Batavia PD places flags at graves of former officers recognizing service and sacrifice

posted by Howard B. Owens in Batavia PD, batavia, news.

Police officers unselfishly protect the community, Batavia Det. Matthew J. Wojtaszczyk said Monday at St. Joseph's Cemetery during a ceremony to honor those who worked the streets of the city and were eventually laid to rest.

"I want to sincerely thank everyone who had a hand in this process of locating and honoring former members of the city of Batavia Police Department," said Wojtaszczyk, who is president of the Batavia Police Benevolent Association. "They dedicated their lives to a career of service for our community. From the inception of our police department in 1915 to today, the world of policing has certainly changed. But a constant throughout time has been the continued sacrifice of our men and women in blue. The officers we honor today face the daily risks of being police officers. They knew that when they put on their uniform, they would selflessly protect our community and our citizens, and that often meant placing themselves in dangerous situations."

The ceremony's purpose, said Chief Shawn Heubusch, was to honor those who gave a good portion of their lives to protect Batavia's people and property.

"Members we're recognizing today spent a significant amount of time as members of the department," Heubusch said. "Generally, they all retired from the department with at least 20 years of service to our community, many in excess of that. There are approximately 50 deceased officers buried in four cemeteries across Genesee County, including 34 here at St. Joe's and in Elmwood Cemetery."

Flag holders and Batavia PD flags, donated by H.E. Turner Funeral Home, were placed at the gravesite of each of these officers.

"It took an extraordinary effort and commitment to research the names of our deceased brethren in their final resting places," Heubusch said. "I want to recognize the two individuals who rightly deserve our gratitude and thanks. That's Rich Schauf and Steve Robinson."

Steve Johnson, of H.E. Turner, said the funeral home stepped in to assist with the donation because of the company's history, going back to 1910, of supporting local law enforcement.

"We're honored to be here to be a part of today's event, and are committed to ensuring that no Batavia police officer's final resting place goes without recognition," Johnson said. "To that end, I'd also like to announce that we have extended this offer to the Genesee County Sheriff's Office and both the Le Roy and Corfu police departments, to provide resources and funding for similar memorials at their officers' graves."

At the gravesite of Anthony Horsch, Batavia's first chief of police, his great-great-grandson David Pixley noted that seeing the gravesite flags was meaningful to his family because so many of its members, in various parts of the nation, have or do serve in law enforcement.

Wojtaszczyk said local officers were grateful for the recognition because they give up a lot to serve their community.

"There are many things a police officer knows when they sign up for this career," Wojtaszczyk said. "Police officers know they will work difficult hours. Police officers know they will miss birthday parties, family events and holidays. Police Officers know that at a moment's notice they will run toward danger without hesitation. Police officers know that we'll see people who are at their worst and perhaps lowest points. And finally, police officers know that we'll be expected to make split-second decisions that will be scrutinized and critiqued afterward. In spite of this, they all choose a life of service and sacrifice."

Table: Former Batavia PD officers whose gravesites are located locally. Heubusch invited family members of former police officers were weren't included this year to contact the department to correct the unintentional oversight.

Name	Date of Birth	Date of Death	Years of Service
James J. Aquino	1920	2003	1950 – 1974
Gasper S. Baudanza	1906	1983	1931 – 1969
Robert G. Casper Sr.	1929	2008	1957-1977
Robert L. DeFreze	1927	2010	1959-1980
Albert G. DelBridge	1897	1960	1915-1952
Larry J. Falkowski	1921	2009	1942-1975
John J. Gravante	1934	2021	1959-1979
Anthony J. Horcsh	1854	1919	1890-1916
William C. Krantz	1901	1971	1933-1946
Frank A. Lachnicht	1937	2008	1966-1996
Andrew J. McCulley	1854	1931	1886-1931
Anthony J. Monteleone	1927	1984	1956-1977
Peter N. Nichols	1929	1980	1952-1978
Richard F. Pastecki	1928	1994	1957-1979
Frank S. Rodon	1911	1993	1936-1966
Bernard J. Ronan	1933	2015	1963-1985
Frank J. Rugala	1924	1990	1952-1974
Edward J. Santora	N/A	2007	1948-1969
Milford J. Smith	1904	1961	1923-1961

Grandview Cemetery:

Robert R. Currier	1930	2012	1964-1984
Earl F. Davis	1923	2001	1947-1981
Robert S. Dombrowski	1939	2016	1962-1993
Matty W. Hamera	1927	2002	1957-1976
Arthur J. Luplow	1881	1962	1915-1941
George K. McCurdy	1907	1977	1936-1971
Salvatore I. Sanfratello	1915	2001	1950-1972
Lloyd “Bud” G. Silvernail	1959	2013	1987-1993
Herbert Snyder	1887	1966	1915-1944
Richard F. Vanderwalker	1931	1996	1962-1987