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Retiring Det. Sgt. Kevin Czora said he had to continually pinch himself as he performed his day-to-day tasks as a member of the Batavia City Police Department.

“Every day for the last 20 years, when I would pull into the parking lot, I would still get those chills like ‘I can’t believe that I’m actually coming here right now to work.’ And I’m thankful that I never lost that feeling,” Czora said during brief comments earlier today at a retirement party at police headquarters on West Main Street.

Czora continued by encouraging his colleagues, many of whom were in attendance, with some simple advice:

“Take care of each other and take care of yourselves,” he said. “There’s a lot of stress and a lot of hard times that come with the job, so make sure you take care of each other and enjoy your job. Don’t let the negative attitudes get to you. Love what you do.”

A feeling of togetherness filled the second-floor meeting room where lunch and a special cake were provided.

An Amherst High School graduate, Czora completed a 20-year stint with the Batavia PD, with his last day today. He received a plaque from the department and a unique wooden flag from Steven Robinson, Genesee County emergency services dispatcher.

Police Chief Shawn Heubusch said as soon as he met Czora in 2012, he realized that he would be someone he could count on.

“Right away I knew that Kevin was going to be a go-to guy. He was very knowledgeable and did not have any qualms about trying to do new things, try different techniques, different tactics,” Heubusch said. “Kevin has always been kind of an innovator when it comes to that.

Heubusch said Kevin displayed a positive attitude, and noted that the “professionalism and integrity that he brings to the department is bar none. He’s beyond reproach.”

Czora came to Batavia after working with the Federal Reserve as a protections officer.

“When I started here, I didn’t even know how to get to Batavia from the Buffalo area and knew nothing about the community or the department, or even the county,” he said. “Over the years, it has grown into my second home. I have a lot of passion not for just this department but for the community itself.”

He worked his way up from a police officer on the afternoon shift and then to the midnight shift. In time, he earned the rank of sergeant and then detective sergeant.

While he didn’t want to share any particular moments on the job, he did mention that the “camaraderie and the family atmosphere that this department creates has been the most memorable part of it.”

“There have been a number of situations, but as now-retired Detective Rich Schauf mentioned at his retirement, for every memory that you have, there’s a victim on the other side of it, and that’s something that you have to keep in mind and respect. So, even though I have some personal memories, I’m going to keep them personal.”

Czora resides in Amherst with his wife, Lisa, a school teacher, and their sons, Andrew, 20, who is in the Marines, and Evan, 18, who will be enlisting in the Army in July.

He said he has no immediate future plans, but will “take a little time off to recoup from the career, take a mental break and (eventually) I’ll find something to keep my hands busy.”

Czora said he plans to continue playing ice hockey (he’s been a goalie for the past 45 years) and will find time to do some boating.

Heubusch announced that Sgt. Matt Lutey will move into the detective sergeant position, replacing Czora, effective Jan. 7.

The chief said that Sgt. Chris Camp, a 12-year employee, will move into the Assistant Chief post, replacing Todd Crossett, who has accepted a police officer position with the VA Medical Center in Batavia. Camp also will be in charge of the emergency response team, and Officer Mitch Cowen will be promoted to sergeant on Jan. 31.

Photos from top -- Kevin Czora, right, and Chief Shawn Heubusch enjoy a story from retired Batavia Police Officer Pat Mooney at today's retirement party for Czora; Steve Robinson presents Czora with a commemorative flag; Czora and his fellow officers gather for a group picture. Photos by Mike Pettinella.

Billie are taking the rest of the day and most of tomorrow off. We'll be out of town.

Happy New Year! And thank you for being part of The Batavian Community.

There will be some coverage posted while we're gone and we have people who can help us if anything comes up while we're gone.

But one thing that would help us in the future maintain coverage when we go away is your financial support.  Please click the "Support" button below and help us get to a position where we can hire more help.  Local news can't survive without reader support so we're asking for you to support The Batavian.

In the fall of 2018, I made the decision to take video seriously as an online-publishing medium and began working at learning how to make better videos and upgrading the equipment we needed to do it.

This year was our first full year of producing video at a serious pace. We published nearly 500 videos in 2019. Here are five favorites.

When David Bellavia asked me to travel to Washington, D.C., in June to attend a ceremony at the White House where he would receive the Medal of Honor, I was stunned by the invitation. This was the greatest honor of my journalism career.

