Salute to

FIRST RESPONDERS

February 19, 2022

2 • February 2022 Salute to 1st Responders

About this section

Calls on the rise again for On our worst days, first respond-
ers are at their best. They’re tough
ties.
This is a tough duty these men

Emergency Dispatch Center jobs and, yes, someone has to do

it – but not everyone can. First re-
sponders must make a tremendous
commitment – to training, to com-
By SCOTT DESMIT munity and to each other. It’s a com-
sdesmit@batavianews.com
mitment deserving of great respect
from those who are served.
Genesee County’s This annual “Salute to First Re-
25-member Emergency Dis- sponders” – our eighth – special
patch Center as expected, section highlights the history and
received more calls last year current activities of fire, ambulance,
than in 2020. police and other emergency and law
enforcement agencies that service
With people staying the communities of Genesee, Orle-
in during the first year of ans and Wyoming counties. Some
COVID, 911 calls were down of these agencies have been around
about 3,000 from 2019 and since before the Civil War.
calls overall dropped from the Several fire chiefs note the need
previous year. for more volunteers, and that there
are many different kinds of roles
That number shot up in that can be served; it takes all kinds
2021, however, said Steven of heroes to protect our communi-
Sharpe, director of emergen-
cy communications. MARK GUTMAN/DAILY NEWS FILE PHOTOGRAPH
and women have chosen to do. They
are our neighbors and our friends.
And their efforts deserve great re-
spect.
Remember those efforts. And re-
member to give them your support
for some day you may find yourself
in need of their assistance.
Staff writers Mallory Diefenbach,
Scott DeSmit, Brian Quinn, Kori
Sciandra, and news editor Matt Sur-
tel have contributed stories and pho-
tographs. Many images featured are
by staff photographer Mark Gutman,
along with some file photographs
and other pictures provided by the
various departments.
Their stories and images show
the variety of equipment depart-
ments utilize and the various roles
their members take.
– Ben Beagle, regional editor

Dispatchers handled
88,517 total dispatch events
in 2021, compared with
78,689 in 2020.
A breakdown of calls by
municipality:
n City of Batavia: 24,803
police calls, 735 fire calls,
2,960 EMS calls.
n Tonawanda Seneca Na-
tion: 318 police, 30 fire, 130
EMS.
n Alabama: 1,076 police,
63 fire, 153 EMS.
n Alexander: 770 police,
35 fire and 187 EMS.
n Town of Batavia: 9,126
police, 370 fire and 2,654
EMS.
n Bergen: 1,618 police, 79
fire, 187 EMS.
n Bethany: 784 police, 38
fire, 100 EMS.
n Byron: 1,269 police, 62
fire, 157 EMS.
Dispatcher Jennifer Kirkum watches the monitors at her console
at the Genesee County Emergency Dispatch Center.
122 EMS.
n Le Roy: 2,864 police, 109
fire, 334 EMS.
n Oakfield: 669 police, 38
fire, 101 EMS.
n Pavilion: 1,814 police, 59
fire, 200 EMS.
n Pembroke: 3,922 police,
124 fire, 331 EMS.
n Stafford: 2,201 police, 81
fire, 212 EMS.
n Village of Alexander: 341
WARSAW, NY
Thank You
police, 11 fire, 47 EMS.
n Village of Bergen: 664
police, 35 fire, 125 EMS.
For All That
n Village of Corfu: 1,795 You Do
police, 19 fire, 93 EMS.
n Village of Elba: 285 po- In Our
lice, 17 fire, 40 EMS.
n Village of Le Roy: 6,542 Community
police, 117 fire, 865 EMS.
n Village of Oakfield: 844
police, 37 fire, 173 EMS.
Phone: 585.786.5880
Fax: 585.786.8269
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Residential
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n Darien: 2,125 police, 79
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fire, 222 EMS.
www.edhulmeinc.com Warsaw, NY 14569
n Elba: 606 police, 42 fire,

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Wyoming County police agencies focus on community
By KORI SCIANDRA
ksciandra@batavianews.com
The Attica Police Depart-
ment, for the first time, has
three functioning patrol vehi-
cles. Through strict budgeting
and grants the department
replaced its last 2014 Ford Ex-
plorer Interceptor with a 2020
model.
“We applied for a grant and
were awarded the grant in the
sum of $5,500, which replaced
an old laptop car computer
with a new Patrol PC tablet
computer. Again, giving us the
ability of an additional patrol
vehicle for large events, patrol
purposes, training and vehicle
maintenance rotation,” said
Chief Dean R. Hendershott.
Last year the entire police
department was painted and
remodeled. The second floor
has been converted to a new,
more secure evidence room,
officer locker room, training
room and large conference
Rroom. Additional renova-
tions will include a small kitch-
enette for a break room and
much needed storage space.
All this was accomplished with
little direct effect to the bud-
get, Hendershott said.
The majority of the work
was accomplished through the
assistance of state Department
of Corrections and employees
of Attica’s Department of Pub-
lic Works and Water Depart-
ment employees.
The police department was
fortunate not to be affected by
COVID-19 at the start of the
pandemic, Hendershott said,
but through daily interactions
with the public – even after
taking as many precautions as
possible – 2021 had three offi-
cers out with positive cases.
“In a small department
scheduling was a major is-
sue,” he said. “Officers were
out for extended periods of
time. However, due to the ded-
ication of all the officers we
managed to mitigate this, and
everyone is back to work and
healthy.”
Hendershott said the offi-
cers and staff of the Attica Po-
lice Department look forward
to serving the public every day.
The department responded
to 1,879 calls in 2021.
Some of the more difficult
Salute to 1st Responders February 2022 • 3
ey for legal fees it’s probably over the phone, on the inter-
a fraud. “Do your homework, net or email.”
call that relative, grandchild or Full-time officers include
other family member and ver- Chief Dean R. Hendershott,
ify the information,” Hender- Sgt. Karl Zufall, car seat tech-
shott said. nician, investigator; Officer
In addition to do not accept Kyle Murray, accreditation/
any free computer work over policy manager; Officer Zach-
the phone, it’s also a scam. ary Fleiss, training and juve-
“If anyone feels uncertain nile officer; Officer Wyatt Rog-
from any unknown person gow. Part-time officers include
Mark Friedhaber, Stephanie
calling asking for money, pay-
Ingles, child passenger seat
ment from gift cards, or offer-
coordinator and technician;
ing a ridiculous reduced fee for
Holly Royce, training officer,
services please call the police
PROVIDED PHOTOGRAPH car seat technician; Gregory
department or your local law
The Attica Police Department has three patrol vehicles. Walker, drug recognition ex-
enforcement agency and ask pert; Cheyenne Masiello, Lu-
duties, he said, “are respond- “By the time you call the po- first,” Hendershott said. “Nev- kas Colopy, and Bryan Moscic-
ing to fraud complaints when lice it is generally already too er give out personal informa-
our senior citizens and com- late,” he said. tion or banking information See POLICE T5
munity residents get taken by Hendershott said if a caller
unscrupulous unlawful indi- asks for payment in gift cards,
viduals scamming our resi- it’s a fraud. If a caller reports
dents from the hard-earned they have been injured or ar-
money and life savings.” rested and need bail or mon-
To all the
Salute To
Our First First Responders
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4 • February 2022 Salute to 1st Responders

3 local police departments serve Orleans County

By Scott DeSmit ficers, an animal control tive who has been chief since a K9 unit, with Officer Jacob drug recognition expert and
sdesmit@batavianews.com officer and a civilian school 2016. Reeves and Phoenix, utilized an officer assigned to the
Orleans County has three crossing The department consists in areas such as tracking and Medina School District as a
local police departments guard. of a chief, lieutenant, two
The Me- sergeants, and nine patrol narcotics detection, and a school resource officer.
that serve the villages of Albi-
on, Holley and Medina. dina Police officers who serve the rough-
In Albion, the department Department ly 6,500 residents of the vil-
underwent a major change is led by lage and provide mutual aid To all the First Responders
in 2021, as did the Holley de- Chief Chad to surrounding departments who selflessly give of
partment. Kenward, a Kenward and communities.
Roland Nenni, who served Medina na- The department also has themselves every day,
as chief of Albion for 10 years
and in Holley for five, retired
in March.
We Thank You!
Nenni worked in law en- May God bless you each
forcement for 29 years, join-
ing Holley in 1992 and Albion and keep you safe every
in 1994. moment of your service.
Robert Barton was named
new police chief in Holley in
April.
Barton worked in Holley
since 2008, a year after he re-
tired from Greece Police De-
partment.
Holley has 12 officers,
both full and part time. Engineered Packaging Solutions
Lt. David Mogle, a 13-year
veteran of the force, took 8715 Lake Rd., Le Roy • 585-768-7000
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Albion has 12 fulltime of-

Police
From T3
ki.
Civilian employees in-
clude Patricia Frew, admin-
istrative assistant; Charlene
Szczecinski, school crossing
guard; David Barrett, substi-
tute school crossing guard.
The department applies
for grants and supports such
programs as Walmart’s Shop
with a COP, Stuff the Cruiser,
the state’s Child Passenger
Safety Seat Program, STOP
D.W.I Prom Project, Nal-
oxone Administration and
Training Program, Drug and
Needle Take Back Program,
National Drug Take Back
Events, Annual Community
Events, Department Ride-a-
Long Program, College and
High School Student Inter-
im Program, Attica Reservoir
Patrol Duty, 7-ELEVEN Op-
eration Chill.
Among other Wyoming
County police departments:
The Arcade Police De-
partment responded to
1,944 calls for service in 2021.
The department operates
with three vehicles in its fleet,
all Ford Explorers.
Officers include Chief
Matthew Krist, Sgt. Dustin
Brown, Officer Michael Lo-
coco, Officer Jared Benkel-
man, who is also the school
resource officer, Officer An-
drew Hyman, Officer Cath-
erine Turnbull, Officer Eric
Crawford, Officer Jeffrey Ely,
Officer Vaughn Collingridge,
Officer Tanner Till, and Offi-
cer Dion Woods.
Upon former Chief Antho-
ny Biscaro’s retirement last
year, Chief Krist took over
Jan. 25, 2021. Since then, the
Department updated all the
policies within the depart-
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The Perry Police Depart-
ment is led by Chief Michael
Grover and include four full-
time officers and four part-
time officers.
Officer Matthew Masci,
also the school resource of-
ficer, works with K9 Sunny,
a therapy dog that in 2021
received a gold medal from
the American Kennel Club.
The award, the highest rec-
ognition from the AKC, de-
notes that Sunny is a “Distin-
guished” therapy dog.
“The unfortunate reality is
a lot of the time, we see peo-
ple at their worst. Anything
that allows us to connect with
our community makes a dif-
ference. We’re fortunate that
our community has support-
ed our therapy dog program,
which has made incredible
personal connections with
our residents,” said Grover.
The therapy dog program,
Grover said, has allowed the
department to connect with
the community’s “most im-
portant residents, kids.”
In their partnership with
the school district, Sunny
and Masci are often called
upon in situations involv-
ing counseling, emotional
distress, grief, or simply to
brighten someone’s day.
PERRY POLICE DEPARTMENT PHOTOGRAPH
Perry Police Department
Officer Matt Masci is shown
with K9 Sunny.
Dan
Mattice,
President
Salute to 1st Responders February 2022 • 5
Warsaw PD gets new station
By Matt Surtel
msurtel@batavianews.com
WARSAW — Ask Chief Pete
Hoffmeister and he’ll easily list
the advantages of village’s new
police station.
Easy access. Better security.
And a heck of a lot more space.
The Warsaw Village Police
Department officially moved
into its new office March 26,
2021, at 42 West Buffalo St. The
location is nearly across the
street from its previous office
but described as a big improve-
ment. MARK GUTMAN/DAILY NEWS FILE PHOTOGRAPH
“We were running out of Warsaw Police Chief Pete Hoffmeister stands in the new police
space,” Hoffmeister said told station at 42 West Buffalo St., Warsaw, in this April 2021 photo.
The Daily News in April. “It was
super-small. We were running The department had rented its Village Court records securely. It
out of storage with records re- older office but will eventually also has its own parking.
tention requirements being own its new one. Hoffmeister thanked build-
lengthened, and things like that “We’re renting to buy this ing owner and local developer
— we ran out of room.” building where we’re at,” he James Rutowski for working
The village police had rented said. “The rent is comparably with him to help find the new
its previous location for more about the same price as we were location.
than 20 years, Hoffmeister said. paying over (at the previous lo- The Village Police depart-
But besides being too small, it cation) ... This is way bigger.” ment has five full-time officers,
was becoming obsolete for the The new office has two floors seven part-time officers, a sec-
department’s modern needs. and will also be used to house retary, and six crossing guards.
Among other issues, the older
location lacked security. A per- THANK YOU FIRST RESPONDERS!
son stepping through the front
door had immediate access to
almost the entire office, with lit-
tle to impede them if they were (585)
up to mischief or worse.The
new office has a foyer and mea-
sures to help keep officers, staff
798-
and property safe.
“You can’t get in unless we let
you in,” Hoffmeister said. “It’s
1800
a lot more safe, for the safety of
the officers and the civilian staff.
READY MIX CONCRETE
And more room for storage and • 50' Concrete Conveyor
to just be a police department • Front & rear mixers
now — way better.”
Hoffmeister said one of his • NYS DOT approved materials
first priorities when he became
QUALITY SERVICES & MATERIALS
chief was to get a new location.
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6 • February 2022 Salute to 1st Responders

