Batavia PD

Lt. Eugene Jankowski is coming to grips with the fact that his 34-year career with Batavia PD is probably drawing to a close.

He hasn't officially announced his retirement yet, but that's probably what he will do before his job as a lieutenant is eliminated April 1 as part of department restructuring.

"I'm glad I was given the opportunity to serve for 34 years," Jankowski said. "It's been good for me. I love what I do and I hate to leave it. It's not about the money. It's never been about the money, but now's the time to find another worthy cause. I'm still young enough to go out and find another worthy cause."

Jankowski disputed a report coming out of Monday's city council meeting that he, along with Lt. Jim Henning and Lt. Greg Steel were offered a chance to stay with the department if they would each accept a demotion to sergeant and that all three turned it down.

None of them, according to Jankowski, has reached a final decision yet.

Henning and Steele are off duty at the time of this story posting so we can't reach them for comment.

For Jankowski, becoming a sergeant isn't even an option. If he accepted a demotion, it would be to patrol officer.

Under civil service law, when a job/rank is eliminated, the employee is offered the job he or she held prior to promotion. For Jankowski, that was patrol officer, not sergeant.

"If it were a sergeant's position, I might consider it," Jankowski said.

City Manager Jason Molino said he wouldn't discuss with a reporter personnel issues and what may or may not have been communicated between city supervisors and the lieutenants.

According to Jankowski, the lieutenants were told they would not be considered for the new deputy chief position.

"We don't know why," Jankowski said. "He didn't give us a reason. He said we won't put anybody in the deputy chief position until you're long out of here."

Molino said that once the position is created, probably after the budget is approved in February, any qualified personnel -- including the lieutenants -- in the department could apply for the job.

If they retire before the job is created, then they won't be eligible for the position.

The three lieutenant positions will be reallocated, creating two new patrol positions and one sergeant's positions.

"The plan is, you're going to have more guys on the street than you have now," Molino said. "With more officers in the field, there's more contact with the community."

The deputy chief position, which will be non-union, will be an increase by one the number of sworn members of the department. 

The restructuring is expected to save the city $10,000 a year.

Jankowski said he doesn't understand why the city wants to eliminate all three lieutenant positions at once. Why not, Jankowski wondered, stagger the retirements over three years so those experienced supervisors would help mentor the new deputy police chief?

"Why would you eliminate 100 years of experience like that?" Jankowski said.

Police Chief Shawn Heubusch is proving a great asset to the department, Jankowski said.

"I like the chief," Jankowski said. "He's going to be great. I like him. He brings out the best in guys. I wish I could work with him longer."

Jankowski, a competitive shooter, isn't sure if he will stay in New York after he retires. He's concerned that gun ownership rules being changed by Albany politicians will make competitive shooting in the state all but impossible. Some ranges, he said, will likely shut down. Limits on magazine size and changes to rifle scopes are big concerns, he said, for competitive shooters.

The changes to the police department don't make him mad, Jankowski said, but the changes being considered in Albany certainly do.

From Batavia PD Chief Shawn Heubusch:

It is with great pleasure that the City of Batavia Police Department welcomes Officer Jamie Givens to its ranks.

Officer Givens joined the Batavia Police Department on March 1, 2012; she attended the Basic Police Academy at Monroe Community College’s Public Safety campus. While at the Basic Police Academy Officer Givens learned many aspects of Law Enforcement such as accident investigations, vehicle and traffic enforcement as well as handling emergency situations. Following her formal classroom education Officer Givens entered the Batavia Police Department’s Supervised Field Training program in early September of 2012.

During her time in in Field Training Officer Givens was exposed to normal police activity all the while being monitored and evaluated by experienced Field Training Officers. While in Supervised Field Training Officer Givens was able to test her knowledge and learn tactics from veteran Officers. Officer Givens received high praises for her knowledge and ability during her time spent in Supervised Field Training.

Officer Givens has successfully passed Supervised Field Training and will be assigned to the Day Platoon starting in early January 2013.

We ask everyone to join the Police Department in welcoming Officer Jamie Givens to the City of Batavia Police Department.

Photo: By Howard Owens, taken at the scene of today's motor-vehicle accident on Clinton Street.

Press release:

The Batavia Police, in partnership with Salvation Army, are collecting items to help those in need this holiday season.