I was the only working media from Genesee County on the guest list and was the only photojournalist present when Bellavia received a private tour of the Lincoln Memorial and the only photojournalist in the East Room after the ceremony. These are days I'll never forget. I think the video came out pretty well, too.

One morning in August, a friend told me about this event involving hot rods in Le Roy and since I was going to be in Le Roy anyway that I day, I decided to stop by. I had no idea what I was in for. For years, the Hardcore Happening has been one of the hidden jewels of Genesee County. It was fun to be there and it was fun to make this video.

"For the Loved and Loving: The Story of the Soldiers and Sailors Monument" was my first true effort at making a documentary. It was truly a labor of love and took months. To me, it's The Batavian's gift to the community, a document of a key part of local history.

I always enjoy meeting the members of the Batavia Muckdogs. They're often great guys but Milton Smith was something special. He's "Tony Gwynn nice" and was a joy to interview. I hope he has a long and successful career.

We published dozens of music videos in 2019. The performance at the Smokin' Eagle of Deep Blue playing "Born in Chicago" is one of the ones where everything worked -- clean audio and good visuals.

Thank you for your support of The Batavian in 2019 but there's one thing more you can do for us to help us bring you more news and more video. Become a supporter by clicking the button below.

Click the links below to view the following other Top 10 videos of 2019:

• Fatal accident, Pembroke, NY
• End of the standoff on Liberty Street Batavia
• Standoff on Liberty Street Batavia Part I
• Stabbing on Ross Street Batavia
• Recalling Michael Paladino
• House Fire, 109 Evans St., Batavia, NY
• Over the Border Mexican Food Truck opens in Batavia
• Press conference with David Bellavia Medal of Honor nominee
• Memorial for Corrections Officer Nick Bender

This was a our first full year of producing video on a regular basis. In total, our videos received 185,293 views.

Here are The Batavian's most-viewed stories for 2019:

• Search and rescue team deployed to find missing man in Indian Falls, by Billie Owens
• Tying balloons to deer carcasses is apparently a thing
• The time is near, Genesee County resident, when your house will be on fire and there's nobody available to respond
• Missing man Mark Dibble is found alive in Basom, by Billie Owens
• Batavia man killed while trying to assist woman being attacked on Ross Street
• Michelle G. Buckenmeyer, Obituary
• Home-invasion robbery suspect shot by homeowner in Stafford
• Mother and adult son killed in crash on snow-covered Route 98 in Elba
• Man who allegedly ran over his ex-wife with his truck could be in Batavia area, reward offered
• Hawley is asking residents statewide if they'd prefer 'Two New Yorks', Press Release

There were 1,217,743 visitors to The Batavian in 2019, a new site record.

Caitlin Napper submitted this photo of a double rainbow taken today in Le Roy.

Macey and Preslee Blecha of East Bethany collected a total of 154 blankets for Wings Flights of Hope.

The blankets will be used to comfort patients as they fly for medical treatments or appointments. Accepting the donation are Joe and Diane DeMarco, founders of Wings Flights of Hope.

Press release:

Beth Parlato, Republican candidate for Congress in NY-27, has received the endorsement of powerful Republican women’s group VIEW PAC following a successful meeting in Washington, D.C., earlier this month. In addition to a formal endorsement, Parlato has also received the maximum financial support allowed from VIEW PAC.

Julie Conway, an influential GOP operative and executive director of VIEW PAC, said “Beth Parlato is not only what the Republican Party needs – an outspoken woman on the right side of the issues, but also what voters want – a fresh-faced political outsider determined to do right by her constituents rather than build a political future for herself.

"In a district that voted overwhelmingly for President Trump, Beth’s unapologetically conservative message and life resume as a business owner and judge make her a clear favorite in this Primary and someone who will ensure that New York’s 27th District remains in Republican hands.”

Parlato, a first-time candidate for political office, was humbled by Conway’s words.

“VIEW PAC has done incredible work getting strong Republicans elected and I am honored that they have chosen to endorse me," Parlato said. "I won’t disappoint them just like I won’t disappoint the voters in my district.”

Beth adds this latest endorsement to her list of supporters, which include other conservative groups as well as beloved Hall of Fame Quarterback for the Buffalo Bills' Jim Kelly and more. Additional endorsements of Parlato’s candidacy are slated for the coming months.