Batavia PD continues Le Roy PD launches new initiatives

work toward new home
By BRIAN QUINN
bquinn@batavianews.com
BATAVIA — The City of Bat-
avia Police Department found
a new home on the internet last
year and this year continues to
work toward a new brick-and-
mortar home to replace the
one it has lived in for a number
of years.
Since the department’s
CRIMEWATCH page launched
around last March, the page
has been extremely successful,
Police Chief Shawn Heubusch
said.
“It had 59,481 visits last year
alone. We have logged over 80
tips, 22 contacts for miscella-
neous items and 68 camera
registries to name a few inter-
actions,” Heubusch said. “The
ease by which we can get info
out to the traditional media
outlets, social media pages and
push notifications has made
the platform very successful
and busy.”
The department has restart-
ed its Explorer Post program in
an effort to reach out to youth
in the community interested in
careers in the law enforcement
or public safety field.
“We have continued our
community policing programs
that help to strengthen our
Batavia Police Officer Steve Cronmiller helps a resident who
came to drop off items during the National Drug Take Back
Day in October 2021.
relationships within the com-
munity and we continued our
partnership with the Batavia
City School District to maintain
a school resource officer.
In December, four members
of the City of Batavia Police
Department’s Emergency Re-
sponse Team — officers Wes-
ley Rissinger, Felicia DeGroot
and Arick Perkins, Detective
Matthew Wojtaszczyk — grad-
uated from the Department of
Criminal Justice Services Basic
SWAT School training in Liv-
ingston County. Basic SWAT
School is a four-week intensive
school focused on advanced
weapons and tactics, forced
entry, medical training, chemi-
cal deployment, distractionary
device deployment, multi-ter-
rain navigation, high risk ap-
prehensions and specialized
event security.
City police had 20,322 calls
for service to answer/handle
this past year, a small increase
over 2020, Heubusch said.
The city has a contract with
Ashley McGraw Architects,
D.P.C. to provide design, en-
gineering and construction
management services for a
roughly $10.8 million police
station project at Bank Street
and Alva Place.
BRIAN QUINN/DAILY NEWS FILE PHOTOGRAPH
By MALLORY DIEFENBACH
mdiefenbach@batavianews.com
LE ROY — At the start of 2021,
the Le Roy Police Department
saw a shuffling of personnel.
Chief Chris Hayward, De-
tective John Condidorio, and
School Resource Officer Eric
Miller all retired.
Gregg Kellogg took over as
the department’s new chief, and
Sgt. Emily McNamara was trans-
ferred to detective.
Curtis Miller, James Prusak
and Jordan Wolcot were hired as
full-time officers while Emmalee
Stawicki, Kaden Vangalio, Jason
Davis and John Ceneviva joined
as part-time officers.
There was some new initia-
tives this past year as well:
n School resource officers at
both Le Roy school campuses.
Corfu Police making upgrades
By BRIAN QUINN
BQuinn@BataviaNews.com
CORFU — The village is about
one square mile, home to about
795 residents and is protected by
a part-time police department.
The officer-in-charge is David
Krzemien. Village officers are
Dave Drozdiel, Richard Retzlaff,
Joel Arney, Kevin Koscielniak,
Patrick Reeves, Jamie Givens,
Tom LaBelle, Lonnie Nati, Rich-
ard Lewis and Tyler Lang.
“I would say 90% of staff are
working full-time with other
agencies,” Krzemien said. “We
have a very vigorous training
program and background inves-
tigation on officers who come in-
to our police department.”
Krzemien said the depart-
ment answered about 415 calls
that were generated through
the county Dispatch Center to
n A town and village contract;
now gives the department juris-
diction within both the village
events.
Department members com-
pleted such training as:
and town. n Multi-Agency In-Service
n Bike Patrol Program Training (All department mem-
n Sex Offender Registry now bers)
provided via Offender Watch n Use of Force Simulator at
n Safe Trade Program GCC (All department members)
n Drivers education instruc- n Bike Patrol School (2 mem-
tor to high school students bers)
n Updated policies and pro- n Car seat technician (1 mem-
cedures via Lexipol ber)
n Recruitment at the Rural n Advanced Roadside Im-
Police Training Academy at Gen- paired Driving Enforcement (3
esee Community College members)
n Instruction at Rural Police n Certified car seat technician
Training Academy at GCC (1 member)
The department also took part n Weapons Armorer Course
in the following initiatives Stuff (1 member)
the Cruiser, Shop with a Cop, n Field Training Supervisor (1
Red Kettle Campaign, school member)
supply drive, coat dDrive, and Le Roy Police fielded a total of
participation in school athletic 7,093 calls for service in 2021.
officers. “We are dispatched to between a police chief and an
pretty much all calls, any type officer-in-charge is a civil service
of service,” he said. “Total penal matter. He said the two positions
law charges were 50, which cul- involve the same work.
minated to 18 penal law arrests. ”We’ve always had someone
We had five DWI arrests last year who’s overseen the operations
in the village. We had 15 property of the department. The village
damage accidents, 11 out of the came up with the title last year. I
15 were some type of injury.”
Krzemien said the difference See CORFU T22
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 Salute to 1st Responders February 2022 • 7

Fire departments
keep residents safe
across Orleans
By MALLORY DIEFENBACH
mdiefenbach@batavianews.com
Orleans County has several
active fire departments serv-
ing the county and keeping
residents safe.
The departments cover an
area of 817 square miles with
a population of more than
40,000 residents.
Here’s a capsule look at the
fire departments in Orleans
County:
ALBION FIRE DEPARTMENT
MARK GUTMAN/DAILY NEWS FILE PHOTOGRAPHER The Albion Fire Department
A young onlooker comes out close to see the fire trucks during the Corfu Memorial Day parade. provides fire suppression, res-
cue and back up emergency
of Albion, and towns of Albion
and Gaines.
Albion operates three en-
gines, a 110-foot aerial plat-
form, two light rescue trucks
and a tanker out of one station.
Chief Harry Papponetti
continues to lead the depart-
ment.
The Albion Fire Depart-
ment responds to an average
of 525 alarms per year.
BARRE FIRE COMPANY INC.
The Barre Fire Company,
established in 1961, recently
celebrated 60 years of service

New additions come to fire medical services for the village See ORLEANS T13

departments in Genesee Evans Hardware

By Mallory Diefenbach
and Brian Quinn
news@batavianews.com
More than a dozen fire de-
partments, many with ambu-
lance rescue squads serve com-
munities in Genesee County.
Many of them are staffed by
volunteers who respond to a va-
riety of emergencies in all kinds
of conditions and at any hour.
In these roles, they give up time
with families, friends and, for
some, their businesses in the
name of community service.
The departments cover an
area of nearly 500 square miles,
serving a population of more
than 57,000 residents.
Here’s a capsule look at the
departments:
ALABAMA FIRE DEPARTMENT
The Town of Alabama Fire
Department, 2230 Judge Rd.,
Basom, provides first responder
emergency services to the town
of Alabama and the Tonawanda
Reservation.
BERGEN FIRE DEPARTMENT
The Bergen Fire Department
was established in 1861. Its orig-
inal location was 13 North Lake
Rd. in the village of Bergen; it is
now based at 10 Hunter St. in
Bergen. The department covers
about 36 square miles.
Currently, the Bergen Fire
Department has 50 active mem-
bers and 75 total members.
Officers for 2022 are Kevin
Bruton Jr., chief; Brian Stone,
deputy chief; Jared Hicks, assis-
tant chief; Colin Willis, captain;
Don Cunningham and Robert
McConnell, lieutenants; Kenny
Dean, EMS Chief; Kathy Mc-
laughlin, EMS lieutenant; James
Wride, fire police captain; Eric
Weis, president; Mark Swanson,
vice president; Donna Vanslyke,
secretary; Gina Bliss, treasurer;
and Teresa Robinson and Dan
VanValkenburg, board of direc-
tors.
The department started an
EMS ambulance service in 1970
and it is going strong to this day.
BETHANY FIRE DEPARTMENT
The fire chief is Jeff Fluker.
First Assistant Chief is Jeff Wolak
and Second Assistant Chief is Ja-
mie Fluker.
Bethany Volunteer Fire De-
partment bought a new rescue
pumper in 2021, replacing one
which was 21 years old. The de-
partment also received a new
engine in 2020. Engine 34 re- & Building Supplies, Inc.
placed two pieces of equipment.
There was a lot of program-
ming during the past year, in-
cluding old-style breakfast the
second Sunday of every month
Thank you
until April.
The department responded
for all your
to 138 calls, 83 percent of which
were EMS.
dedication to
The active roster of fire per-
sonnel is 25.
our counties!
Anyone can stop by at the fire
hall any given Monday night for
a tour.
See GENESEE T9 342 E. Center St. • Medina • 585-798-4000
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2 Bogue Ave., Batavia, NY • 343-6158
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8 • February 2022 Salute to 1st Responders

