Sheriff's Office presents annual awards to deputies and support staff

Sgt. Thomas Sanfratello, a 20-year veteran of the Sheriff's Office, was named Officer of the Year today in a ceremony at the Park Road headquarters. Sanfratello, center above, with Undersheriff William Sheron and Sheriff Gary Maha, was honored for his work reorganizing and streamlining many of the operations associated with the records and civil office, road patrol and Darien Lake concert details.

Principal Financial Clerk Mary L. Hecht was honored with the Distinguished Service Award, the highest award in the department for non-sworn members. Hecht received the award for her many years of diligent attention to the financial needs of the jail bureau. According to the award statement, Hecht frequently assists jail staff and the administration with tasks that go well beyond her listed duties to ensure the smooth running of the facility.

Deputy Matthew Butler and Le Roy Police Officer Emily Clark were honored for their handling of a situation in the spring when an attempt by Butler to arrest a member of a family living on Maple Street led to other relatives allegedly intervening. Allegedly, a knife was held to the chest of Butler by one member of the family and Clark sustain a cut on her hand during the altercation. All suspects were subsequently taken into custody without any further injury to suspects or officers. Chief Deputy Gordon Dibble presents the award to Butler and Clark.

Below is a slide show of more pictures from the awards ceremony. To purchase prints of the pictures, click the "view gallery" link in the slide show. After the jump (click on the headline), is the press release from the Sheriff's Office followed by a copy of the text from each award presented today.

Le Roy Police Officer Emily J. Clark
Genesee Justice Staff
Darien Lake Safety, Security and Loss Prevention Manager Greg Kellogg    

Commendation

Deputy Kevin R. McCarthy
Deputy Timothy G. Wescott
Correction Officer Daniel J. Renz
Deputy Matthew R. Butler
Emergency Services Dispatcher Nathan L. Fix
Deputy Patrick J. Reeves
Emergency Services Dispatcher Barbara J. Eddy
Sr. Emergency Services Dispatcher Daniel L. Rieks
Emergency Services Dispatcher John W. Spencer
Sr. Correction Officer Richard C. Calkins
Correction Officer Robert W. Matice
Correction Officer Walter M. Kolmetz
Deputy Brian A. Thompson
Sr. Correction Officer William A. Zipfel

Meritorious

Deputy Howard J. Carlson     
Emergency Services Dispatcher Robert H. Tripp
Deputy Edward E. Vlack  
Sergeant Gregory H. Walker       

Text from award certificates:

The Genesee County Sheriff’s Office would like to extend appreciation to all Genesee Justice personnel for their devotion in maintaining the efficient and effective operations of Genesee Justice and the Children’s Advocacy Center during a difficult transitional period during 2012. Their unwavering dedication is sincerely appreciated by all criminal justice organizations and victims served by their services. The men and women of the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office would like to commend Genesee Justice staff and extend our thanks and appreciation.

The Genesee County Sheriff’s Office would like to extend appreciation to Safety Security and Loss Prevention Manager Greg Kellogg of Darien Lake Theme Park for exemplary assistance and service rendered during the 2012 Darien Lake concert season. Mr. Kellogg worked and planned extensively with members of the Sheriff’s Office to ensure patrons experienced a safe and enjoyable concert. His dedication and professionalism went beyond what would normally be expected. The men and women of the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office would like to extend our thanks and appreciation to Greg Kellogg and his security staff.

The Genesee County Sheriff’s Office would like to extend appreciation to Village of Le Roy Police Officer Emily J. Clark for exemplary assistance during an incident that took place in the spring of 2012. Deputy Butler was attempting to take a resisting suspect into custody when one of the suspect’s family members threatened Deputy Butler with a knife as he struggled with the suspect. Officer Clark was able to disarm the assailant, suffering a laceration to her hand in the process. Officer Clark’s quick actions possibly prevented injury to Deputy Butler and the possible escape of the suspect. Her part in the follow-up investigation resulted in charges against the interfering parties. The men and women of the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office would like to extend our thanks and appreciation to Officer Emily J. Clark.

