in the casino, at 12:43 a.m.
Mazur said there were two individuals involved. Wait staff had refused further drink service to both patrons. They were asked to leave. Sanfratello was escorting the female out of the casino when she became combative. She hit the sergeant, he said. She was taken into custody.
The male defendant, who had apparently exited the casino, returned to the lobby and "a physical struggle ensued with the male defendant.
Sanfratello radioed for assistance. Patrol units from the Sheriff's Office, Batavia PD, and State Police responded.
Mercy EMS also responded.
Ian Sanfratello Photo by Howard Owens
Civilians and Batavia Downs security staff became involved in the struggle to restrain the male defendant.
"Initially, a single Batavia police officer began heading towards the Downs to assist sheriff's deputies as needed," Heubusch said. While en route, further radio transmissions indicated that CPR was in progress, and yelling and screaming could be heard in the background."
Upon arrival, the officer observed a male and female in custody but reported that they continued to "violently struggle" with officers.
Attempts to revive Sanfratello were unsuccessful, and later, a Genesee County Coroner pronounced him dead.
Criminal investigators from the Sheriff's Office responded, as did command staff from the departments. After further consultation, the investigation was turned over to Batavia PD.
"This is an ongoing investigation and the casino was very busy that night," Heubusch said. "We're asking anyone who may have witnessed this incident and or may have digital evidence -- videos or photos -- to contact our detective bureau."
The press conference was then opened to questions from the more than a dozen members of local and regional news organizations present.
Heubush was asked to elaborate on the struggle with the defendants.
"They were resisting arrest," Heubusch said. "It's obvious in the videos that the subjects were not going into custody without a fight. So, they were physically resisting arrest very violently."
What were they doing specifically?
"I can't get into the details of what that was," Heubusch said. "But the video demonstrates that they resisted arrest violently."
On the arrest report, the charge for aggravated manslaughter includes mention of a "deadly weapon." Asked if that was statutory language or if the chain is being considered a deadly weapon, Finnell said, "It's a statutory language, but the chain is the focus of that language."
Heubusch was asked to further explain the use of the "metal chain" (the term used in the charging documents) allegedly deployed by the defendant. The police department later put out a statement clarifying that it was a piece of jewelry.
"During the altercation, you can see one of the defendants, the male defendant, remove a large piece of jewelry from around his neck, a chain or a thick metal rope that was used during the struggle," Heubusch said. I can't get into the details of what happened with that, but it was used as part of the attack."
Heubusch confirmed that the defendant used a chokehold against Sanfratello.
He was asked if the defendant swung the chain to strike Sanfratello or if the defendant wrapped the chain around his fist and hit Sanfratello.
"I can't get into those types of details. That's part of the investigation," Heubusch said.
QR Code for link to submission for for citizens to submit video and photos of incident at Batavia Downs.
Asked if the defendants submitted to blood tests for drugs or alcohol, Finnell said, "There's been no direct blood testing that I know of. It's procedure for the jail to do a screening for drugs and alcohol (at intake). My understanding is they were not initially cooperative with that process; however, they may have ultimately done that."
In response to a question, Finnell said an autopsy has been completed, but the report has not been delivered.
In response to a question about the apparent ongoing struggle with the defendants after other officers arrived on scene, Heubusch said he is not aware of any other officers being injured.
Asked who performed CPR, Batavia Downs security staff or civilians, and who assisted in subduing the defendants, Heubusch said, "There were several members of the Batavia Downs security staff as well as bystanders who were both performing CPR on and off as well as holding the defendants down to help us get them into custody."
Finnell left open the possibility of additional charges once the investigation is completed.
On Tuesday, the judge in Town of Batavia Court issued several orders of protection for members of the Sanfratello family, including a bar on third-party contact.
Asked if friends and family of the defendant had made threats against Sanfratello's family, Finnell said, "I have been advised that there were some statements made, the content of which or the degree of the statements themselves, I'm not aware of, but they were sufficient for us to ask for orders of protection, more of as a prophylactic measure to make sure that there's no contact."
Sheron said the Sheriff's Office has had an agreement with Batavia Downs to provide uniformed officers for additional security on weekends as "a deterrence." He said there had been no issues at Batavia Downs that prompted the request or made it necessary.
"We've had minimal complaints," Sheron said. "Nothing, ever, to this extreme or fights."
During the Q&A, Heubusch again urged news outlets to inform the public that investigators are seeking video and photos of the incident.
"There's a ton of video in the casino," Heubusch said. "With the cooperation of Batavia Downs, we did get all of that into our possession. However, any video that we can get from any angle is important to us in identifying potential witnesses and other actions that may have occurred outside of the cameras of the casino itself. It is extremely important to us to be able to identify anything else that's out there."
While leaving the Town of Batavia Court on Tuesday, the defendant told a group of friends and family, "My life over."
Asked if that is an admission of guilt and whether the statement could be used against him, Finnell said, "Any statement he makes spontaneously, whether it's in the course of the crime or his detention thereafter, including in court, can be used, in my opinion, should it become relevant later at trial."
In response to a follow-up, he said, "I would consider that an admission that he has done something that he regrets deeply."
In his closing statement, Ian Sanfratello thanks the community who has reached out to his family and offered support, condolences, and dropped off food.
He said he also wanted to address reports that some members of the defendants' family have been harassed or threatened on social media.
"I know my father would not want any threats of any kind being made to the family of the suspects and to the suspects themselves," Ian said. "He would know that justice will be served in the correct way."