Fire departments have long history in Wyoming

By KORI SCIANDRA
ksciandra@batavianews.com
The long history of fire ser-
vice in Wyoming County marks
a milestone this year – Wyoming
Hook & Ladder celebrates 125
years of service.
Wyoming Hook & Ladder,
which serves the village of Wy-
oming, town of Middlebury,
and part of the town of Coving-
ton, was incorporated Dec. 31,
1896. The firefighters began with
buckets, then a hand-drawn
hook and ladder wagon built by
the local sawmill, blacksmith,
and cooper. In 1920, the first mo-
PROVIDED PHOTOGRAPH
torized fire truck – a 1916 Ford
Model T chemical fire truck – Wyoming Hook & Ladder Company Inc. still has its first motorized PROVIDED PHOTOGRAPH
was added and in 1937 an open fire truck, a1916 Ford Model T chemical fire truck that it obtained Wyoming Hook & Ladder Company Inc.’s newest truck is this
cab Ford pumper/tanker. The in 1920. 3,000-gallon pumper tanker that it purchased new in 2020.
historic equipment remains at in
the fire house.
The department has 22 active
firefighters, including six who
are firefighter/EMTs. There are
14 members in the ladies auxil-
iary and several social members.
Members answered 123 calls
for aid in 2021, including fires,
vehicle crashes, medical emer-
gencies, and mutual assistance
to other districts.
The COVID-19 pandemic has
affected the department’s fund- To all first responders,
raising ability, limiting it to two
chicken barbecues and parking One of the trucks of the Arcade Fire Department.
PROVIDED PHOTOGRAPH
especially
for the Apple Umpkin Festival in
the village of Wyoming. Richard Crandall, fire police cap- and emergency medical services
The Town of Batavia FD
The department’s annual
fund drive mailing went out as
tain. The auxiliary includes Tra-
ci Hoffman, president; Cheryl
within the 120-square-mile dis-
trict.
and East Pembroke FD,
Thank you for your dedication
planned and the community re- Strathearn, vice president; and With 75 members, the Arcade
sponded very generously. The Deb Smith, secretary/treasurer. Fire Department responded to
mailing will continue this year. “All our operations depend 768 calls with more than 5,800
The department also hopes to on the availability and support combined man hours. Those
have a couple of chicken barbe- of dedicated and trained volun- hours included 3,663 EMS man
cues and again park cars in Sep- teers,” said Strathearn. “Equip- hours, 949 fire man hours, 973
tember during Apple Umpkin. ment is important but without in-house training hours, 273
A fundraising effort is under- members it will serve no one.” miscellaneous event hours and
way to help replace the depart- The department continues to 22 fire prevention man hours.
ment’s 1988 pumper/tanker. recruit new members, and has Officers include Chris Lester,
The fleet also includes a 1994 en- updated its bylaws to accept ju- chief; Brian Meyers, first assis-
gine, a 1994 4-wheel drive, 4-seat nior firefighter trainees age 14 tant chief; Josh Graham, second
brush truck and a 2002 rescue and older to be part of a youth assistant chief; Dave Bray, third
truck that carries first aid and ex- group. There are opportunities assistant chief; Connie Draper,
trication equipment. The newest for junior members, and also EMS captain; Jenna Johnson,
vehicle is a 3,000-gallon pump- firefighters, emergency medical Town of Batavia Elected Officials:
secretary; and Kathy Landahl,
er/tanker purchased in 2020. responders, auxiliary and social treasurer. Greg Post, Supervisor
Wyoming Hook and Ladder members. Training is free, and
officials include Michael Smith, ATTICA FIRE DEPARTMENT Teressa Morasco, Town Clerk
some positions require little or
president; Walter Strathearn, The Attica Fire Department Tom Lichtenthal, Highway Superintendent
no special training. Administra-
chief; Mark Black, secretary; Mi- responded to 64 fire calls and
tive duties offer additional op- Dan Underhill, Deputy Supervisor
chael Sullivan, treasurer; John 328 ambulance calls in 2021, an
portunities to volunteers.
Moore, county fire advisory increase of 49 calls since 2020. Sharon White, Town Council
Here’s a look at other Wyo-
board representative. Appoint- Ambulance services had 1,282 Patti Michalak, Town Council
ming County fire departments:
ed Line Officers include Michael personnel responding, spending
Smith, first assistant chief; Nate ARCADE FIRE DEPARTMENT 1,523 hours on calls. Fire had 392 Chad Zambito, Town Council
Coffey, second assistant chief; Led by Chief Chris Lester, the responding and 1,530 hours.
Howard Ridall V, third assistant Arcade Fire Department prides
chief; Vern Baker, EMS captain; itself on providing fire protection See WYOMING T11
 Salute to 1st Responders February 2022 • 9

Genesee
From T7
BYRON FIRE DEPARTMENT
Byron residents are served
by the Byron Fire Department,
Byron Rescue Squad and South
Byron Volunteer Fire Depart-
ment.
Byron Fire Department offi-
cers for 2022 are Bob Mruzcek,
fire chief; Steve Lockner, presi-
dent; and Laura Platt, auxiliary.
The Byron Rescue Squad
runs exclusively on donations.
If anyone is interested in giving
a donation, send it to 6357 East
Main St., P.O. Box 210, Byron
NY 14422. Byron Rescue Squad
captain is Brad Nickerson.
CORFU VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPT.
The Corfu Volunteer Fire
Department has about 30 ac-
tive members in various roles
— EMS, drivers, fire police and
12 interior firefighters. The de-
partment is led by Fire Chief
Greg Lang, Deputy Chief Dean
Eck. Assistant Chief Dan Smith,
Capt. Jim Hale and Capt. Tyler
Lang. The Board of Trustees
includes President Brian Schol-
lard, Vice President Dillon Hale,
Secretary Paula Trapani and
Treasurer Jennifer Eck, along
with trustees Christine Lang,
Matt Lenhard and Megan Stiles.
EAST PEMBROKE VOLUNTEER
FIRE DEPARTMENT
The East Pembroke Fire De-
partment is an all-volunteer or-
ganization that was founded in
1934. East Pembroke and three
other departments cover the
town of Pembroke.
Donald Newton Jr. is the de-
partment’s chief.
Among the department’s
newest pieces of apparatus is
an E-One stainless top mount
pumper, which features a
1,030-gallon, L-shaped water
tank and a 1,500-GPM sin-
gle-stage pump. The pumper
debuted in 2020.
The department is hosting a
drive-through chicken barbe-
cue from 11 a.m. until sold out
on Feb. 27 at 8655 Barrett Drive,
Batavia. Cost is $12 per dinner.
INDIAN FALLS FIRE DEPARTMENT
The Indian Falls Fire De-
partment, 8030 Alleghany Rd.,
Corfu, is one of four fire depart-
ments covering the town of
Pembroke.
LE ROY AMBULANCE SERVICE INC. way through the ranks.
Christopher Scopano was
promoted to
Destin Danser is the new dep-
uty chief.
chief of oper- The agency responds to more
ations in 2021. than 1,000 calls annually and
operates with two Advanced
He had previ-
Life Support Ambulances and
ously served
one ALS First Response Vehicle.
as deputy
There are more than 30 mem-
chief. Scopa-
bers in both career and volun-
no has been Scopano
teer roles.
with the orga-
The agency has begun the
nization for many years, starting
as a volunteer and working his See GENESEE T10
We are celebrating our 46th year in business!

In Appreciation
of our
First
Responders

Home Purifier installed

on your furnace,
kills bacteria & viruses!
Self cleaning -
no maintenance!

It’s Time for Your

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Residential
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Cooling ANNIVERSARY

Refrigeration
1947-2022 Commercial

Refrigeration Co. of BATAVIA, INC.

26 Cedar St., Batavia, NY 14020
Phone: 585-343-2678
www.arcticrefrigeration.com
OWNED & OPERATED BY THE MAGER FAMILY SINCE 1947
10 • February 2022
Genesee
From T9
process of funding a replace-
ment ambulance and launched
a community-based fundrais-
ing campaign.
LE ROY FIRE DEPARTMENT
The Le Roy Fire Department
serves and protects both the
village and town of Le Roy. The
department protects an area of
more than 42 square miles with
a combined population of just
under 8,000. The Le Roy Fire
Salute to 1st Responders
stop at the fire hall, 11302 Lake
St., on any Monday night.
SOUTH BYRON VOLUNTEER
FIRE COMPANY
The 2022 officers for the
South Byron Volunteer Fire
Company are Brian Hickey,
chief; Jacob Yasses, deputy
chief; Jeff Starowitz, assistant
MARK GUTMAN/DAILY NEWS FILE PHOTOGRAPH
Real Estate Services
Le Roy firefighters extinguish a burning cargo trailer Dec. 15,
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2021, on the Thruway. The department responded to more than
chief; Vito Muoio, captain; Jere-
mie Rassel, Allison Gurgel, and
Christopher Hilbert, lieuten-
ants; Mathew Dougherty, fire
police captain. Administrative
officers are Dean Bates, pres-
ident; Reggie McDonald, vice
president; Fred Klycek, treasur-
er; and Theresa Hammer, secre-
See GENESEE T17
Salute To
Our First
Responders
D HA
AR

Department also responds to 400 alarms in 2021, including incidents on the Thruway. DEBORAH GILLEN

N
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TEE
neighboring towns when they

100
Licensed Real Estate Salesperson

AN
%
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The department thanked its truck with grass fire capabilities. 570 East Main Street • Batavia, NY 14020
EY B CK GU
A

need additional resources.

During the past year firefight- outgoing chief, Dewey Murrock, The department has a total of Cell: 585.749.8951
ers’ responded to more than 400 for his many years of dedication 26 active members who answer Office: 585.343.6750 ext. 2133
deborahgillen@howardhanna.com
alarms. Countless hours were to the department. 163 calls fire and EMS. HowardHanna.com
spent maintaining equipment Pavilion Fire Department If anyone would like to join
and keeping the fire station in
purchased a new 4x4 supply they can call (585) 584-3232 or
order. Training and drills total
hundreds of hours per year ded-
icated to the community.
In January, Jared Chick was
promoted to second assistant
chief. He had been serving as
captain and led the depart-
ment’s training program. He
was awarded firefighter of the
year in 2019.
Le Roy Fire Department ser-
vices the New York state Thru-
way and Routes 5 and 19. The
department responds to motor
vehicle accidents and other traf-
fic incidents. The Oatka Creek
runs through town causing oc-
casional flooding and water res-
cue hazards
OAKFIELD FIRE DEPARTMENT
There are about 30 active
members in the Oakfield Fire
Department, which has four
pieces of apparatus, including
two engines, a tanker, and a res-
cue truck.
Anyone interested in joining
the Oakfield Fire Department,
are encouraged to visit the de-
partment at 20 Albert St., Oak-
field, on Monday nights.
PAVILION FIRE DEPARTMENT
The Pavilion Fire Depart-
ment’s leadership, following its
2022 election of officers includ-
ed Don Roblee, fire chief; Tyler
Schiske, first assistant chief;
Bryen Murrock, captain; Kelly
Murrock and Jason True, lieu-
tenants; Paul Dougherty, pres-
ident; Jason Everett, vice pres-
ident; Bill Carrigan, treasurer;
Amanda Saravullo, secretary;
and Kelly Murrock, secretary.
 Salute to 1st Responders February 2022 • 11