Police officers as part of their normal duties meet families in unique situations and see firsthand the need for basic clothing needs such as socks, pajamas and other items. The Batavia Police Department is asking the citizens of Batavia to join us as we help supply these items for the Salvation Army to distribute.

There will be a collection container at the City of Batavia Police headquarters located at 10 W. Main St. We will be accepting new clothing items and of course new toys for those children of our community in need. Items will be collected through Dec. 14. Feel free to stop by and drop off.

Thank you, to the citizens of Batavia, for your support and have a safe and happy holiday season.

Photo: Officer Eric Dibble and Chief Shawn Heubusch, by Det. Rich Schauf.

Drivers who illegally park in handicapped spaces, be warned: James Sheflin is on the job.

Sheflin started three weeks ago with Batavia PD as the city's new parking enforcement and dog control officer.

The part-time position was vacant for a few months before Sheflin's hire.

The 22-year-old Sheflin is from Le Roy, the son of a former Le Roy Fire Department chief, and is a part-time dispatcher for the Sheriff's Office.

Chief Shawn Heubusch said among the things he likes about Sheflin is that he will take on the job enthusiastically, but not over zealously.

Parking enforcement downtown is important, Heubusch said, but parking 30 minutes in a 15-minute zone is not the same as parking in a handicapped spot.

And Sheflin said that illegal parking in handicapped spots is one of his personal pet peeves.

"To me I think it’s just complete laziness when somebody who is not handicapped parks in one," Sheflin said. "That’s not acceptable to me. Those spots are there for a reason and you need a permit for a reason."

The job is a uniformed, civilian position in the department. Parking enforcement officers are responsible for patrolling the entire city limits and enforcing all parking regulations.

Part of the dog control officer's job is to ensure dogs in the city are licensed and to protect animals from inhumane treatment. The dog control officer enforces state, county and city ordinances.

Sheflin said he's a dog lover and isn't concerned about dealing with vicious dogs and wants to protect animals against mistreatment.

His ultimate goal is to become a police officer, ideally in the City of Batavia.

"It's good to get my foot in the door and prove to Chief Heubusch I can be a good employee," Sheflin said. "I figured if I come here, do a good job, it looks good on the resume, at least.”

Press release:

The Batavia Police Department is looking for qualified candidates to fill open police officer positions. An open competitive examination is being offered by the Genesee County Human Resources Department on Nov. 17.

Benefits include: Salary- $37,391 to $55,736 per year (2012), Paid Time Off, Health Insurance and NYS Retirement.

Qualifications:

-       Candidates must be legal residents of Genesee County or of a county contiguous to Genesee County for at least two months immediately preceding the date of examination and continue their residency through the period leading to their initial appointment.

-       Graduation from high school or possession of an appropriate equivalency diploma recognized by the NYS Department of Education.

-       At least 19 years of age on or before 11/17/12 but not over 34 years of age unless certain military provisions apply.

-       Ability to pass an appropriate medical and physical agility examination as set forth by the Municipal Police Training Council.

-       Valid NY State driver’s license.

-       U.S. Citizen

Conviction of felony will bar appointment, and conviction of a misdemeanor or other offense may bar examination and appointment

For further information, interested candidates should contact the Genesee County Human Resources Department at (585) 344-2550, ext. 2220, or go to http://www.co.genesee.ny.us/departments/humanresources/policeofficerexam.html

Applications and fees must be turned in to the Genesee County Human Resources Department located in County Building 1, 15 Main St., Batavia, NY 14020, before Oct. 10.

Over the past week or so the Batavia Police Department has taken delivery of two new cruisers.

The cars are based on the Ford Taurus but are officially known as Police Interceptors. The models are specifically designed for police work with all-wheel drive, specially designed traction control and suspension and special safety features for officers.

Batavia purchased the vehicles as part of a bid arranged by the county at a base cost of $23,000 each. The Sheriff's Office also has three of the vehicles on order.

Two Crown Victorias in the police fleet were used as trade-ins on the new vehicles.

Pictured with the cruisers are Officer Kevin DeFelice, left, and Officer Marc Lawrence.

Genesee County's top cop, Sheriff Gary Maha, said Batavia's new chief of police, Shawn Heubusch, should be given a chance to show what he can do before being criticized publicly.

