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Aaron L. Heale, 28, of 8 School St., south apartment, is charged with grand larceny in the 4th degree and one count of criminal possession of a controlled substance. Heale is accused of purchasing more than $1,000 in merchandise from a local store using checks from a bank account that had been closed for years. The investigation by Le Roy Police Detective John Condidorio began in November 2009. On Dec. 16, Det. Condidorio -- along with members of the Le Roy Police Department, the Genesee County Sheriff's office and the Genesee County Local Drug Enforcement Task Force -- executed a search warrant on Heale's apartment. Heale was not present at the time. Condidorio reports that during the search, evidence of the alleged grand larceny was found along with drug paraphernalia. Heale was located on Dec. 20 at a residence in the village and arrested. He was jailed on $1,500 bail.

Linda L. Snyder, 27, of 6 Lewis Place, Batavia, is charged with disorderly conduct and endangering the welfare of a child; Paula A. Kingsley, 34, of 8 Lewis Place, Batavia, is charged with disorderly conduct. Snyder and Kingsley were allegedly involved in a neighbor dispute at 4:05 p.m. on Sunday. Snyder is also accused of grabbing a 15-year-old girl and fighting with her. Both were jailed on $1,000 bail.

Ralph G. Depema, 33, of 854 Whitier Road, Spencerport, is charged with aggravated unlicensed operation and unsafe turn. Depema was reportedly stopped by Officer Chris Camp Ellicott Street at 11:35 a.m. on Sunday. After the stop, it was discovered that Depema was driving despite his license reportedly being suspended 16 times. Depema was jailed on $1,000 bail.

Joshua P. Garcia, 26, of 14 Marchall Ave., Akron, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater and aggravated unlicensed operation. Deputy Kevin McCarthy responded to a report from the T/A Travel Plaza of a person who reportedly passed out in the dining area and then refused to leave. Upon interviewing Garcia, McCarthy determined that he allegedly drove to the location.

Brian L. Smith, 48, 4128 Colonial Blvd., Batavia, is charged with aggravated harassment in the 2nd degree. Smith allegedly made repeated contacts via online communication with a woman in Florida after she had repeatedly asked him to stop. Investigator Kristopher Kautz characterized the communications as "harassing and alarming in nature."

Philip Anthony Caccamise, 27, of 65 South St., Le Roy, is charged with harassment. Caccamise allegedly grabbed a friend and threw him to the ground.

Glenn W. Viehdeffer, Jr., 59, of 7628 Lewiston Road, Oakfield, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, moving from lane unsafely and inadequate/no muffler. Viehdeffer was stopped for an alleged traffic violation by Deputy Jason Saile on South Pearl Street Road in Oakfield at 1:42 a.m. on Saturday.

Eric W. Kubik, 23, of 2160 Phelps Road, Basom, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater and driving left of pavement markings. Kubik was stopped by Deputy Howard Carlson on Route 5 in the Town of Le Roy at 2:40 a.m. on Saturday.

John C. Bertini, 51, of 2419 Pratt Road, Corfu, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Bertini was stopped by Deputy Kevin R. McCarthy on Indian Falls Road for an alleged improper headlight at 2:08 a.m. on Sunday.

A 17-year-old from Batavia is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Deputy Kevin McCarthy investigated a car parked partially on the pavement on Gabby Road in Pembroke at 4:54 a.m. on Saturday. He found the youth allegedly in possession of marijuana.

Ricky N. Porter, Jr., 19, of 1 Walnut St., Batavia, is charged with assault in the 3rd degree and criminal contempt in the 1st. Porter allegedly violated a court order of protection by pulling the hair of a girlfriend and then hitting her numerous times in the head and face. Porter was jailed without bail.

Joshua G. Bachorski, 26, of 11 Pringle Ave., lower, Batavia, is charged petit larceny. Bachorski allegedly stole a bottle of liquor from Mr. Wine and Liquor.

Amanda M. Elliott, 25, of 18 1/2 Walnut St., Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Elliott allegedly shoplifted items from Tops.

Julia R. Sallade, 18, of 9845 Roanoke Road, Pavilion, is charged with petit larceny. Sallade allegedly attempted to steal $368 worth of clothing and jewelry from JCPenney.

You've probably already noticed a dusting of snow this morning. There's a chance that will continue throughout the day.

The chance of snow throughout the day ranges from 10 to 40 percent. 

Highs today will be around 30 with winds of 10 to 15 mph from the northwest.