tant chief; Brian Brown, second 1930. The department has three
Wyoming assistant chief; Steve Aikens,
ambulance captain; and Kevin
engines, one heavy-rescue truck
and one basic life support am-
From T8 Belkota, president. bulance. In late 2021, the de-
The department plans a drive- partment put into service a new
through chicken barbecue on 2021 Rosenbaur crew cab 4x4
The department is always March 26.
looking for help. Stop at the fire engine with a rear mount pump
COWLESVILLE VOLUNTEER and 1,000-gallon water tank. The
hall, 11 Water St., from 7 to 8:30 FIRE DEPARTMENT
p.m. Tuesdays for information. truck replaced a 1986 engine.
Elected fire officers include The Cowlesville Fire Com-
pany has been in service since See WYOMING T12
Jay Myers, chief; George Diehl,
first assistant chief; Ann Lapp,
second assistant chief and res-
cue captain. Elected business of- We Support Our First Responders
ficers include Kaylee Sumeriski,
president; Nate Burry, vice presi- PROVIDED PHOTOGRAPH
dent; Eileen Anderson, secretary; The Cowlesville Fire Company has been in service since 1930.
Nick Anderson, treasurer. Ap-
pointed fire officers include Ste- the people that are no longer Staffehl, lieutenant; and Julie
phen Bove and Paul Hamilton, able to volunteer. ... If volunteers Newville, secretary. Business of-
lieutenants; and Nick Anderson, are not able to answer fire/res- ficers are Russ Becker, president;
rescue lieutenant. cue calls, towns and villages may Allyson Krotje, vice president;
BENNINGTON VOLUNTEER need to look to paid services. If
people think they may be able to
David George, treasurer; and Al-
lesha Krotje, secretary.
PAVILION MACHINE & TOOL LLC
FIRE DEPARTMENT
help in any capacity, they should CASTILE FIRE DEPARTMENT pmtco@pavilionmachine.com
The Bennington Volunteer contact fire or rescue personnel
Fire Department operates with The Castile Fire Department pavilionmachine.com
in their community to find out responded to 200 calls fire and
five apparatus – two engines, one
what opportunities exist.” EMS calls in 2021. The 30-mem-
tender, one ambulance, one util-
Other officers include Mike
356 Wyoming Rd. Pavilion NY 14525
ity vehicle. The department has ber department has a pumper,
35 members. Roche, first assistant chief; Marc a pumper tanker and a rescue
roche, second assistant chief; truck in service, plus an ambu-
Ph 585-584-8477 • Fax 585-584-8301
The department responded
to 119 alarms, which included and Dan Osgood, third assistant lance.
82 calls with their district and chief. Rescue squad officers are Officers include William Da-
37 calls to neighboring agencies Laura Dutton, captain; Carol ke, chief; Tom Wright, first assis-
such as Attica, Cowlesville, Shel-
don, Darien and Varysburg.
Upcoming fundraisers in-
clude spring gun raffle, March
19; Recruit NY open house and
chicken barbecue, April 23 and
24; golf tournament, Aug. 26;
meat raffle, Oct. 1; and the 2023 Drive-Thru Lumber Yard
Monthly Lottery Calendars. Paint • Plumbing • Electrical Supplies • Hardware
BLISS FIRE DEPARTMENT Craftsman Tools • Lawn/Garden Supplies • Pool Supplies
With 40 active members and CROCKER’S ACE HARDWARE
14 emergency medical techni- 8457 N. Street Rd., LeRoy, NY 14482 • 585.768.2360
cians for the rescue squad, the Hours: Mon.-Fri. 8:30am-8pm, Sat. 8:30am-5pm, Sun. 9am-5pm
Bliss Fire Department respond- Brad Crocker, Dan Diskin, Owners
ed to 130 calls – 39 fire calls and
91 rescue calls last year.
The department has five
pieces of equipment in service,
including two 1,500 gallon per
minute pumpers, a 4,000-gallon
tanker, an equipment van and
the rescue squad.
Bliss will participant in the Re-
cruit NY recruitment weekend
on April 23. The day is an oppor-
tunity to see if there are any ways
people can become a volunteer
and help out their community.
“One major concern for our
department as well as all volun-
teer departments throughout
the region is the decline in mem-
bership,” said Chief Clarence
George said. “As our members
get older and are no longer able
to serve, the number of volun-
teers in our department has de-
clined and there have not been as
many new members to replace
12 • February 2022
Wyoming
From T11
The department also put into
service a new 12 lead Zoll heart
monitor, which was funded
through a grant.
The Cowlesville Fire Com-
pany responded to 115 calls in
2021, up from 80 calls from 2020.
Thirty-nine calls were fire/other
and 76 were EMS calls. The La-
dies Auxiliary Squad 10 respond-
ed to 10 of those calls to provide
refreshments and other support.
The department’s 53 members
put in just under 5,000-man
hours between training, calls or
administrative duties.
Firematic officers include
Nick Szuniewicz, chief; John
Taylor, first assistant chief; Wil-
son Wild, second assistant chief;
Jeff Anderson, third assistant
chief; Dave Screms, truck cap-
tain; George Kumpf, fire police
captain; Greg Brown, safety offi-
cer; Ken Larson, training office;
Jake Piersa, EMS captain, and
Ethan Bernacki, EMS lieutenant.
Executive officers are John
Strzelec, president; John Taylor,
vice president; Rosalie Keich-
er, secretary; and Dave Ludwig,
treasurer.
GAINESVILLE VOLUNTEER FIRE
DEPARTMENT & RESCUE SQUAD
Gainesville Volunteer Fire
Department & Rescue Squad
Thank You First Responders!
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Salute to 1st Responders
13 active firefighters, two EMTs Harris Corners will participate
and one CFR.
Firematic officers are Thom-
in the statewide Recruit NY event
from noon to 3 p.m. April 24.
as Keem, chief; Joe Lawton, first “We are always looking for
assistant chief; Dave Lathrop, new dedicated members,” said
second assistant chief; Jim Ger- Keem, “unfortunately with
main, EMS captain. The cabinet changing times we do not have
includes Nick Kirsch, president; the membership that we used to.
Phil George, vice president; Ron Membership is dwindling by the
Janish, treasurer; and Ann Metz, year...
secretary. “Seventeen years ago, when
Planned fundraisers for 2022 I first joined, we had a strong
department with many active
include a gun raffle, conducted
members,” he said. “I hope we
virtually at 6 p.m. April 9; a Fa- can get some interest before it is
ther’s Day chicken barbecue at
too late.”
PROVIDED PHOTOGRAPH
11:30 a.m. June 19, and the annu-
al picnic at noon Aug. 13. See WYOMING T15
Gainesville firefighters work to extinguish a smokey house fire.
responded to 167 calls last year. HARRIS CORNERS FIRE DEPT.
The department operates with
37 members, seven fire trucks,
and one ambulance.
The Harris Corners Fire De-
partment ran 34 calls during Saluting All
2021 with a fleet consisting of
Officers include Rob Patter-
son, chief; Tyler Horton, Jeff a 2018 Pierce Pumper-Tanker,
2004 Pierce Pumper-Tanker and
First
Smith and Mike Horton, assis-
tant chiefs; and Dust Dieter,
president.
a 1994 Smeal Heavy Rescue.
Membership includes about
Responders!
Salute To
Our First
Real Estate Services
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TEE
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570 East Main Street • Batavia, NY 14020
Cell: 716.913.0242
Office: 585.343.6750
Fax: 585.343.8502
madeleinerusch@howardhanna.com
HowardHanna.com
“IT’S WHAT WE DO”
We are grateful to all our First Responders.
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Richard Wendt, President
Fully Insured & Free Estimates Ken Barrett Chevrolet Cadillac
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229 West Main St., Batavia, NY • 344-1000
www.KenBarrett.com

Orleans
From T7
to the residents of Barre and sur-
rounding areas.
In January, Assistant Chief
Ben Flansburg moved up to
serve as chief as James Neal
stepped down after serving in
the position since January 2017.
The department saw an in-
crease in calls for service in 2021;
200 calls were answered, an in-
crease of 20 percent from 2020.
The department has 37 active
members that dedicate their
time to training and answering
calls for service for fire, emer-
gency medical services, and fire
police responses. Members al-
so do fundraising to assist with
building and equipment up-
grades.
In the past year Barre Fire
Company finished a parking lot
repaving project at the station
and a bathroom remodel.
The Board of Fire Commis-
The Barre Fire Company reported a 20 percent increase in calls for
service in 2021 compared to 2020.
sioners added to the fleet a 2021
Freightliner/Pierce Pumper/
Tanker which carries 2,200 gal-
lons of water and has a 1,000
gallon per minute pump, re-
placing the old tanker which
was 30 years old. The board also
instituted online patient care re-
porting for their EMS calls.
Barre Fire Company’s annual
gun raffle in October was again
a big success. It looks forward to
this fundraiser again in 2022.
The event their members
look forward to every year is the
Santa Express which Barre Fire
Salute to 1st Responders
PROVIDED PHOTOGRAPH
Company conduct yearly in De-
cember. In 2021, Santa and his
elves on the fire trucks were able
to visit 35 families and deliver
gifts to about 150 kids in town.
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585.502.6084
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February 2022 • 13
and an engine, tanker and new
Like many departments,
Barre Fire Company is in need of
people with an interest in serv-
rescue operates out of that hall.
The department will host at
ing in a fire, medical or admin- steak dinner Feb. 26 at the Carl-
istration roles. They encourage ton Recreation Hall, 1853 Oak
anyone interested to stop by the Orchard Rd., Albion. The dinner
fire station any Tuesday evening is scheduled from 5 to 8 p.m.,
with questions. followed by live music from
CARLTON FIRE COMPANY INC. Highway 31 at 8:30 p.m. Dinner
Carlton Fire Company offer and band tickets are $25, avail-
fire, rescue and EMS services able by presale only. Tickets for
within the town of Carlton and the band only (after 8:30 p.m.)
are $5 for those 21 and older. For
surrounding communities. It al-
tickets or more information, call
so rents a banquet hall.
(585) 739-4727.
The department operates out
of two stations. Station 1 in Wa- CLARENDON FIRE COMPANY
terport houses a brush truck/ The Clarendon Fire Depart-
EMS vehicle, an engine, a tanker
See ORLEANS T14
and a boat. Station 2 is in Kent
SERVING WESTERN NEW YORK SINCE 1867
Monday-Friday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
50 Main Street, Batavia, NY
(585) 343-2282
www.smhawley.com
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FROZEN DRINKS
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Daily Homemade Soups • Pizza
“Anything Under the Sun!”
We will Cater, Deliver or Host
Smaller Parties or Pre-Game Dinners
14 • February 2022
Orleans
From T13
ment serves its community
from a headquarters at 16169
East Lee Road in Clarendon. The
department answers around
300 calls per year.
In recent years the depart-
ment has added two new trucks,
a Ford F-550 Stonewall Light
Rescue Truck and a 4 Guys Spar-
ta Classica Rescue Pumper to its
fleet. The department has also
added all new Halmatro rescue
tools, including the Jaws of Life
and cutters.
EAST SHELBY VOLUNTEER
FIRE COMPANY INC.
Easy Shelby Volunteer Fire
Company had some big pur-
chases for 2021.
They purchased three new air
conditioners and, from a state
Department of Environmental
Conservation grant, two porta-
ble, rechargeable light stands;
three lengths of 50-foot forestry
hose; two portable root soak-
er spigots; and one forestry fire
nozzle.
East Shelby Volunteer Fire
Company responded to 65 to-
tal calls, including 37 that were
fire-related and 28 EMS calls.
Company officers are Mike
Fuller, president; Joe Newton,
vice president; Karen Bracey,
secretary; Allen Turner, trea-
surer; Dave Green, steward; and
Norm Behrend, Gordon Reigle,
Alan Lonnen and Ken Printup,
trustees.
Line officers are Deb Taylor,
chief; Devin Taylor, first assis-
tant chief; Andy Beach, second
assistant chief; Dennis McDon-
ald, third assistant chief; Jeff
Taylor, captain; Mike Hinkley,
lieutenant; Laura Fields, fire
police chief; Sue Behrend and
Thank You First Responders!
East Shelby Volunteer Fire Company Inc. responded to 65 calls in
2021, including 37 that were fire-related.
Mike Fuller, EMS officers; and
Todd Ralph, safety/training of-
ficer.
Upcoming events for 2022
include: March 5, installation
dinner; April 2, his/hers raffle;
May 26, memorial service; July
2, meat raffle, Sept. 10, casino
night; Oct. 2, gun raffle; Nov. 12,
craft show; Nov. 26, parade of
lights; Dec. 4, Christmas party.
FANCHER-HULBERTON MURRAY
FIRE COMPANY
The Fancher-Hulber-
ton-Murray Fire Company,
3353 Hulberton Rd., Fancher,
We thank you for all your services!
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Salute to 1st Responders
PROVIDED PHOTOGRAPH
was established in 1957 and
provides fire protection and
EMS services to the residents of
Fancher, Hulberton, and Mur-
ray.
The first organizational
meeting of the Murray Joint Fire
District, which merged Holley
Volunteer Fire Company and
Fancher Hulberton Murray Fire
Company took place Jan. 6 at
the Hulberton Road Fire Station
in Holley.
Our members responded
to 755 calls for service in 2021
with the Holley Fire Company
FREE ESTIMATES
FULLY INSURED
81 Lake St., LeRoy
768-6578
in our first year combined as ly Bower, fire police lieutenant;
the Murray Joint Fire District.
We want to thank our dedicated
Jared Thomson, president; Don
Blosenhauer, vice president and
members, our leadership both steward; Adam Blosenhauer,
administrative and operation- treasurer; and Lynn Smith, sec-
al and our community for their retary.
continued support, FHM offi- HOLLEY FIRE DEPARTMENT
cials said.. A new Murray Joint Fire Dis-
The department’s chiefs for trict took effect Jan. 1, 2021,
2022 include Chief Harris Reed, combining Fancher-Hulber-
Deputy Chief Rick Cary and As- ton-Murray and Holley. FHM
sistant Chiefs Justin McMillion and Holley continue to have
and Dave Smith, separate volunteer fire compa-
Officers for 2022 are James
nies that comprise the person-
Fox, captain; Adam Blosen- nel. Each fire company picks a
hauer, lieutenant; Hunter
Salamaca, EMS lieutenant; Bil- See ORLEANS T17
Salute To
Our First
Real Estate Services
Responders
Ask me about the 100% Money Back Guarantee!
AR
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W
BETH STAROWITZ
N
NA
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TEE
100
Licensed Real Estate Salesperson
AN
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570 East Main Street • Batavia, NY 14020
Cell: 585.721.1639
Office: 585.343.6750 • Fax: 585.343.8502
bethstarowitz@howardhanna.com
HowardHanna.com
A Sincere Thank You
to our Rescue Squads &
Fire Departments for their continued
commitment to our communities
STELLA
COLLISION SERVICE, Inc.
A special thanks to the
Genesee County Fire Departments
in the East Battalion for all
of your assistance.
(585) 768-7370
8375 East Main Rd.
LeRoy, New York

