recognition

Press Release:

The City of Batavia Police Department held its annual recognition luncheon on April 30 acknowledging the outstanding achievements and contributions of its members, as well as community partners, over the past year. 

During the event, the department recognized individuals and groups of officers/detectives who demonstrated exceptional bravery, heroism, or furthered the mission of the City of Batavia and Police Department. 

The following is a list of those recognized:

Letters of Recognition 

• Sharon Nuwer - Cleaner for the Department 

Sharon was recognized for her dedication to the Department and it's members by ensuring a clean, safe and healthy environment for everyone. 

• Supervisor Brett Stevenson of the City of Batavia Department of Public Works

Brett was recognized for his assistance in facilitating events and celebrations over the years in his role as supervisor at the Bureau of Maintenance. Brett has coordinated with many officers and supervisors to make these events go smooth. 

Department Honor Guard members:   

• Detective Sgt. Matt Lutey   
• Detective Eric Hill   
• Detective Jason Ivison   
• Detective James DeFreze   
• Officer Connor Borchert   
• Officer William Yung

All members of the Honor Guard exemplify the professionalism and dedication to the department in times of remembrance as well as times of celebration.  There dedication to attend multiple events throughout the year is respected and appreciated.

Firearms Instructors:

• Sergeant Arick Perkins
• Officer Samuel Freeman 

Both Sergeant Perkins and Officer Freeman have worked diligently to improve the firearms program through a variety of engaging activities while still maintaining a positive training atmosphere.

Accreditation Manager:

• Officer Richard Messmer 

Awarded for contributions to the accreditation program in 2024. Officer Messmer has worked diligently on this to ensure the department obtains its accredited status and is set to have the program evaluated soon. Certificates of Commendation 

NET Officers:

• Officer John Gombos
• Officer Joseph Weglarski 

In recognition of their efforts during an investigation into the transport and sales of illegal drugs in the City of Batavia resulting in several felony level charges. 

• Sergeant Arick Perkins
• Officer Adam Tucker
• Officer Bryan Moscicki
• Officer Samuel Freeman
• Detective Eric Hill 

In recognition of their efforts during the investigation into a fatal motor vehicle accident that occurred in August of 2024.

• Detective Sergeant Matt Lutey
• Sergeant Arick Perkins
• Officer Richard Messmer
• Officer Joseph Weglarski
• Detective Matthew Wojtaszczyk
• Detective Jason Ivison
• Detective Eric Hill
• Detective Stephen Cronmiller
• Detective James DeFreze 

In recognition for your efforts in the line of duty death investigation of Genesee County Sheriff Sergeant Thomas Sanfratello.

Life Saving Award 

• Officer Samuel Freeman
• Officer Bryan Moscicki 

In recognition of their actions to prolong the life of an individual who had stopped breathing and was in cardiac arrest in December of 2024. 

Meritorious Service Award 

Detective Eric Hill 

Awarded in recognition of his service to the City of Batavia Police Department for the past 20 years as a Police Officer, Youth Detective, PIO and resident IT consultant. 

Citizen Commendation Award 

Grace Baptist Church 

Awarded to Grace Baptist Church in recognition by the City of Batavia Police Department to your dedication to furthering the department's professional development through your generosity and approachability.  

Officer of the Year 

Officer Andrew Mruczek 

Officer Mruczek has been given this award based upon several factors which were submitted by several members of the department. In the nomination letters it was noted that Officer Mruczek is the “ideal team player” with an unwavering sense of loyalty to his fellow officers and the public. Officer Mruczek also demonstrates his commitment to learning, self-improvement and executing police duties on a consistent daily basis. Officer Mruczek was also recognized for his diligence in seeing investigations through to completion. Also noted was Officer Mruczek's ability to handle critical incidents in an exemplary manner. Throughout these nominations it was referenced several times that Officer Mruczek is a true professional that exemplifies what it means to be a police officer in the City of Batavia. 

This annual event serves as a testament to the department's commitment to acknowledging and appreciating the hard work and selflessness of its members, as well as the invaluable contributions of its community partners. Congratulations to all the recipients and thank you for your service.

Press Release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batavia) recently received an excellent ranking in the New York State Conservative Party’s legislative session ratings report, which was released yesterday. Hawley received a conservative rating of 92 out of 100 with the average score for Assembly Republicans being 88. 

The report took into account members’ positions on issues such as criminal justice, Second Amendment rights and tax policies. Hawley is proud to have received this high rating and is committed to supporting pro-business policies and working to lower the cost of living across the state.

“Upholding conservative principles has been the cornerstone of my time serving in Albany,” said Hawley. “Our state has seen rising crime and increased inflation due to liberal policies that have had negative effects on citizens and businesses. What New York needs more than anything right now is representatives who believe in individual liberty and the rule of law. As long as I am still in the Assembly, there will always be someone standing up for these values in our state.”