Ernest D. Lane, 61, of East Main Street, Batavia, is charged with: criminal obstruction of breathing; unlawful imprisonment; aggravated family offense; and first-degree criminal contempt -- physical contact. Lane was arrested at 8:21 p.m. on Dec. 25 following a domestic incident on East Main Street. It is alleged that he prevented a person from leaving an apartment and had physical contact with that person, in violation of a stay away order of protection. He was arraigned in Batavia City Court on the morning of Dec. 26 and is to appear in court at later date (unspecified). The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Mitchell Cowen, assisted by Officer Wesley Rissinger.

Zachary N. Knapp, 22, of East Avenue, Batavia, is charged with: driving while intoxicated; aggravated DWI with a BAC of .18 percent or higher. Knapp was arrested at 2:53 p.m. on Dec. 23 on East Avenue after allegedly operating a vehicle that had a flat tire. He was transported to Batavia Police Headquarters and issued appearance tickets. He is due in Batavia City Court on Jan. 15. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Stephen Quider, assisted by Officer Mitchell Cowen.

Stormy Marie Watts, 22, of Main Road, Stafford, is charged with fourth-degree criminal possession of stolen property -- a credit card. At 11:30 a.m. on Dec. 27, Watts was arrested following an investigation. It is alleged that Watts possessed and attempted to use a stolen Walmart credit card at 7:02 p.m. on Dec. 22 at the Batavia Walmart. She was issued an appearance ticket and is due in Batavia Town Court on Jan. 9. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Jordan Alejandro.

Brittney N. Rodriguez, 31, of Washington Avenue, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. She is accused of stealing fake nails from the Dollar General store on East Main Street in Batavia at 9:43 a.m. on Dec. 12. She was arrested and released on an appearance ticket. She is due in Batavia City Court on Jan. 7. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Nicole McGinnis.

Daniel William Mosholder, 27, of North Spruce Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. He was arrested after a shoplifting incident was reported at Dollar General on East Main Street in Batavia at 8:22 p.m. on Dec. 23. He was processed on scene and released with an appearance ticket for Jan. 14 in Batavia City Court. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Felicia DeGroot, assisted by Officer Christopher Lindsay.

Press release from Assemblyman Steve Hawley:

“The closing of 2019 does not represent a time of closure but rather a time for new hope, new opportunity and the fulfillment of long-standing aspirations," Hawley said. "It is a symbolic time to set new goals, raise your standards, and put failures and disappointment behind you.

"Although we must always look forward, it is important to reflect on what we have accomplished this year and all that we have to be thankful for. In doing so, we can evaluate what we have achieved and push ourselves even further professionally, personally and physically to even greater limits next year.

“The division in our state and our nation is troubling. Politics shouldn’t be a perpetual competition as much as it should be about listening, collaboration and compromise. New York has taken on a stark progressive character the last year under one-party leadership and although I disagree with many of the current policies, I will continue to extend the olive branch in 2020 and forge a bond with elected officials as fellow New Yorkers first, not Republicans or Democrats.

“Next year’s election cycle is sure to be contentious, but we will heal as a nation by always remembering to listen, respect and be kind to others.

“If you are out celebrating the New Year with family and friends and choose to consume alcohol, please do so responsibly and always take advantage of the great ride-sharing and taxi services we have locally. We need to all do our part this time of year to keep our drivers and passengers safe.

“On behalf of all the constituents of the 139^th Assembly District and fellow New Yorkers alike, I wish everyone and their families a happy and safe New Year!”           

Charles Elias Cooper (inset photo left), 36, of West Seneca Street, Lodi, is charged with: first-degree burglary -- the use or threatened use of a dangerous instrument, a Class D felony; first-degree robbery -- forcible theft with use of a dangerous instrument, a Class B felony; third-degree grand larceny -- of property value that exceeds $3,000, a Class D felony.

The charges stem from an alleged home-invasion robbery at 8:45 p.m. on Nov. 5 on Clinton Street Road.

Cooper is accused of forcing his way into a residence with a Crosman SNR357C02 dual ammo full-metal revolver pellet gun, a dangerous instrument. It is alleged that Cooper verbally threatened the lives of the homeowners with the dangerous instrument and then stole more than $3,000 in cash from them.

It is believed that Cooper was familiar with the residence and specifically targeted it.

Cooper was arraigned in Stafford Town Court at 2:30 p.m. Dec. 26 and then jailed on $50,000 bail. He is scheduled to appear again in Stafford Town Court at 9 a.m. on Jan. 7.