Heubusch has been on the job for only about a week and City Council President Tim Buckley, a retired city police officer, publicly questioned Heubusch's qualifications. Today, however, Buckley struck a different tone.

"I wish the chief the best of luck in the world and I hope he's successful," Buckley said. "That's from the bottom of my heart."

Maha had a part in the interview process and said he certainly welcomes Heubusch to the local law enforcement community and has pledged his assistance to Heubusch whenever he requests it.

"Chief Heubusch was on the Police Chief Civil Service eligible list so he is certainly qualified in that sense," Maha said in a written statement. "I say give the guy a chance and don't criticize him right from the beginning as the new Police Chief."

Buckley said, "Well, I guess that was directed at me and I think it's a fair statement."

"I may have spoken too quickly," Buckley added. "I might have more emotion about it than anything, having been in the department for 23 years."

There were three people in the department Buckley said he thought were qualified to do the job, but reiterated that he wishes the best for Heubusch.

Sources say Buckley's initial remarks were discussed in a closed door session among city council members on Monday night.

After the meeting, council members Jim Russell and Patti Pacino said Heubusch was vetted by a "highly qualified" selection committee and they support City Manager Jason Molino's decision.

"We told him to go pick someone," Russell said. "He went and picked someone, so now it’s not time to say, ‘no not that one.’ He did what he was supposed to do.  I really don’t have a problem with it."

Pacino said she believed the majority of the council feels the same way.

Councilman Kris Doeringer was unable to attend Monday's meeting and wasn't part of the closed door discussion, but he agreed that hiring Heubusch was Molino's decision and he backed it.

"Past councils voted to let Jason hire the chief," Doeringer said. "I have my confidence in him that he's hiring the right person. I don't see any problem with his hire at all, so I'm more on the side of supporting Jason and that he hired the right person."

The hiring process for chief of police is governed both by New York's civil service law and the city charter. Candidates must be qualified -- which includes taking an exam and having prior experience at a supervisory level -- and under the city charter, the final decision rests with the city manager.

As part of this process, Molino created an interview committee, which consisted of some city staff members and local community leaders, such as Maha, Bank of Castile CEO Jim Fulmer and business educator Barb Shine.

The interview committee is not required either under civil service law nor the city's charter.

Each candidate was given a phone interview and those that made it to the next round were interviewed in person, then they were brought in to see how they react to various scenarios. The candidates had 15 minutes to review a scenario and then answer a series of questions.

The candidates who continued through the process were then given a series of lengthy written scenarios and allowed 48 hours to submit written responses.

After the interview process, the interview committee took several hours over several meetings to review the candidates. 

He said Heubusch was a "consensus pick."

"It's not just me making a decision in a vacuum," Molino said. "It's a thorough review process."

Molino said he's confident about the committee's selection.

"I think Chief Heubusch is an excellent leader with great character and I look forward to working with him during these exciting times," Molino said.

Monday was Heubusch's first chance to meet city council members and members of the local media. After the meeting he chatted with reporters and said he was excited by the opportunity to serve Batavia.

"It’s a great city," Heubusch said. "The department has great resources, mainly the men. They’re the best resource the department has."

Heubusch comes from a family with deep roots in Wyoming County, where he was raised and graduated from high school (Warsaw) in 1993.

He said he knows Genesee County well because as his family was growing up, Batavia was the place to shop and do things.

"This is where we traveled to do our business," Heubusch said.

In 1997, he graduated from Rural Police Training Institute at Genesee Community College and soon after went to work for the Village of Warsaw PD for seven years before being promoted to assistant chief in 2004.

With the new job, Heubusch, who has three children ages 20, 10 and 7, saw his base salary jump from more than $55,000 in Warsaw to $70,000 in Batavia.

When asked about Buckley's comments questioning his qualifications, Heubusch said, "I don’t have any comment on this issue. This is a matter for the council to take up."

Asked if he was qualified, he said of course he is qualified.

"I wouldn’t have applied for the position if I didn't think I was qualified," he said.

Councilman Jim Russell said the best way for all of us to find out if he's qualified is to see how he does on the job.

Russell said if it was him coming into a new position under these circumstances, he would want to prove his critics wrong.

"This is an opportunity to see his character," Russell said.