The 10-day forecast from Weather.com has dropped its prediction of snow for Christmas Day and now tells us to expect freezing rain with a high of 38 degrees.

Delavan's Restaurant and Tavern, 107 Evans St., Batavia, NY: To me, Delavan's is one of those restaurants where you want to eat frequently until you try everything on the menu. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

The Mane Attraction, 99 E. Main St., Batavia, NY: The Mane Attraction is a spa and salon offering pedicures, manicures, hair styling and massage. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

Kravings Kafe, Valu Plaza, W. Main Street, Batavia, NY: Recently opened, it offers soups, salads and sandwiches, fresh and flavorful; Monday through Saturday. We have $10 gift certificates for $5.

The Enchanted Florist, 202 E. Main St., Batavia, NY: Now in stock: A big selection of poinsettias and stunning wreaths. We have a $20 gift certificate for $9.50.

Jackson St. Grill/Belladessa's, 9 Jackson St., Batavia, NY: When it's time for a great hamburger, Jackson St. Grill will serve you among the best around. We have a $10 gift certificate for $5.

NOTE: If you've never bought Deal of the Day before, or are otherwise unfamiliar with the rules and process, click here.

A chimney fire has been reported at 2651 Pratt Road, Batavia.

Town of Batavia and East Pembroke fire departments have been dispatched.

UPDATE 7:12 p.m.: A thermal imaging camera has been requested.

UPDATE 7:51 p.m.: East Pembroke units returning to service.

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Last Tuesday, I spent some time with Vinny DelPlato, or Vincenzo as he prefers to be called professionally, taking some pictures and talking with him about his mural painting.

He's just finishing up a new mural inside Ken Mistler's new gym, Next Level Fitness.

Below is a video of Vinny talking about his work along with some pictures. Some of the pictures are also included after the jump.

Vincenzo DelPlato has recently been specializing in pictures of great jazz artists. His work is on display -- and for sale -- through his Web site.

Pavilion fire is responding to a report of the strong odor of national gas off Route 20 just east of Route 19.

The caller told dispatch that the smell was pretty strong.

First responder reports "no smell."

There is smoke in the residence at 9203 Shepard Road  and the smoke detector has been activated.

Town of Batavia Engine 24 is being dispatched. Oakfield and East Pembroke are standing by in station.

UPDATE 1:51 p.m.: Oakfield and East Pembroke taken off the call, standing down.

UPDATE 1:54 p.m.: Engine 24 back in service.

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I was in Oakfield yesterday and walked past this red fire hydrant in a vacant lot of snow and thought -- I should take a picture of that, so I did.

Three cars are involved in an accident in the area of 4940 Ellicott Street Road, Town of Batavia.

There are no injuries reported, but Mercy EMS is being dispatched as a precaution.

One car is reportedly smoking.

Town of Batavia Fire is being dispatched.

The accident is in front of the old 84 Lumber, between Cedar Street and Shepard Road.

UPDATE 1:28 p.m.: There is a DWI suspect involved in this accident. One pickup truck is being taken away on a flatbed. Another vehicle involved was an SUV hauling a trailer.  No reports of any injuries.

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Somebody is getting a lump of coal in his stocking this year. Santa is not happy.

Three candy canes have been stolen from the yard of a Monclair Avenue home in Batavia.

A police officer is on his way to take a larceny report, but we're sure Santa already knows.

A car is on fire after hitting a deer on Route 262 in the area of Byron-Bergen School.

UPDATE 11:12 p.m.: The car is described as fully involved.

A woman who allegedly crashed the U.S. border crossing from Canada, somehow managed to elude law enforcement until a Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy spotted her 2000 Hyundai westbound on Route 5 in the Town of Le Roy this morning.

When Deputy J.L. Baiocco attempted to stop the car at 7:45 a.m., the driver reportedly sped away, which began a pursuit with speeds exceeding 100 mph.

It's unknown if Baiocco was initially attempting to stop the car for an alleged traffic violation, or if the Sheriff's Office had been supplied with a description of the suspect vehicle.

When City Police learned of the pursuit, Lt. Eugene Jankowski attempted to lay a spike strip on East Main Street at Summit and Liberty, but was unable to get the device down in time. The car got to the city too quickly, Jankowski told us this morning.

"It was going so fast that it was kicking up a cloud of salt dust," Jankowski said. "There was zero visibility behind it."

