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Sheriff Maha announces re-election campaign

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

Sheriff Gary T. Maha announced today that he will be seeking another term as Genesee County Sheriff.

Sheriff Maha has more than 45 years of experience in law enforcement and has been Genesee County Sheriff for over 24 years.  Sheriff Maha stated that “In all probability, this is my last term.” Sheriff Maha holds an associates degree in Police Science, a bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice Administration and is a graduate of the prestigious F.B.I. National Academy in Quantico, Va. He has attended numerous law enforcement and police management courses including the F.B.I. Law Enforcement Executive Development Seminar.

Sheriff Maha cites several accomplishments during his past term, including achieving accreditation of the Civil Bureau; achieving reaccredidation of the Law Enforcement Bureau and Public Safety Answering Point (9-1-1 Center). In addition, the Village of Le Roy consolidated dispatching services with the county, making one consolidated dispatch center for all police, fire and ambulance calls for service.

Several methamphetamine investigations were conducted within the county and those who distributed meth were arrested and prosecuted. The Sheriff’s Office took a zero-tolerance position on underage drinking and officers made 526 unlawful possession of alcohol arrests at Darien Lake during 2011.

Several hundreds of thousands of dollars in grant funding was obtained to purchase needed equipment for the Sheriff’s Office and for enhancing public safety. Sheriff Maha attributes many of these achievements to the dedicated men and women of the Sheriff’s Office and from the support of the Genesee County Legislature.

During 2009, Sheriff Maha served as president of the New York State Sheriffs’ Association and is currently vice chair of the State Sheriffs’ Association Executive Committee. He also serves as vice chair of the National Sheriffs’ Association Criminal Justice Information Services/Technology Committee and is a member of their Homeland Security Committee. The Sheriff is a member of the New York State Law Enforcement Accreditation Council, a governor’s appointment, and is a member of the New York State Interoperable Communications Board, as a senate appointment.  The Sheriff is also an active member of the New York State Executive Committee on Counter Terrorism. Locally, the Sheriff is chair of the Genesee County Traffic Safety Board; chairs the Genesee County Criminal Justice Advisory Council; is a member of the Genesee Community College Criminal Justice Advisory Board; and is a member of the Kiwanis Club of Batavia.

Sheriff Maha is the recipient of numerous awards and recognitions from various federal, state and local agencies and organizations. He is a lifelong resident of Genesee County and resides in the City of Batavia with his wife, Susan. They have two daughters, Catharine and Kelly, and one grandson.

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