"The people are going to have to make their own decisions and how they feel about the new chief by what he does," Russell added. "I think I don’t want to influence that one way or the other. I want them to see if he’s a good chief, and we’ll know it. If he’s a bad chief, we’ll know that, too."

For 30 years Randy Baker has served the people of Batavia as a police officer, K-9 officer, youth officer, detective youth officer, sergeant, and for the past four years as chief of police.

Friday, Baker will serve his last day with the Batavia PD.

With his wife present -- the first council meeting he's convinced her to attend -- Baker was honored Monday night by the Batavia City Council with a proclamation recognizing his 30 years of service.

Councilwoman Kathy Briggs presented the proclamation on behalf of the council.

City Manager Jason Molino said interviews are taking place now to hire a replacement for Baker and a new chief should be appointed within two weeks. He said the candidates come from within and without the department.

Officer Jay Andrews, who started with the force 24 years ago, hung up his badge today.

His retirement party was attended by people from through the local law enforcement community, not just the Batavia Police Department.

Andrews, who started his career in Wyoming County, including four years with the Attica PD, plans to work with Habitat for Humanity in the near term and then take off with his wife on their motorcycles in the spring and summer and see a bit of the country. After that, well, he's still deciding what to do next.

As a young man, Andrews -- originally from Boston, N.Y. --  worked in foundries, operating blast furnaces, but when the steel plant he was at in Erie County closed, he was out of work for six months. He eventually landed a job in Rochester and worked there for four years, but decided to take the civil service exam and apply to become a police officer.

The Wyoming County Sheriff's Office hired him and put him through the police academy and then he joined the Attica PD, but when there was talk in Attica of shutting down the PD there, he applied for a job in Batavia.

He said it's been a good run.

He was a founding member of the Emergency Response Team (commonly referred to as SWAT), eventually training other officers. He also supervised the armory and was a firearms instructor.

“I got to do a lot of different things for the department, a lot of opportunities that that a lot of people don’t get in their careers," Andrews said.

Andrews believes the Batavia PD, which has seen an influx over the past year of rookie officers, will do just fine after he's gone. He said there's a wide range of expertise in the department and a lot of really good people.

"It’s a fine department," he said. "They won't miss a beat. The department will do well and the city will be in fine hands with these young guys."

City School Superintendent Margaret Puzio confirms this afternoon that a short lockdown occurred at Batavia High School today, as a female student was subdued by police.

The student, age and grade unknown, became "upset" according to Puzio. She was deemed "a danger to herself."

All other students were confined to their classrooms as the girl was apprehended. Puzio estimates the actual lockdown period was only about five minutes.

The identity of the girl and any disciplinary action she faces from the district will be kept confidential.

A near head-on collision Wednesday night in Batavia resulted in both drivers being transported to UMMC for treatment.

According to Batavia Police Lt. Eugene Jankowski, a 1994 Dodge driven by 17-year-old Mariah Gaudy, of Batavia, was westbound on East Main Street at about 8:34 p.m. Gaudy apparently attempted a left-hand turn onto Harvester Avenue, but turned into the path of an eastbound 2006 Chevrolet, driven by 30-year-old Katrina Flint, of Le Roy.

The two vehicles collided. Gaudy suffered an arm injury and was taken to UMMC by a friend. Flint had a complaint of pain and was transported by ambulance to UMMC.

Flint's three children were with her in the car. A 9-year-old girl complained of a minor back injury but was not taken for treatment. Two boys, ages 7 and 11, were not injured.

Gaudy was charged for failing to yield the right-of-way.

Press release:

The Batavia Police Department dispatch office is experiencing a problem with one of the secondary nonemergency phone numbers. For police emergencies the public should call 9-1-1.

To reach police dispatch for nonemergencies, the public should call 345-6350. If a dispatcher does not answer the 345-6350 number the public can re-call 343-5000 to reach a Batavia Police dispatcher.

The administrative number for police headquarters remains the same 345-6444.

The newest member of the Batavia Police Department has graduated from the Niagara County Law Enforcement Academy at Niagara University.

Officer Matthew D. Lutey has been attending the academy for the the past 24 weeks. At graduation ceremonies Monday, Lutey was presented the Joseph E. Steblein Memorial Award, named after the academy's first director.

The award is presented to the individual who demonstrates overall excellence in all areas of training.