Deputy Matthew R. Butler is being recognized for a Commendation Award for his actions while on duty during the spring of 2012. Deputy Butler went to a residence in the Village of Le Roy to effect an arrest. The suspect resisted arrest and during the ensuing altercation, the suspect’s family and other occupants of the house physically interfered with the arrest. At one point in the altercation a family member placed a knife against Deputy Butler’s side. None the less, Deputy Butler was able to take the suspect into custody with the assistance of a Le Roy Police Officer. Deputy Matthew R. Butler has brought great credit upon himself and the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputy Timothy G. Wescott is being recognized for a Commendation Award for his actions on August 12, 2012. At approximately 1600 hours, a 9-1-1 call was received reporting a three-year-old boy missing. The caller was the boy’s 10-year-old brother who had very little information and the parents only spoke Spanish. Additionally, the missing boy had developmental disabilities limiting his ability to call out for help. Deputy Wescott participated in an extensive search of the area. Due to Deputy Wescott’s determination and aggressive search efforts, the 3-year-old was found and safely returned to his family. Deputy Timothy G. Wescott has brought great credit upon himself and the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputy Patrick J. Reeves is being recognized for a Commendation Award for his actions on August 12, 2012. At approximately 1600 hours, a 9-1-1 call was received reporting a 3-year-old boy missing. The caller was the boy’s 10-year-old brother who had very little information and the parents only spoke Spanish. Additionally, the missing boy had developmental disabilities and might not be able to call out for help. Patrols arrived at the scene and Deputy Reeves participated in an extensive search of the area. Deputy Reeves used his keen experience and knowledge of the outdoors and located the boy in a hedgerow. Deputy Patrick Reeves has brought great credit upon himself and the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputy Kevin R. McCarthy is being recognized for a Commendation Award for his actions on December 7, 2011. A farm employee was working alone in an operating grain hopper when her right leg and arm became caught in the auger. Deputy McCarthy climbed into the hopper to comfort the girl, as emergency responders worked to free her over the next hour and a half. His extensive knowledge of farm equipment was instrumental in successfully freeing the victim. Deputy Kevin R. McCarthy has brought great credit upon himself and the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputy Brian A. Thompson is being recognized for a Commendation Award for his actions on September 29, 2012. Deputy Thompson worked on a case that involved a 16-year-old girl who was reportedly taken in the middle of the night by a 28-year-old male. Deputy Thompson kept the involved families informed while he worked intensely on the investigation with several law enforcement agencies, including the F.B.I. After several hours, the suspect’s vehicle was located in the State of Kentucky, the man was taken into custody and the victim was reunited with her family. Deputy Thompson’s caring and compassionate treatment of the families and his diligent investigation brought great credit upon himself and the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office.

Emergency Services Dispatcher Barbara J. Eddy is being recognized for a Commendation Award for her actions on September 9, 2012. Emergency Services Dispatcher Eddy assisted with handling of a 9-1-1 call regarding a 16-year-old girl that was taken in the middle of the night by a known suspect. Dispatcher Eddy contacted several law enforcement agencies, as well as Verizon Wireless, to track the missing girl’s phone throughout New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio and Kentucky. In addition to assisting with this call, Dispatcher Eddy continued to answer incoming 9-1-1 calls and radio transmissions in an efficient and professional manner. After several hours, the suspect’s vehicle was located in the State of Kentucky. The suspect was taken into custody and the victim was reunited with her family. Emergency Services Dispatcher Eddy is to be commended for her service.