Wyoming
From T12
NORTH JAVA FIRE COMPANY
The North Java Fire Compa-
ny serves a population of about
2,200 with a significant increase
in the summer months due to ar-
ea campgrounds.
In an average year, the com-
pany attends 40 fires, 25 motor
vehicle accidents, 25 rescue op-
erations, 120 medical emergen-
cies in its district and as mutual
aid with adjoining districts.
The company has 69 volun-
teer firefighters, four junior fire-
fighters and 25 rescue personnel.
Several members have trained
to become New York State Far-
medics to handle farm emergen-
cies and have taught these skills
throughout New York. Several
members are also trained for
rope rescue situations.
The company’s equipment
includes a 1932 Buffalo first
motorized engine, 2001 Ford
mini-pumper, 2002 Kenworth
tanker, 2011 International fire
engines No. 5 and No. 6, rescue
sled, and 2016 Ford ambulance.
Several fundraisers are
planned, including an Ash
Wednesday fish fry, March 2;
spring and fall gun raffles, March
12 and Nov. 12, respectively;
Easter egg hunt, April 16; sum-
mer picnic, July 17; sanctioned
tractor pull, Aug. 28; and a Hal-
loween celebration for children,
Oct. 31. Other activities include
a joint gun raffle with the Varys-
burg Lions Club, Santa and Mrs.
Claus appearance for children,
and a winter meat auction.
The department recently ren-
ovated its fire hall and kitchen,
which are available for rent for
private celebrations.
Officers include Brian Boor-
man, chief; Douglas George, first
assistant chief; Jeremy Boorman,
second assistant chief; Kyle Mey-
er, third assistant chief; Theresa
Hopkins, EMS captain; Jon Tut-
tle, first lieutenant; Tyler Shaver,
second lieutenant; Dennis Shav-
er, president; Joseph Siler, vice
president; Meghan George-Bak-
er, secretary; Constance Al-
meter, treasurer; John Meyer,
sergeant-at-arms; Lisa Tuttle,
building one superintendent;
and Walter McCormick, building
two superintendent.
The company is always look-
ing for new members to help
during the day and lead the com-
pany as experienced members
Salute to 1st Responders February 2022 • 15
look to retire. For updated infor- recent years as the department members who help with fund-
mation, visit northjavafd.com.
PERRY FIRE DEPARTMENT
is not responding into the village
of Perry to assist the Perry Fire
raisers and non-fire activities.
“We have been fortunate to
Department with service calls have a number of new members
The Perry Fire Department
such as fire alarms, CO detector join the department from the
has been providing services for
or odor of natural gas unless it is local Mennonite community.
the vVillage of Perry and mutual
requested by the Perry Depart- They are very active, which is an
aid to surrounding areas, includ-
ment. Perry Center does respond asset to the residents of the town
ing towns and villages in Wyo-
for a confirmed fire. of Perry,” said Chief Jim Brick.
ming, Livingston, and Genesee
Perry Center has four vehicles Other officers include Chuck
counties for more than 125 years.
in its fleet, including two en- Wright, first assistant chief; Gary
The department is led by
gines, one tanker and one utility Huff, second assistant chief;
Chief David Laraby, First Assis-
truck. Frank Hollister, captain; Doug
tant Chief Lawrence Hopper
The department has 24 active
Jr., Second Assistant Chief Paul See WYOMING T16
members and 25 life and social
Hinsken, Senior Captain Da-
vid Spink, Junior Capt. Dakota
Spink, Lieutenant Heath Sten-
son, President Daniel Scott, Vice
President Steven Rice, Secretary
Thank You To All
Dylan Hinsken, and Treasurer
Tom McLaughlin.
The department is always
Our First Responders
looking for new members. For
information, visit the depart-
ment’s “Join Us” page at perry-
firedepartment.com or call (585)
237-2050.
Additionally, the Perry Fire-
man’s Community Center is
available for rent. Contact Kelly
at (585) 237-0499.
PERRY CENTER FIRE DEPARTMENT
The Perry Center Fire De-
partment responded to 51 calls
in 2021. This is a decrease from
16 • February 2022
Wyoming
From T15
Kelly, president; Tom Page, vice
president; Dave Parfitt, secre-
tary; and Teresa Wright, treasur-
er.
Fundraisers include a pre-
spring chicken barbecue slated
for March 19 and a fall barbecue
in September. The rest of the
year the department rents tents,
tables and chairs for local gradu-
ation and wedding parties.
The department has ordered a
new tanker. The hope is to have
it in service this summer, but
pandemic-related delays could
change those plans.
“We would like to express our
thanks to the large number of
residents that responded to our
letter asking for donations to
help pay for the new truck,” Brick
said. “Their response was over-
whelming.”
PIKE VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPT.
The Pike Volunteer Fire De-
partment has 40 active mem-
bers, including 15 who are also
active EMTs on the department’s
rescue squad.
The department has three en-
gines and one ambulance (the
ambulance is a critical care unit).
The department responded
to a total of 192 calls in 2021, in-
cluding 131 rescue calls and 61
fire calls.
The Department will host its
annual food truck rodeo in May,
the Wyoming County Fair in Au-
gust, and its annual gun raffle in
October.
Fire officers include John
Karasiewcz, president; Rog-
er Sterry, vice president; Doug
Flint, treasurer; Renee Vallance,
secretary; Richard Vanderploeg,
chief; Lyman Granger, first as-
sistant chief; Doug Anderson,
second assistant chief; Jason
Andrews, third assistant chief.
Rescue officers include Shane
Martin, captain; Allie Anderson,
lieutenant; Cody Anderson, ser-
geant-of-arms; Eileen Stroud,
treasurer; and Maryjane Meeder,
secretary.
SHELDON VOLUNTEER FIRE CO.
With three trucks in service
and 30 members, the Sheldon
Volunteer Fire Company re-
sponded to 70 calls last year.
“Things with our company
have remained pretty similar to
last year. We did see an increase
in call volume, so our members
have been working hard on re-
sponding to these calls as well as
attending company trainings,”
said Chief Francis George. “We
have also been able to attend
county training classes now as
they had been suspended at the
beginning of COVID... As we
know, training is essential within
the fire service.”
The company is celebrat-
ing 100 years of service in 2022,
and will also host the Wyoming
County Volunteer Fireman’s As-
sociation Convention July 21, 23,
and 24.
“We want to use this opportu-
nity to educate the community
on the fire service in general,”
George said. “We have really
appreciated all the community
support that we have received
over the years. Without the com-
munity support, we would not
be able to do what we do.”
Additional officers include
Laurel Perl, first assistant chief;
and Nick Scott, second assistant
chief
Upcoming fundraisers in-
clude Palm Sunday chicken
barbecue, April 10; Side-by-Side
Raffle, winner drawn July 24; an-
nual picnic/convention, July 21
to 24; and meat raffle, Nov. 5.
Thank you to
the First Responders!
10778 ROUTE 98, ATTICA • FAX 585-591-0726 • CELL: 716-474-1595
Thank you for your
service and dedication
to our community
Salute to 1st Responders
sponds to more than 170 calls The department has 24 active
per year, including fire and EMS.
The fleet includes one ambu-
members, but could use more in
the fire/pumper operator/driver
lance, one rescue-pumper, one abilities. The department is also
pumper-tanker, one 4x4 pump- very short on interior firefight-
er, and one ATV with rescue sled. ers, with only five, said Chief Jim
Upcoming fundraisers in- Kelly.
clude Sportsman’s Raffle, March Officers include Kelly, A.J.
26; and meat raffle, April 30. Dyrbala, first assistant chief; Ad-
VARYSBURG VOLUNTEER am Vetter, second assistant chief;
FIRE DEPARTMENT Deb McCarty, squad captain;
PROVIDED PHOTOGRAPH
The Varysburg Volunteer Fire Kelly Wilcox, squad lieutenant;
The nSilver Springs Fire
Department respond to 152 calls John McCarty, fire captain; Bob
Department’s newest truck.
in 2021. The department has two DeFedericis, fire lieutenant; and
pumpers and one pumper/tank- Pat Almeter, fire police captain.
SILVER SPRINGS FIRE DEPARTMENT
er in service. It also has a rescue
Silver Springs Fire Depart- See WYOMING T23
squad that transports patients.
ment, 43 North Main St., Silver
Springs, provides fire, rescue
and EMS services to the village Salute To
of Silver Springs, portions of the
Our First
towns of Gainesville and Castile.
In October, the department Responders
Real Estate Services D HA
put its new Engine 2 into service.
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STRYKERSVILLE FIRE DEPARTMENT Licensed Assoc. RE Broker
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and gratitude to the men
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TOYOTA OF BATAVIA
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1-800-639-4225 • (585) 344-4141
 Salute to 1st Responders February 2022 • 17