Officer Lutey is a graduate of Genesee Community College and served six years in the Air Force. He is currently assigned to Field Training Officers where he will complete 16 additional weeks of on-the-job training with time spent assigned to all shifts.

Two of Batavia's young officers recently attended their formal graduation from the Monroe County Basic Police Academy, according to Chief Randy Baker.

Officers Eric Dibble and Jason Ivison graduated together on Friday.

In order to graduate, the recruits completed classroom instruction, firearms training, defensive tactics and on-the-road field training for 16 weeks.

The academy, founded in September, 2010, trains officers for Batavia, Rochester, Greece, Gates, Monroe County and East Rochester.

Both officers received awards for their performance in the academy, Baker said.

Officer Dibble received the class Marksmanship Award for maintaining the highest average score during handgun firearms qualification. Officer Ivison received a Leadership Award for serving as a platoon leader during the academy.

Both officers are currently assigned to different shifts and working on their own.

From May 23 through June 4, Batavia Police participated in a statewide Buckle-Up New York campaign and issued 105 citations during that period.

Citations were issued for seat belt violations as well as talking on mobile phones and equipment violations.

In all, officers logged 140 hours working the buckle-up detail.

Police officials said the goal of the campaign was to address the dangers of seat belt and mobile phone violations through aggressive enforcement.

National Drug Take-Back Day was a success in Batavia, according to Det. Pat Corona.

Corona said Batavia PD collected 320 lbs. of unwanted prescription drugs and hypodermic instruments.

Police detectives will soon travel to Buffalo to deliver the boxes of collected items for proper disposal.

"We were very pleased with the turnout for the detail," Corona said. "We are happy to have been able to offer this service."

Another collection day is anticipated in October.

Officer Ed Mileham, who joined the Batavia Police Department in 1979, cruised his last patrol today.

Mileham, an Air Force veteran, retires after 32 years of wearing a badge, a career that goes back to 1976 when he joined the Choteau Police Department in Montana. He later returned to New York and joined the Warsaw department before transferring to Batavia.

In his career, Mileham has won several awards, including Office of the Year in 2001 and 2008 from Kiwanis and GCASA's Law Enforcement Award in 2010.

Mileham served as the police department's Drug Court representative and was certified recently to serve in Veterans Court. He's also been a K-9 officer and a member of the Neighborhood Enforcement Team.

Mileham is currently chief of the Indian Falls Fire Department and plans to continue in that role.

Chief Randy Baker said, "His dedication and service to the City of Batavia will certainly be missed."

At the end of his shift today, a Genesee County Dispatcher went on air and said, "Batavia to 126, on behalf of the Genesee County dispatchers, congratulations on your retirement. It's been a pleasure working with you. Good luck in all your future endeavors."

Mileham responded, "Thank you for your 32 years of support."

"Thanks, Fast Eddy," said the dispatcher.

Another added, "Thanks 126, we'll miss you."

Batavia police officers made 575 criminal arrests in 2010 and responded to 16,606 calls.

Chief Randy Baker released the department's annual report, which notes that patrols logged more than 100,000 road miles.

Officers also completed 1,685 hours of training.

There were 534 motor vehicle accidents in the city, with 98 reported as personal injury accidents. There was one fatality.

Major investigations included a fatal fire on State Street, the Wiard Plow fire and assisting Elmira police in the investigation of an infant's death.

Full press release after the jump:

DETAILS: The 2010 Batavia Police Department annual report has been completed and can be viewed on the Batavia Police Department’s Web site at www.batavianewyork.com. During 2010, the Batavia Police Department responded to 16,606 calls for service, logged over 100,000 miles on patrol and performed 1,685 hours of training. The police department handled approximately 534 motor vehicle accidents, 98 which were reported as personal injury and 1 fatal accident. The department handled 575 criminal arrests and 196 warrant arrests.

Department training topics included firearms, defensive tactics, taser, emergency response team techniques, domestic violence, patrol procedures, DWI detection, DNA procedures and interviewing techniques. The emergency response team, which includes members of the Genesee County Sheriff’s Department, traveled to Verona, NY to train with the New York Tactical Officers Association and competed in a SWAT team competition in Erie County in September of 2010.