Senior Emergency Services Dispatcher Daniel L. Rieks is being recognized for a Commendation Award for his actions on September 9, 2012. Senior Emergency Services Dispatcher Rieks assisted with the handling of a 9-1-1 call regarding a 16-year-old girl that was taken in the middle of the night by a known suspect. Senior Dispatcher Rieks contacted several law enforcement agencies, as well as Verizon Wireless, to track the missing girl’s phone throughout New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio and Kentucky. After several hours, the suspect’s vehicle was located in the State of Kentucky. The suspect was taken into custody and the victim was reunited with her family. Senior Emergency Services Dispatcher Rieks is to be commended for his service.

Emergency Services Dispatcher Nathan L. Fix is being recognized for a Commendation Award for his actions on May 13, 2012. At approximately 1400 hours, Emergency Services Dispatcher Fix was one of two dispatchers who handled a 9-1-1 call regarding a man down at a residence in Pembroke. While emergency medical instructions were being given over the phone to the man’s wife, Dispatcher Fix was simultaneously dispatching first responders. The quick actions of Emergency Services Dispatcher Fix were instrumental in enabling responders time to resuscitate the victim and transport him to United Memorial Medical Center, which allowed the victim’s family additional time with their loved one before he passed. Emergency Services Dispatcher Fix is to be commended for his service.

Emergency Services Dispatcher John W. Spencer is being recognized for a Commendation Award for his actions on May 13, 2012. At approximately 1400 hours, Emergency Services Dispatcher Spencer was one of two dispatchers who handled a 9-1-1 call regarding a man down at a residence in Pembroke. Dispatcher Spencer did an excellent job reassuring the caller, using the breathing diagnostic, and giving pre-arrival instructions while first responder crews were en route. Emergency Services Dispatcher Spencer was a major contributor to responders being able to resuscitate the victim and transport him to United Memorial Medical Center, which allowed the victim’s family additional time with their loved one before he passed. Senior Emergency Services Dispatcher Spencer is to be commended for his service.

Correction Officer Walter M. Kolmetz is being recognized for a Commendation Award for his actions while on duty on November 17, 2012. A Genesee County Jail inmate was found hanging in his cell with a sheet tied around his neck. The inmate had tied the sheet to the jail cell door in a way that if the door were opened, the noose would tighten around his neck. Correction Officer Kolmetz was able to reach into the cell with one arm and lift the inmate’s body enough to loosen the noose around the inmate’s neck. Once the tension was released from the sheet, the door to the cell sprung back striking Kolmetz’s shoulder, causing injury. Correction Officer Kolmetz’s perseverance resulted in saving the life of the inmate. Correction Officer Walter M. Kolmetz continues to reflect great credit upon himself and the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office.

Correction Officer Robert W. Mattice is being recognized for a Commendation Award for his actions while on duty on August 7, 2012. Correction Officer Mattice was assigned to the first floor area of the Jail. Upon receiving a note from an inmate requesting to see mental health, Correction Officer Mattice immediately alerted mental health and the jail administration that he would be closely observing this inmate until he could be seen by a clinician. Later that shift, Correction Officer Mattice observed the inmate hanging in his cell with a sheet tied around his neck. Correction Officer Mattice quickly entered the cell, lifted the inmate and then cut the sheet with the assistance of a fellow correction officer responding to his request for assistance. As a result of Correction Officer Mattice’s diligence, the life of an inmate was saved. Correction Officer Robert W. Mattice continues to reflect great credit upon himself and the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office.

Senior Correction Officer William A. Zipfel is being recognized for a Commendation Award for his actions while on duty on July 24, 2012. At approximately 2300 hours, an inmate attempted to escape from the Genesee County Jail. The inmate was able to make his way into the basement of the Jail, and during a thorough search of the facility, Senior Correction Officer Zipfel noticed a closed door in the basement that was open earlier in the search. The K-9 was brought into that room and the inmate was apprehended. Senior Correction Officer Zipfel’s alertness was a major contribution to the capture of the inmate. Senior Correction Officer William A. Zipfel continues to reflect great credit upon himself and the Genesee County Sheriff's Office.