village of Lyndonville was in-

Orleans
From T14
station chief and line officers.
The joint district has elected
commissioners, who set the
budget and oversee spending
and equipment for the district,
and a district fire chief and a
deputy chief.
The 2022 officers for the Hol-
ley Volunteer Fire Department
are Chris Chilson, captain; Kev-
in Dann, lieutenant; Erin Reed;
EMS lieutenant; John Morriss,
fire police captain; Jerry Wag-
ner, fire police lieutenant; Fran
Gaylord, president; and Tina
Reed, vice president.
KENDALL FIRE DEPARTMENT
The Kendall Fire Depart-
ment, which has been serving
the town since 1912, responded
to 81 fire-related calls and 206
EMS calls, which was up quite a
bit from years prior.
Kendall Fire Department
has a 3,000 gallon tanker, two
pumpers, an ambulance and an
utility pick-up truck. They have
about 50 members.
The department runs an an-
nual carnival, which is the big-
gest fundraiser of the year. This
year it will be July 14 to 16. The
carnival includes midway rides,
a parade and fireworks.
LYNDONVILLE FIRE DEPARTMENT
The Lyndonville Fire Com-
pany dates as far back as 1901
when a group of volunteers or-
ganized to combat fires in the
surrounding area. When the
corporated in 1903 there was
already a rudimentary volun-
teer fire organization. Today,
volunteers continue to serve the
village of Lyndonville and town
of Yates.
Lyndonville has two pump-
ers, an EMS/rescue truck, a
tanker, an EMS vehicle, and an
off-road vehicle.
MEDINA FIRE DEPARTMENT
Medina saw a 7.5 percent in-
crease in calls in 2021 from 2020.
The department fielded 2,616
total calls, which included 2,353
emergency medical service
calls, 577 non-emergency trans-
fers from Medina Memorial
Hospital, and 263 fire calls. Me-
dina responded to three struc-
ture fires in the village. There
were 909 overlapping calls — 35
percent of the call total.
The busiest month was Janu-
ary with 259 calls and the slow-
est was February with 192 calls.
Medina Fire Department had
a total of 3,675.25 training hours
split between 2,961.25 fire train-
ing hours and 714 EMS training
hours.
An American Heart Associa-
tion CPR course was taught to 48
students. A Juvenile Firesetter
Intervention Program (JFire) is
up and running.
Medina Fire Department
partnered with the American
Red Cross on its homes made
safer program installing smoke
detectors. The department re-
ceived a $1,000 grant through
Apex Energy/Heritage Winds
for carbon monoxide detectors.
RIDGEWAY VOLUNTEER
FIRE COMPANY
Ridgeway has delivered 58
years of service to residents
of the town of Ridgeway and
neighboring towns. The main
station is situated on Route 104
in the hamlet of Ridgeway, and a
second station is in Knowlesville
responds to medical emergen-
cies, motor vehicle crashes, res-
cue calls and incidents involv-
ing hazardous materials.
The company provides ser-
vices to about 2,500 people in an
area of about 50 square miles. It
has stations in Ridgeway (Medi-
na) and Knowlesville.
The department has about
30 members and its apparatus
includes four trucks, including
two engines, a tanker and a first
responder vehicle.
The department added
Ridgeway 52, a pumper-tanker,
to its fleet in April 2020.
SHELBY VOLUNTEER
FIRE COMPANY, INC.
Shelby Volunteer Fire Com-
pany bought an automatic com-
pressor machine for CPR. They
are the only fire company in the
area that has one.
The company has 55 active
members. Its fleet includes
a 2015 Chevy Silverado, an
off-road unit, a ladder truck, a
pumper, a tanker and an utility
vehicle. It purchased the ladder
truck, replacing a 1998 fire truck.
The company responded
to 295 calls, 65 percent were
fire-related and 35 percent were
EMS calls.
Members of the Stafford Fire Department pose in front of two
of the department’s fire trucks.
Genesee
From T10
tary.
Tickets are available for the
department’s Sportsman’s
Raffle, scheduled from 3 to 7
p.m. March 19 at the South
Byron Volunteer Fire Compa-
ny Recreation Hall on Route
237. Tickets are available from
members, or by contacting
Beth Wilson at (585) 409-5991.
The department celebrated
its 100th anniversary in 2020
and also introduced a Spartan
ER custom pumper to its fleet,
which also includes a rescue
truck, tanker and an engine.
STAFFORD FIRE DEPARTMENT
Stafford Fire Dept Inc.
PROVIDED PHOTOGRAPH
stayed busy throughout 2021.
Calls ranged from EMS-relat-
ed emergencies and service
calls to structure, field, and ve-
hicle fires, Hazmat incidents,
water rescues, and minor as
well as serious motor vehi-
cle collisions. Severe weather
emergencies occupied a large
amount of time in 2021 as well.
Fire line officers for 2022 are
Matt Hendershott, chief; Tim
Eckdahl, first assistant chief;
Mark Dougherty, second as-
sistant chief; Brian Pocock,
third assistant chief; and Bri-
an Breemes, fourth assistant
chief.
Rescue 95 has been upgrad-
ed to a 2021 Ford F250 from
the department’s 2009 Subur-
ban. Brush 93 will be replaced
in the coming year.

ORAL HEALTH AND THE SENSE OF TASTE

The human mouth has over 10,000 taste buds, located in the
papillae, the tiny bumps primarily found on the surface of the
tongue. Each papilla has hundreds of taste buds, which contain the
taste receptors. Saliva carries taste substances to the receptors and
throughout the mouth. The sense of taste is a vital part of the body’s
nutritional intake process. A loss of taste is usually caused by one
of two primary disorders: parageusia, a changed perception of taste
quality (diminished), or phantogeusia, a perceived constant taste
present such as metallic, bitter, or salty. A dental health professional
can evaluate whether the taste loss is the result of an oral health issue
or an indication of other underlying medical issues.
At BATAVIA FAMILY DENTAL, our philosophy is not only to treat
dental needs, but more importantly, to educate our patients on
all aspects of their oral care. To this end, our mission is to provide
open and free communication and the highest standard of care in
an environment of health, mutual understanding and respect. We
offer complete general dental care at 6 Batavia City Centre, for the
healthiest, sunniest smiles possible. Call us at 585.343.4246 for an
appointment.
P.S. Taste buds regenerate themselves approximately every ten
days.
PROVIDED PHOTOGRAPH
Members of the Medina Fire Department.
18 • February 2022 Salute to 1st Responders

Busy year for Town of Batavia FD City firefighters

By BRIAN QUINN
bquinn@batavianews.com
BATAVIA — In terms of
calls for service, the Batavia
Town Fire Department had
a busier year last year than it
did in 2020.
Firefighters responded
to 353 calls in 2021, 47 more
than the previous year, Fire
Chief Chris Strathearn said.
Responding to the 353 calls
required 1,658 man-hours,
the fire chief noted.
“It is really difficult to say
that anytime we receive a
call for help that it is not an
emergency. We are here to
help the district and its resi-
dents 24-7,” Strathearn said.
“In regards to COVID, we are
well-supported through the
county as well as with items
we purchase: face coverings,
gloves and hand sanitizer.
Initially, we changed some
of our operating procedures.
However, through 2021, we
were able to get back to a
more normal time with staff-
ing on trucks and station
events.”
Department leadership
includes Strathearn, Deputy
Chief Robert Hunt, First As-
sistant Chief Tom Garlock,
Second Assistant Chief Paul
Dibble, Capt. Josh Boyle, Lt.
Bryan Moscicki and Safety
Officer Paul Barrett.
“We are a 100% volun-
teer department contracted
through the town of Batavia
and funded by that contract.
The department is fortunate
to not have to fundraise,”
Strathearn said.
The department has Sta-
tion #1 at 8382 Lewiston Rd.
and Station #2 on Stringham
Drive.
Strathearn said Station #2
was opened as part of a mas-
ter plan developed in 2012.
“This station houses an en-
Firefighters from the Town of Batavia Fire Department are
shown assisting on the scene of a house fire in March 2021 on
Maple Street in the City of Batavia.
These are battery-powered
extrication tools commonly
referred to as the ‘Jaws of Life.’
In our never-ending quest to
provide the best service we
can. The department has also
upgraded all of its large di-
ameter hose, which we use to
get water out of the hydrants
and send it to our trucks in the
event of a fire.”
Strathearn said the depart-
ment’s training program is
constantly evolving.
“We are in the process of
upgrading to an online ver-
sion to help be more interac-
tive with our members. We
train every Monday night
starting at 7 p.m.,” he said.
According to the depart-
ment’s website, https://
townofbataviafire.com/,
its first meeting took place
March 30, 1948. At the sec-
ond meeting, April 27, 1948,
the first truck was purchased
Thank You!
MARK GUTMAN/DAILY NEWS
and the incorporation of the
department was approved.
Until the original Station #1
was built in 1951, the meet-
ings were in the Town Board
rooms and the truck was kept
in the town garage.
The department’s first
tanker was purchased in Jan-
uary 1949. Over the years,
more land was purchased and
additions were built. Station
#2 was erected on Clinton
Street Road in 1978. The cur-
rent station #1 on Lewiston
Rd. was built in 1990 and the
original Station #1 was con-
verted to the recreation hall
in shortly after. In 2017, a sec-
ond ladder truck was added
to the fleet after the depart-
ment retired an aging tank-
er truck that was deemed no
longer necessary due to infra-
structure improvements that
brought fire hydrants through
much of the district.
continue to adjust to
COVID pandemic
By BRIAN QUINN
bquinn@batavianews.com
BATAVIA — The City of Bat-
avia Fire Department handled
nearly 2,400 alarms in 2021
and has evaluated its services
and programs throughout
the year as it continues to im-
prove, the department said.
Overall, the total call volume
for the year was up by about
5% compared to the 2,264 calls
for service in 2020.
“The ongoing COVID-19
pandemic has affected the city
fire operations and we contin-
ue to develop our operational
model and service delivery in
response. Our mission calls
us to protect and preserve life,
property, and the environ-
ment, and we do a great job
providing professional service
at the highest level to residents
of the city of Batavia,” said In-
terim Fire Chief Dan Herberg-
er.
Herberger said the depart-
ment is regularly evaluating
policies, procedures and ser-
vice delivery programs. In Oc-
tober, it began the hiring pro-
cess to fill several firefighter
vacancies.
Last year, it responded to a
total of 2,390 alarms, 1,580 of
Lamb Farms, Inc
milk production and ag innovation
which were emergency medi-
cal service calls.
The total responses for oth-
er types of calls included: fire/
carbon monoxide alarm acti-
vations, 301; service calls, 132;
good-intent calls, 110; hazard-
ous conditions, 90; fires, 66;
motor vehicle accidents, 63;
mutual aid given, 25; pedes-
trian struck, 17; mutual aid re-
ceived, 15; overpressure rup-
ture, explosion, overheating,
seven; severe weather, seven;
special-incident type, six; ex-
trication (vehicle, machinery,
building), five; elevator rescue,
four; and ice/swift water res-
cue, two calls.
Herberger said the busiest
month in 2021 was Decem-
ber, which brought 234 calls.
The department’s busiest
day of the week was Tuesday,
with 375 calls. Between 10 and
10:59 a.m. city firefighters had
their busiest time of day, with
160 calls.
On the other hand, the slow-
est month was January 2021,
with 150 calls. The slowest day
was Sunday (280 calls) and the
slowest time of day was 4 to
4:59 a.m. (38 calls).
See CITY T19
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 Salute to 1st Responders February 2022 • 19