In Batavia, the driver reportedly made a right turn on Route 98 and headed north. City police broke off its part of the pursuit at the city limit. State police joined the pursuit at that point and Orleans County Sheriff's deputies took lead in the pursuit when the Hyundai passed into Orleans.

According to a Genesee County Sheriff's Office release distributed this afternoon, after passing through the Village of Albion, the woman lost control of her car on westbound Route 18 and crashed, allowing Orleans law enforcement to apprehend her.

Taken into custody, and transported to Strong Memorial Hospital for minor injuries, was Crystal Pinnock, 23, of Ontario, Canada.

It's unclear how Pinnock managed to elude the Border Patrol after allegedly entering the United States.

The Sheriff's Office said charges are pending in every jurisdiction that the car reportedly passed through and the investigation is ongoing.

Santa's helpers were at the YMCA this afternoon to help Don Carroll and Santa get ready to distribute gifts tomorrow to local children.  Carroll said more than $6,000 in toys will be distributed and that he had enough candy for every child in Batavia.

A car and snowmobile have collided at 7958 Townline Road, Bergen.

The dispatcher initially indicated to Mercy EMS that the injuries did not appear to be serious.

The dispatcher also indicates that that they've lost contact with the 911 caller, "who was trying to take off with the female."

UPDATE 12:12 p.m.: A 7-year-old has suffered minor facial injuries.

UPDATE 12:16 p.m.: Townline Road at Route 19 is being closed.

UPDATE: 12:59 p.m.: The road was reopened to traffic at 12:33 p.m.

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A small, dark-colored car raced down Main Street at more than 100 mph this morning a little before 8, but little information is available yet about the nature of the chase.

The vehicle was being pursued by a Sheriff's deputy, but the Sheriff's Office has little information to release at this time.

Sheriff Gary Maha answered an e-mail and said, "This is a female from Canada and she may have crashed the border early this morning. Still under investigation."

Lt. Eugene Jankowski said when he heard about the pursuit -- which may have started in the Town of Le Roy, just east of Stafford, at about 7:45 a.m. --  he tried to get spikes down on East Main Street at Summit and Liberty. But the car was past his location before he could get positioned.

"I couldn't get the strip out in time," Jankowski said. "It was going so fast that it was kicking up a cloud of salt dust. There was zero visibility behind it."

The car zoomed through downtown at least 100 mph, Jankowski said and turned right onto Route 98. City police participated in the pursuit up to the city limits.

A reader wrote in this morning:

It looked like a dark Neon going from Stafford into Batavia followed by a Genesee County Sheriff's vehicle just before 8 a.m. A Sheriff's S.U.V. was parked on the side of East Main Street waiting (it turned around and gave chase). The car was traveling around 80+ mph. Several other police vehicles gave chase from the Tim Horton (restaurant) area.

Jankowski estimated that it took the car less than 15 minutes to get from Le Roy to Albion.

There is no word yet on what happened to the car and driver from that point.

Jankowski said the police are conferring with the District Attorneys office on what, if any, charges to file against the driver. One consideration, Jankwoski said, is that the driver is going to face multiple charges in other jurisdictions and what and where to charge the driver will be a matter of efficiency.

UPDATE: A reader writes;

According to my scanner, Orleans County was unable to set spikes as well. She  made it to 104 where she flipped it.  She was in custody and will be facing  numerous charges, including failure to obey traffic signals, speeding, etc.  The various departments involved were Genesee County Sheriff, Orleans County Sheriff and Albion PD.

The 10-day forecast on weather.com says there's a 50-percent chance of snow on Christmas Day, but in the meantime, it's just going to be cold.

There's a 40-percent chance of snow on Tuesday, but otherwise, temperatures will range from 18 to 28 degrees, though we will see some sun.

Christmas Day will warm to 35, according to the current prediction, with snow expected both Christmas Day and Boxing Day. No word yet on how much snow to expect.

The Batavia Area Jaycees announced the winners of their annual Holiday Lights Contest. Above is the overall winner, 3 South Main St., Batavia.

Most traditional, 10 Highland St., Batavia

Simple & Elegant, 120 Elm St., Batavia

Most Colorful, 206 N. Spruce St., Batavia

Friends of the Lighting Company, 133 Union Ave., Batavia

Most Commercial, 3927 W. Main St. Road., Batavia

Steve Ognibene sent over a few pictures from Thursday night's Christmas dinner for the Knights of Columbus.

More pictures after the jump:

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