Senior Correction Officer Richard C. Calkins is being recognized for a Commendation Award for his actions while on duty on July 24, 2012. At approximately 2300 hours, an inmate attempted to escape from the Genesee County Jail.Immediately upon noticing the inmates absence from his cell, Senior Correction Officer Calkins called for assistance and had a multi-agency perimeter established around the Jail. The inmate was able to make his way into the basement of the Jail but was unable to exit the building due to the perimeter of officers around the building. Senior Correction Officer Calkins’ quick response resulted in containing the inmate to the inside of the Jail and a short time later, apprehension. Senior Correction Officer Calkins continues to reflect great credit upon himself and the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office.

Correction Officer Daniel J. Renz is being recognized for a Commendation Award for his actions on January 27, 2012. Correction Officer Renz, while assigned to the first floor area of the Genesee County Jail, heard an inmate yell out in an angry manner. Correction Officer Renz immediately turned from punching the time clock and went to the area in question. He observed one inmate straddling another inmate with his hands around his neck, obstructing his ability to breathe. Correction Officer Renz ordered the aggressor to stop and lock in his cell immediately. The inmate disengaged his hold from the other inmate and faced him in a hostile manner, eventually resulting in his return to his cell after several more orders to lock in. Correction Officer Renz then entered the max day area and attended to the prone inmate while summoning assistance from the nurse Bryan and other jail staff. Correction Officer Renz, without hesitation, was able to intervene in an inmate’s strangulation of another inmate which avoided the potential for serious injury or death. Correction Officer Renz continues to reflect great credit upon himself and the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputy Howard J. Carlson has distinguished himself by Meritorious Service as a member of the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office. Twice this year, Deputy Carlson spotted a suspect vehicle fleeing the scene of a crime, which resulted in the arrest and recovery of stolen property. In January of this year, Deputy Carlson was faced with a suicide that occurred in front of a family member. Upon his arrival, he immediately was faced with a hysterical female and an unknown set of circumstances, which he sorted out and handled efficiently while taking care to treat the victim and family member with respect, compassion and dignity. Deputy Howard J. Carlson consistently brings great credit upon himself and the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office.

Sergeant Gregory H. Walker has distinguished himself by Meritorious Service as a member of the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office. Sergeant Walker has consistently lead his road patrols for the last 15 years “from the front,” setting an example of excellence with energy each and every day. He serves as the leader of our DRE Program and is a key instructor for the State. Sgt. Walker’s volunteerism and availability to serve are second to none. His broad base of knowledge and leadership is inspirational and have brought great credit upon himself and the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office.

Emergency Services Dispatcher Robert H. Tripp has distinguished himself by Meritorious Service as a member of the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office. Dispatcher Tripp has worked very closely with Director of Emergency Communications Steven Sharpe in maintaining and updating Fire/EMS run cards in the CAD system since its inception. In addition, Dispatcher Tripp has consistently been the “go to” guy on C-line for research or questions regarding the CAD system. Dispatcher Tripp continually seeks out education opportunities related to emergency services in order to enhance his knowledge as an emergency services dispatcher. Emergency Services Dispatcher Robert H. Tripp brings great credit upon himself and the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office.

Senior Financial Clerk/Typist Margaret Sheelar has distinguished herself by Meritorious Service as a member of the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office. Margaret’s dedication in the performance of her duties as Senior Financial Clerk/Typist has been a critical component to the operations of this Office. Margaret Sheelar consistently brings great credit upon herself and the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputy Edward E. Vlack has distinguished himself by Meritorious Service as a member of the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office. During 2012, Deputy Vlack has voluntarily taken on several additional responsibilities to maintain the efficient operation of the Records and Civil Office. Additionally, Deputy Vlack avails himself as an instructor and a Civil Accreditation Assessor for the New York State Sheriffs’ Association and Sheriff’s Offices across New York State. Deputy Edward E. Vlack brings great credit upon himself and the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office.