Major cases and investigations for the year included, a fatal fire on State Street in February, an industrial fire in May at the old Wiard Plow Factory building. Three juveniles were arrested and sent to Family Court after an extensive investigation. Detectives worked with the Elmira Police Department investigating the death of an infant. Detectives also worked with the Kansas City Missouri police department to arrest a sex offender who was texting an underage female in Batavia. An investigation was completed and a subject arrested for fraudulently obtaining $58,000 from an elderly female. Major trials were held for Andre Scott who was convicted and sent to prison for arson and attempted murder for a fire started at a multifamily residence in 2008. Dalton Wilkie was convicted on federal charges for soliciting sex online from what he thought was a minor in Batavia. He was actually contacting a Batavia Police Department Detective.

The county drug task force, which includes a detective from the Batavia Police Department, investigated 95 drug cases, made 86 arrests and executed 18 search warrants. One of the drug investigations coordinated with the FBI disrupted a major methamphetamine drug ring in Genesee County.

Detectives monitored on average 60 Level I, II and III sex offenders in the city.

The juvenile office worked with GCASA on National Night Out, Project 365 and alcohol compliance checks.

Traffic patrols funded by the NYS Governors Traffic Safety Committee for Buckle Up New York and STEP resulted in over 300 hours of extra traffic patrols. The local STOP DWI committee supported over 400 hours of special DWI patrols which resulted in over 439 vehicle stops. There were 48 DWI arrests made by the department in 2010.

The crime rate for the city for Part I crimes at 34.93 per 1000 of population remained relatively stable. There was a slight decrease in the crime rate in 2010 from the crime rate of 37.20 in 2009. Part II crimes, a new rate monitored by the department, was 58.67 and increased slightly from the rate in 2009 at 55.18.

Awards received by department members in 2010 include Officer Camp Kiwanis Club Law Enforcement Officer of the Year for the Batavia Police Department. Officer Mileham was given the GCASA Law Enforcement of the Year Award for his dedicated service to Drug Court.

Lt. Eugene Jankowski, day-shift supervisor for the Batavia Police Department, recently received a trophy for a sharpshooting contest he participated in last month.

The award was for Jankowski's efforts in the 2011 International Defensive Pistol Association Indoor National Championships held at the Smith and Wesson shooting sports center in Springfield, Mass.

Jankowski tells us, "It was my first major IDPA match and I won First Place Sharpshooter in the Stock Service Pistol Division. This win now moves me up to Expert Class. My goal is to be in the Master Class by the end of the year.

"I used a standard Glock, model 34, 9 mm. Other than caliber, it's very similar to my police duty pistol. This match is one of only two national matches held each year and there were approximately 300 shooters in attendance."

For more on the IDPA, click here.

The Batavia Police Department released information today on seven individuals who are wanted on warrants related to various alleged crimes.

Below are the mug shots and available information on each individual.

Citizens are asked to call Batavia PD at 345-6350 (the county emergency dispatch number). Citizens are warned not to try and apprehend these individuals on their own.

Robert J. Eppolito: born 8/14/1982; 5' 8", 160 lbs; last known address -- 28 Washington Ave. Warrant: Menacing, 2nd - Weapon.

Dashawn A. Butler: born 10/19/1979; 6' 1", 180 lbs; last known address -- 120 State St. Warrant: Criminal Possession of a Weapon, 3rd, Menacing, 2nd.

Amanda A. Maben: born 05/30/1978; 5' 3", 115 lbs; last known address -- 7740 Lewiston Road. Warrant: Possession of a Forged Instrument, 3rd.

Larry R. Brewer: born 02/18/1966; 6', 190 lbs; last known address -- 3 Maple St., lower.
Warrants: Aggravated Harassment x 3, Criminal Contempt, 1st x 3.

Jamie C. Wilmet: born 12/20/1984; 5' 9", 145 lbs; last known address -- 20 N. Spruce St. Warrant: Criminal Possession of a Weapon, 3rd.

Brian A. Merritt: born: 6/21/1974; 6' 2", 185 lbs.; last known address -- 10571 Main St., Alexander. Warrant: Criminal Contempt, 1st.

Jeremiah D. Williams: born 4/06/1991; 5' 10", 135 lbs.; last known address -- 9 Raymond Ave. Warrant: Level 3 Sex Offender - Failure to Verify Address.