At 9:05 p.m. on the day of the incident, the Genesee County Emergency Dispatch Center received a call from a resident on Clinton Street Road in Stafford who reported that an unknown male suspect, later identified as Charles Elias Cooper, had forcibly entered their home with what appeared to be a pistol. The suspect threatened the homeowners and demanded money.

According to the preliminary investigation, the homeowner was able to retrieve his own long gun during the confrontation and he fired one round, which struck and incapacitated the suspect.

Shortly thereafter, Sheriff's deputies arrived and took the suspect into custody without further incident.

The suspect was treated at the scene and then transported via Mercy Flight to Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester for further treatment. He was subsequently listed in critical condition.

The two occupants of the home were not injured.

Because the investigation indicates this was not a random act and that the residence was specifically targeted, investigators believe there is no reason to have further concern for the public safety of residents in the vicinity. It is believed the suspect acted alone.

The case was investigated by Genesee County Sheriff's Investigator Joseph Loftus.

Press release:

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is a set of books beginning with the children’s classic "The Little Engine That Could." Each month a new, carefully selected age-appropriate book will be mailed in your child’s name directly to your home. Best of all it is a FREE GIFT!

There is no cost to your child’s family thanks to the Alexander APPLE Committee. The committee has partnered with The Richter Family Foundation to bring the Imagination Library to Alexander’s children.

To be eligible the child must live in the Alexander Central School District and must be between the ages of birth and his/her 5th birthday.

Beginning on Jan. 1, you may register online at www.imaginationlibrary.com by clicking on the box “register my child” and then filling out the required information.

If you do not have access to the internet, you may pick up a Registration Brochure at the elementary school office, and then mail the registration form to: The Richter Family Foundation. The mailing address is included in the brochure.

Alexander’s APPLE Committee knows that you will love Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library and encourages you to sign up your child or children beginning on Jan. 1. A family may register all children within the household, as long as they are age 5 or under.

From county Highway Superintendent Tim Hens (president, National Association of County Engineers):

Construction of a major 36" diameter water main is occurring along North Road (CR#40) in the Town of Le Roy.

Construction will restart on Monday, Dec. 30th, and will continue for several weeks.

The road will be closed and will only be accessible by local traffic and emergency vehicles during this time. Major delays can be expected.

Complete roadway shutdowns will occur and be communicated as blasting of bedrock and road crossings occur. Alternate routes are suggested.

John Joseph Sadler Jr., 32, no permanent address, of Batavia, is charged with second-degree burglary of a dwelling and first-degree criminal contempt -- with a prior conviction of aggravated criminal contempt with the last five years. Saddler was arrested after police were called to Washington Avenue for a disturbance at 2:02 p.m.on Dec. 20. After an investigation, police found Saddler on location in violation of a stay away order of protection. He was arraigned in Batavia City Court and jailed. He was due to return to court on Dec. 24. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Nicole McGinnis, assisted by Officer Peter Flanagan.

Matthew J. Reed, 35, of Hutchins Place, Batavia, 35, is charged with trespass. He was arrested after allegedly committing the violation at 10:22 p.m. on Dec. 14 at an address on Park Avenue in Batavia. Reed was arrested and arraigned in Batavia City Court on Dec. 24. He was released on an appearance ticket and was due back in court on Dec. 24. The case was handled by Bataiva Police Officer Nicole McGinnis, assisted by Officer Kevin DeFelice.

Nearly a dozen local service organizations who are on duty yesterday during the Christmas holiday received pizza and salads from Batavia Original staff pictured above.

Some delivery locations included City Police, City Fire Department, Rochester Regional Health and the New York State Veterans Home to name a few. This has been an annual tradition by the pizzeria the last couple years.

Top photo from left are: Daniel Ferrara, restaurant owner Kathy Ferrara, Marygrace Ferrara, Jacqueline Patterson and Mitch Caci.

Press release:

On Tuesday, Dec. 24, the City of Batavia Fire Department responded to a reported house fire with occupants trapped at 16 Highland Park in the city.

Initial fire units arrived in three minutes to find smoke and fire from the second story of a two-family home. After searching the home for occupants, it was determined that there were no people inside and everyone was accounted for.

One apartment sustained fire, smoke and water damage, while the other apartment had minor smoke damage.

One firefighter suffered a minor injury and remained on duty.