City lation inspections; 80 spe-

From T18
The department responded
to 99% of its calls in 10 minutes
or less, from the time of dis-
patch to on-scene arrival. The
response was eight minutes or
less in 97% of the calls, six min-
utes or less 90% of the time and
four minutes or less 61% of the
time. The department got two
or more calls for service at the
same time 519 times.
City firefighters participat-
ed in 31 fire prevention events
(including station tours, fire
drills and school visits), with
2,124 children and 104 adult
points of contact. There were
334 commercial building in-
spections; 158 car seat instal-
cial events inspections; 38
multi-family dwelling inspec-
tions; 29 installations of smoke
alarms or carbon monoxide
alarms; 21 smoke alarm/car-
bon monoxide alarm battery
replacements; 19 fire extin-
guisher trainings for 691 peo-
ple; and two juvenile fire-set-
ter interventions.
“I want to thank all of the
city of Batavia firefighters,
staff, partners in other city de-
partments, county emergency
service partners, mutual aid
partners, residents and busi-
nesses for their support and
assistance to the department.
I look forward to a safe and
healthy 2022,” said Herberger.
To contact city fire head-
quarters with questions, call MARK GUTMAN/DAILY NEWS
(585) 345-6375. Members of the City of Batavia Fire Department. The department saw a 5% increase in calls in 2021.

Wyoming County Sheriff’s Office planning upgrades

By Kori Sciandra
ksciandra@batavianews.com
With 35 vehicles in service, the
Wyoming County Sheriff’s Office
responded to 6,688 calls in 2021.
The Department is comprised
of Sheriff Gregory Rudolph, Un-
dersheriff David Linder, a confi-
dential secretary, one sergeant,
one deputy sheriff, a civil clerk
and several divisions.
The Communications Divi-
sion includes one 9-1-1 coordi-
nator, eight full-time dispatchers
and six part-time dispatchers.
The Criminal Investigation
Division includes one captain,
three investigators and one fo-
rensic technician deputy sheriff.
The Jail Division includes one
jail administrator, 32 full-time
correction officers, six part-time
correction officers, one control
room operator and one admin-
istrative assistant.
The Patrol Division includes
four sergeants, 19 full-time dep-
uty sheriffs (two school resource
officers, three court security unit,
and one county building securi-
ty).
In 2021, the Jail Division deliv-
ered five different incarcerated
programs and graduated 11 stu-
dents. The division typically de-
liver about 14 different programs
in non-COVID years and hope to
get closer to that number in 2022.
The Humane Alternatives to
Solitary Confinement Act, or
HALT Act, will take effect in April
and bring changes to the jail. The
HALT Act is set to limit the use of
Members of the Wyoming County Sheriff’s Office Mounted Patrol
gets a visit from kids in this August 2021 photograph.
solitary confinement by reduc-
ing the amount of time someone
can spend under the sanction,
and mandating new ways those
individuals have to be treated.
The intention of the law, ac-
cording to its supporters and
lawmakers who voted for it, is to
protect the mental and physical
health of incarcerated individ-
uals by shifting services from a
punitive mindset to a more reha-
bilitative model.
The Sheriff’s Office “plans to
continue to work with mental
health and the medical director
to continue and enhance our
MAT (medication-assisted treat-
ment) program,” Rudolph said.
Communication Division
updates include upgrades to the
Office’s radio system to include
MARK GUTMAN/DAILY NEWS FILE PHOTOGRAPH
a new tower in Castile near the
Perry border to enhance emer-
gency communications in that
area to include Letchworth Park.
THANK
for protecting us year after year.
The Patrol/CID Division is
launching a new sex offender
website, OffenderWatch. New
digital evidence software will
greatly enhance user friendli-
ness and security on all digital
evidence, which includes body
camera footage, Rudolph said.
The department will also con-
tinue to work toward accredita-
tion, a goal set in its County Po-
lice Reform plan.
Staffing, particularly in the de-
partment’s part-time ranks, con-
tinues to be a severe challenge,
Rudolph said.
“I don’t have the total number
of staff that was infected over the
last two years, but we have defi-
nitely had illness throughout the
pandemic,” he said. “The staff
has done an amazing job in this
24-hour operation to work to-
gether as a team in dealing with
the internal staffing fluxes and
YOU
Your dedication, hard work & care for
our communities is always there when
we need you the most!
STEVE HAWLEY
DEPUTY MINORITY LEADER
MEMBER OF ASSEMBLY
STATE OF NEW YORK
139th DISTRICT
their professionalism with the
public as they continue to serve
and help others during this pan-
demic,” said Rudolph.
“The country’s climate toward
policing in this current era has
not been pleasant and our staff
has definitely experienced that
on occasion from interactions
and most definitely through leg-
islation,” he said. “However, the
Wyoming County Sheriff’s Of-
fice has received an outpouring
of support from our Wyoming
County community during this
era and throughout this pan-
demic. It is displayed regularly
in cards or notes sent in, meals
or food delivered to the staff and
the random cups of coffee. Most
importantly, the constant and
continued ‘thank you’ we re-
ceive just being out and about.
We are proud and grateful to live
and work in our community.”
20 • February 2022
From left, Orleans County Undersheriff Jeffrey Gifaldi, Sheriff
Christopher Bourke and Chief Deputy Robin Riemer.
Orleans saw changes at the
top of Sheriff’s Department
By SCOTT DESMIT
sdesmit@batavianews.com
ALBION – Orleans County
Sheriff Christopher Bourke had
to fill his top two positions in
2021 after his undersheriff re-
tired.
Michael Mele retired in Au-
gust after 22 years serving Orle-
ans County.
In September, Bourke an-
nounced that Jeffrey Gifaldi,
who was chief deputy, would
take Mele’s place as undersher-
iff.
Gifaldi has more than 21
years of experience including
serving the Holley and Albion
police departments as well as
many years at the Sheriff’s Of-
fice as a deputy sheriff, criminal
investigator, accident recon-
struction specialist, Major Fel-
ony Crime Task Force mem-
ber, dire investigator and chief
deputy.
Bourke also announced that
Robin Riemer was promoted
to take Gifaldi’s place as chief
deputy.
Riemer has 34 years of expe-
rience in law enforcement, in-
cluding serving as a correction
officer in the Orleans County
Jail, Medina Police Depart-
ment, Brighton Police, Monroe
Community College Public
Safety, Orleans County Sher-
iff’s Marine Division, and most
recently as a sergeant in the
Criminal Division. Riemer is a
state-certified police instructor
in many disciplines.
The Road Patrol Division
is led by the chief deputy. The
chief deputy has three ser-
geants who supervise 17 patrol
deputies.
The chief deputy also super-
vises two criminal investigators
with one juvenile aid officer.
The patrol investigates both
criminal and civil complaints
and all types of domestic dis-
putes, according to the Sheriff’s
Office website.
Road patrol responds to in-
trusion alarms and investigate
all types of vehicle accidents.
There are 739 miles of public
roadways in Orleans County.
Two patrol deputies also
serve as members of a county-
wide Special Weapons & Tac-
tics (SWAT) Team. They report
to the chief deputy. The team
also includes select members
from the Albion and Medina
police departments.
SWAT Team members have
received specialized training
in a variety of topics such as
deployment tactics, entry tech-
niques and specialized weap-
onry.
The SWAT Team works in
conjunction with the Major
Felony Crimes Task Force to
assist with warrant executions,
building searches, and other
needs. It can also be deployed
to handle such incidents as
hostage situations, barricaded
gunmen, and suicidal individ-
uals, among other duties.
Thank You To All The
First Responders!
Salute to 1st Responders
Genesee Sheriff highlights 2021
with honors and commendations
The highlight of the year 2021
for Genesee County Sheriff’s De-
partment came at the end of Jan-
uary 2022.
That’s when Sheriff Wil-
liam Sheron Jr. recognized his
151-member staff at his annual
award’s ceremony.
Deputy David Moore, Senior
Corrections Officer Matthew R.
Burgett and Investigator Chad J.
Minuto were recognized during
the office’s 2022 Departmental
Awards.
Their honors included:
n Officer of the Year – Moore
distinguished serving county
residents last year, Sheron said
in presenting Moore with the
award.
Moore is a seven-year mem-
ber of the Sheriff’s Office, with 3
1/2 of those years on road patrol.
“Moore’s dedication to traffic
safety is evident in his impaired
driving enforcement and be-
ing certified as a Drug Recogni-
tion Expert,” his citation reads.
“Deputy Sheriff David D. Moore
has reflected great credit upon
himself and the Genesee Coun-
ty Sheriff’s Office and most de-
serves to be named Officer of the
Year.”
n Distinguished Service
Award – Burgett has distin-
guished himself as a member of
the Sheriff’s Office for more than
16 years. Burgett started with the
jail in 2005, and was promoted to
senior correction officer in 2014.
“His positive attitude and will-
ingness to assist other officers
has been consistent over several
years,” his citation reads. “Senior
Correction Officer Burgett leads
by example and is respected by
his coworkers.”
n Distinguished Service
Award – Minuto has distin-
guished himself as a member of
the Sheriff’s Office for more than
18 years. Minuto began his ca-
reer as a corrections officer at the
jail in 1999, was appointed a dep-
uty sheriff in 2005, and promoted
to investigator in 2015. He has
received a meritorious service
award, two commendations,
and Officer of the Year for his
professionalism and dedication.
Sheron also noted some 2021
statistics for the department:
n 853 arrests and 2,160 tickets
issued.
n 458 felony investigations.
n 488 non-criminal investiga-
tions.
n 90 people charged with
DWI.
GENESEE JUSTICE
n 160 released under supervi-
sion.
n 94 DWI CD cases.
n 137 community service cas-
es.
n 27 Interlock device cases
monitored.
n 97 bail evaluations.
n 418 total offenders moni-
tored.
n 334 new cases opened.
n 573 victims served.
JUSTICE FOR CHILDREN
ADVOCACY CENTER
In 2021, the Justice for Chil-
dren Advocacy Center opened
262 new cases, provided services
to 368 individuals, completed
208 child forensic interviews,
and conducted 39 child abuse
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medical exams.
2021 Highlights:
n The Justice for Children
Advocacy Center was award-
ed a grant from the New York
State Office of Child and Family
Services for the purpose of en-
hancing the medical services
provided at the CAC. This grant
has allowed the JFCAC to con-
tract directly with medical pro-
viders to provide medical exams,
case consultation, photographic
review of suspected injuries,
and participation in multidis-
ciplinary case reviews. This
funding will also fully fund the
addition of medical exam rooms
in JFCAC offices in Albion and
Warsaw.
n As was the case in 2020
the JFCAC is proud to report
that no child or family has gone
without needed services due to
COVID-19 in 2021. The JFCAC
staff and members of the Justice
for Children Multidisciplinary
team are to be commended for
their courage and ingenuity as
we continue to navigate these
uncertain time.
Sheron also noted other
awards members earned in 2021:
n Genesee STOP DWI TOP
COP: Deputy Kenneth A. Quack-
enbush III.
n Kiwanis Criminal Justice
Awards: Sergeants Andrew Hal
and Kyle Krzemien, Investigator
Christopher Parker and deputies
Howard Wilson, David Moore,
Andrew Mullen, Brock Cum-
mins and Joshua Brabon.
E