The fire is currently under investigation by the City of Batavia Fire and Police departments.

The City of Batavia Fire Department was assisted by the City of Batavia Police Department, Codes Enforcement, and Department of Public Works, Genesee County Emergency Dispatch Center, Genesee County Emergency Management Office, the Town of Batavia, Le Roy and Alexander fire departments as well as Mercy EMS, National Grid, and the American Red Cross.

Additionally: An occupant had a dog. That dog is safe and is being cared for by Beds-N-Bones Pet Lodge in Batavia. A resident reportedly had a pet bearded dragon and a turtle. Both are believed to have perished in the fire.

(Initial Report)

Press release:

On Tuesday, Dec. 24, the City of Batavia Fire Department responded to a report of a house filling with smoke at 21 Manhattan Ave. in the City of Batavia.

Initial fire units arrived in four minutes to find light smoke emanating from a two-story, single-family home. Fire crews entered the home to find a fire in the closet that was quickly extinguished. Two occupants were home at the time of the fire and escaped unharmed prior to the fire department's arrival.

No injuries were reported.

The cause of the fire was determined to be accidental by City of Batavia Fire Department investigators.

The City of Batavia Fire Department was assisted by the City of Batavia Police and Codes Department, Genesee County Emergency Dispatch Center, and the Genesee County Emergency Management Office.

(Initial Report)

Flames are shooting from the second floor of a house at 16 Highland Park. Children reported on the second floor; there is entrapment. City fire is responding.

UPDATE 2:22 p.m.: Alexander's Fast Team is called to the scene along with Le Roy's rescue unit. Town of Batavia fire is asked to stand by in quarters.

UPDATE 2:23 p.m.: A second-alarm has activated. This is a working structure fire.

UPDATE 2:26 p.m.: "We have a report that everyone is out; we're doing a primary search," says fire command.

UPDATE 2:30 p.m.: "Heavy, heavy fire on the second floor," says fire command. "We have one (fire hose) line open. Heavy smoke and flames from B/C sides."

UPDATE 2:34 p.m.: Responders are told to access the scene via the Wood Street side.

UPDATE 3:43 p.m.: Video added. There's no interview in the video. The scene commander isn't likely to be available for at least another hour. The fire seems mostly contained though firefighters are working to get to hotspots in the walls and attic. We will seek an update from City fire later tonight.

A motor-vehicle accident is reported at Oak and West Main streets in the city. A subject is complaining of chest pain. City fire and Mercy medics responding to the Speedway Gas Station parking lot.

Rochester -- Kim Smith, a third-generation Rochester resident, has announced her campaign for New York State’s 61st Senate District.

Smith holds a Master’s of Public Administration degree from Brockport College and spent more than 25 years with the Monroe County Department of Public Health. Her innovative policy work to improve access to care gained local, state and national attention.

“During my years at the Monroe County Department of Public Health, I worked to create a thriving environment for the 750,000 residents of Monroe County, as diverse in geography, people and needs as the 61st District,” Smith said.

“That kind of diversity is an opportunity to build bridges, capitalize on commonalities, and negotiate and compromise to reach our common goals and improve lives across the district. We must come together so that no voice, farmer, town, village or city in this district goes unheard or unrepresented.”

In 2017, Smith transitioned from her role in local government to serving as an activist and advocate with VOCAL-NY, where she became the organization’s first Statewide Organizer focusing on Rochester, Buffalo and Syracuse. She brings to her campaign this unique combination of experience developing and administering policy at the local level, and advocacy in Albany where she has helped to win more equitable statewide legislation in key areas including housing affordability.

In the spirit of developing policy in collaboration with the community, Kim’s campaign will begin a series of listening sessions that will take place across the 61st District. These sessions are for community members to meet Kim and talk about the issues that matter most, all are welcome to attend.

The first Listening Session was held in Amherst on Dec. 19th at the Eggertsville-Snyder Library.

Genesee County residents can attend the session in Batavia on Jan. 7th from 5:30-7:30 p.m. in the Gallery Room at the Richmond Memorial Library, 19 Ross St.

The tour continues in Rochester on Jan. 14th from 5:30-7 p.m. at the Arnett Library. Additional dates and locations are being scheduled and will be posted on her website.

To learn more about Kim and her campaign, please visit: www.kimsmithforsenate.com or email the campaign at: info@kimsmithforsenate.com.