Mercy Flight expands clinical care capabilities
By BRIAN QUINN
bquinn@batavianews.com
With its headquarters in
Buffalo and bases in three
other Western New York lo-
cations, including the Gene-
see County Airport in Batavia,
Mercy Flight Inc. has been
around since 1981 and han-
dles 6,000 service requests
each year.
“Mercy Flight has approx-
imately 200 employees with
approximately 72 dedicated to
Genesee County,” said Direc-
tor of Development and Mar-
keting Elaine Duquette.
The independent, not-for-
profit organization provides
emergency and non-emer-
gency air and ground medical
transport and supporting ser-
vices.
Mercy Flight celebrated its
40th anniversary in 2021, and
also completed its 30,000th
mission.
New equipment and chang-
es in state law have allowed
Mercy Flight to expand its clin-
ical care capabilities.
“Mercy Flight has acquired
AirTraq video laryngoscopes
for intubations, Lucas CPR
devices for both flight and
ground operations and Ham-
ilton Ventilators for flight op-
erations,” Duquette said. “The
acquisition of the Lucas devic-
es and Hamilton Ventilators
have allowed for improved
clinical care capabilities for
our patients.”
Mercy Flight EMS’s division
headquarters is located in Bat-
avia, with operations serving
all of Genesee County, village
of Springville, town of Con-
cord, Niagara County and sur-
Derrick Monument Company Inc.
Cemetery Memorials
37 Myrtle St., LeRoy, NY • (585) 768-8470
www.derrickmonumentcompany.com
Thankful for our First Responders everywhere.
Genesee County’s locally owned Monument Company for over 100 years. Visit our shop & showroom.
Mercy Flight prepares to transport a crash victim from a Quaker
HIll Road in Elba in this 2020 photograph.
rounding areas.
Mercy Flight EMS is over-
seen by an operations manag-
er and day-to-day operations
are handled by a paramedic
crew chief as an extension of
management. In addition to
the administrative responsi-
bilities, the crew chief’s roles
include overall operational
support and awareness of the
system and providing EMS
liaison to the local incident
commanders on scenes.
As a secondary support to its
partners in care, Mercy Flight
EMS operates Basic Life Sup-
Main Office: 2112 Empire Blvd • Webster, NY 14580
Salute to 1st Responders
DAILY NEWS FILE PHOTOGRAPH
port ambulances that assist
during peak hours of the day
when call volume is elevated.
“We also provide mutu-
al-aid services as requested to
the counties of Cattaraugus,
Chautauqua, Erie, Livingston,
Monroe, Niagara, Orleans and
Wyoming,” the Mercy Flight
website states.
A new state law was enacted
in December allowing air am-
bulance services to carry their
own blood products and pro-
vide transfusions to injured or
ill patients. Mercy Flight said,
at the time, that the result will
Charter Partner
Nancy M. Crocker
Lic. Real Estate Salesperson
Cell: (585) 314-7982
crocker@rochester.rr.com
7133 W. Main Road • LeRoy, NY 14482
office • (585) 502-5250
February 2022 • 21
be a help to the community. not allow air ambulance per-
“This will be a great benefit sonnel to transfuse blood.
to the community we serve by Before the law was passed
being able to add one more and took effect. Mercy Flight
valuable piece of life-saving would use other medical tech-
care to those in need,” said Di- niques in place of blood prod-
rector of Medical Operations ucts. Gugliuzza said those
Michael Gugliuzza. “Blood techniques are very helpful
products are most beneficial but not necessarily as effective
for our severe trauma-related as blood products.
calls and can make a differ- Mercy Flight also maintains
ence in the patient having a a fleet of 20 ground ambu-
positive outcome. lance, returning to the orga-
Mercy Flight has one he- niztions roots in 2009 when
licopter at each of its con- it again started providing
tinuously operating bases in ground ambulance patient
Batavia, Buffalo and Olean, missions. The revived ambu-
Gugliuzza said. lance service began in Batavia.
The helicopters contain air For more information about
ambulance services. Before Mercy Flight, visit its website,
the law went into effect, New https://www.mercyflight.
York was the only state that did org/.
Thank You to our First Responders who
are ALWAYS there when we need them!
Family Service
Is Our
Owned & Operated
638 East Main Street Batavia, NY
Since 1946 Priority
Joe and Vincent Penepent, Owners • Jeanne Penepent, Office Manager
Ready mix concrete delivered within 50 miles of Genesee County to
home builders, farmers, contractors and residential customers.
Thank you
to those men &
women who dedicate
their lives to the
safety of our families
and the community.
Owner John Brown, and Robbie & Brandon
585-344-4945
5273 Clinton St. Rd., Batavia
selectcollision2@gmail.com
22 • February 2022 Salute to 1st Responders
those periods. It’s very import-
Batavia-based Troop A is one of Corfu ant to our department to net-
work very close with the Sher-

original four State Police troops From T6

can’t be called a chief of police

iff’s Office.”
The village has purchased
two brand-new vehicles in re-
By Scott DeSmit with respect to civil service ti- cent years and seven Tasers
sdesmit@batavianews.com from another department.
tles,” he said.
New York State Police Troop A Krzemien said financing is
Krzemien said officers pa- more difficult for part-time po-
covers a huge swath of the west- trol roughly 16 hours a day; the
ern portion of the state, sharing a lice departments than for full-
sheriff’s office covers the rest. time. “We don’t qualify for a lot
border with Canada to the north
“The hours fluctuate, de- of grants like full-time depart-
and Pennsylvania to the south.
Major James M. Hall, who en- pending on the amount of traf- ments do,” he said. “The Sher-
ters his 27th year of service, has fic coming through the village iff’s Office does help us. We can
been troop commander since due to Six Flags being open in ride on some of the grants with
February 2020 the summertime,” he said. “We them like DWI grants and traf-
and oversees do add more officers during fic stuff.”
more than 400
officers and Salute To
civilian per-
sonnel. BRIAN QUINN/DAILY NEWS Our First
Troop A Trooper Kevin Sturmer shows Diminic Morales-Entz, 7, of Cub Responders
headquar- Scout Pack 6031 in Bergen what the inside of a State Police car Real Estate Services
tered in Bat- Hall looks like during an October 2021 open house at Mercy Flight. Ask me about the 100% Money Back Guarantee!
avia, is one MICHELLE DILLS AR
D HA

N
NA
HO
of the four original troops in the (Herkimer, Jefferson, Lewis, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenect- Licensed Associate RE Broker

TEE
100

AN
%
Madison, Oneida, Onondaga, ady, Schoharie, Warren, Wash-
M

state, dating back to 1917. The

R
ON A

570 East Main Street • Batavia, NY 14020 EY B CK GU

A

troop serves Allegany, Cattarau- Oswego), Troop E (Cayuga, ington), Troop K (Columbia, Cell: 585.314.7269
gus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Chemung, Livingston, Mon- Dutchess, Putnam, Westches- Office: 585.343.6750
Fax: 585.343.8502
Niagara, Orleans and Wyoming roe, Ontario, Schuyler, Seneca, ter), Troop L (Nassau, Suffolk), michelledills@howardhanna.com
counties. Steuben, Wayne, Yates), Troop F Troop NYC (Bronx, Kings, New HowardHanna.com
Troop A’s most recent annu- (Greene, Orange, Rockland, Sul- York, Queens, Richmond), and
al report from 2020 showed the livan, Ulster), Troop G (Albany, Troop T (New York State Thru-
sheer numbers of calls the troop Fulton, Hamilton, Montgomery, way).
receives each year. In 2020, it
handled 54,069 calls for service
Troopers made 4,361 arrests
that year, handled 4,619 acci-
dents and issued 79,332 tickets,
including 2,439 distracted driv- Thank You
ing tickets and 421 move over
violations.
Trooper also frequently make
First Responders
appearances in local schools and
at civic organizations and events.
Troop A also houses one of
four bomb disposal units in the
C.B. Beach & Son
state, along with a K9 unit.
There are 11 troops in New
York State. The others are Troop
Mortuary, Inc.
B (Clinton, Essex, Franklin,
Hamilton, St. Lawrence coun-
1903-2022
Celebrating 119 Years
Thank You To All Our First
ties), Troop C (Broome, Chenan-
go, Cortland, Delaware, Otsego,
The Fourth Generation Serving our Community Responders for Your Service
Tioga, Tompkins), Troop D 4 - 6 Main Street, Corfu, N.Y. 14036 • 585-599-4520

Thank You
First Responders and
EMTS for your hard
work and dedication

Skilled Nursing • Short Term Rehabilitation

Adult Day Care
278 Bank Street • Batavia • 585.344-0584 x 2279
“Where Your Quality of Life Means Everything”

Wyoming
From T16
The department has six new
members who will be taking
their EMT practical and final
exam in February and are look-
ing forward to more fire training
classes this spring and summer,
Kelly said.
“Many of you out there think
they could never do this firefight-
ing thing, but you are wrong,” he
said. “We are just regular people
providing training and person-
nel for an important service to
our neighbors and communi-
ties. Stop and talk to us anytime.”
Salute to 1st Responders February 2022 • 23
The Auxiliary is planning take- nier, Capt. Josh Crane, and Capt. the Village Park. “If you have ever thought
out food events for May and
September. The fire department
Rob Busse.
Fundraisers include a ham
Getting through COVID has
been tough on the department,
about helping your local com-
munity,” Ferrin said, “join your
runs two boot drives on Route raffle at 6:30 p.m. April 8 and the which has seen an increased call local fire department or rescue
20A around Memorial Day and
Columbus Day. A turkey/meat annual carnival from July 2 to 4 at volume. squad.”
raffle in planned on the second
Saturday of November.
WARSAW FIRE DEPARTMENT
AND RESCUE SQUAD
With six trucks in service and
two ambulances, the Warsaw
Fire Department responded to
1,004 calls last year. The depart-
ment has 40 members and five
junior members.
The department is led by
Chief James Ferrin, First Assis-
tant Chief Deanna Wilcox, Sec-
ond Assistant Chief Tom Mon-
24 • February 2022 Salute to 1st Responders

THANK YOU
A tribute to the police, fire departments
and EMTs, all the men and women
who dedicate their lives to keeping
our families safe.

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24/7 SERVICE: 585-344-4295

B ATAV I A F U N E R A L H O M E S . C O M

Thank You First Responders!

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in the service of others.” - Gandhi