Press Release:

National Animal Control Officer Appreciation Week is celebrated every second full week of April and is endorsed by the National Animal Care & Control Association.

The Genesee County Legislature issued a proclamation recognizing April 14 – 20, as National Public Safety Telecommunicators’ Week.

For those in the community that may not be aware, Genesee County Sheriff William A. Sheron, Jr. is responsible for the Genesee County Animal Shelter and its two Dog Control Officers (DCO), Sarah Fountain and Catherine Seward. 

DCO Fountain and Seward are tasked with picking up stray or dangerous animals every day, all year round. They protect animals from abusers and people from dangerous animals. These officers seek justice in cases of abused, neglected and abandoned animals; they conduct humane investigations pursuant to NYS Agriculture and Markets Laws, Public Health Laws, and bring in helpless animals.

They ensure any and all animals impounded are properly sheltered, fed, and watered and properly adopted, redeemed, or disposed of in a humane manner. 

If you see Dog Control Officer Fountain or Seward this week, give them a thumbs up or friendly wave. Remember, pet owners, license and tag your pet. Your local dog control officer will be happy knowing regular vaccination protocols have been followed and the tag (or chip implant) will help the officer identify the animal and you, the owner.

“The work of the Genesee County Dog Control Officers is so important for our community. Additionally important is the support and unique relationship we have with the Volunteers for Animals organization. Dog Control Officers Fountain and Seward, along with the VFA, ensure the shelter runs efficiently and needed services are provided to the community,” stated Sheriff Sheron. 

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batavia) is honoring the life and legacy of Sgt. Thomas A. Sanfratello who tragically died early Sunday morning after responding to an incident at Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel. 

Sgt. Sanfratello suffered a heart attack at the scene and passed away after several efforts to revive him. Sanfratello proudly served the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office for 32 years beginning his career with the department in February of 1992. 

In 1996, he was appointed a deputy sheriff and then promoted to sergeant in 2007. 

Earlier this year, he had the honor of presenting his son, Ian, with several awards after he graduated top of his class at the Niagara County Law Enforcement Academy. Hawley is saddened to hear of Sgt. Sanfratello’s passing and his thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones during this time.

“The news of Sgt. Sanfratello’s passing is both heartbreaking and tragic,” said Hawley. “His service and dedication to his community over the last 32 years is nothing short of admirable and is a shining example of what it means to be a leader and a hero. Every day our law enforcement officers put their lives on the line to keep us safe, and Sgt. Sanfratello exemplified this throughout his career. I extend my deepest condolences to the Sanfratello family, and I will continue to keep them in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.”

Press Release:

Genesee County Sheriff William A. Sheron Jr. announces the graduation of Correction Officers Ian A. Sanfratello, Aaron M. Spring, and William H. Steavens today from the Niagara County Law Enforcement Academy’s 27th Basic Course for Correction Officers.

At the top of the class was C.O. Sanfratello who received the Academic Excellence and Joseph E. Steblein Memorial awards. Joseph E. Steblein was the first director of the Niagara County Law Enforcement Academy. This memorial award is presented to the individual who demonstrates overall excellence in all areas of training and is selected by the instructors of the academy.

The 247-hour course included training in effective communications, essential services, use of force, NYS Penal Law, Criminal Procedure Law, Inmate Transportation, Firearms, Pepper Spray, Taser and Defensive Tactics, and other topics pertaining to corrections. 

“Congratulations to all three of these Correction Officers. We look forward to your future in Corrections at the Genesee County Jail,” stated Sheriff William A. Sheron, Jr.

Sheriff William A. Sheron Jr. announced Wednesday that he will not be seeking
reelection for another term as Genesee County Sheriff. Sheriff Sheron’s current
term ends on Dec. 31, 2024, at which time he will retire.

Upon completion of this term, Sheriff Sheron will have served 47 1/2 years with
the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, starting in 1977 as a 9-1-1 Dispatcher and
progressing through the ranks of Deputy Sheriff – Jail, Deputy Sheriff – Road
Patrol, Sergeant, Investigator, Chief Deputy – Road Patrol, and Undersheriff for
20 years before being elected Sheriff in 2016.

"It has been an honor and a privilege to serve with the Genesee County Sheriff’s
Office, and I wish to thank my family, current and former members of the
Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, along with the citizens of Genesee County, for
all the support provided throughout the years," Sheron said.

Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, the City of Batavia Police Department, and the Village of LeRoy Police Department will be participating in a coordinated effort with the Genesee County STOP-DWI program to bring awareness to the dangers of impaired driving. 

Law enforcement officers and STOP-DWI programs across New York State will be participating in a combined effort to bring awareness to the dangers of impaired driving, prevent injuries, and save lives. 

The campaign, which runs through January 1, aims to educate people about the dangers and consequences of driving drunk. Highly visible, highly publicized efforts like the STOP-DWI High Visibility Engagement Campaign aim to further reduce the incidence of drunk and impaired driving.

While STOP-DWI efforts across New York State have led to significant reductions in the numbers of alcohol and drug related fatalities, still too many lives are being lost because of crashes caused by drunk or impaired drivers. If you are going to drink, drink responsibly. Don’t drink & drive. 

Designate a driver. Don’t let alcohol take the wheel.

Genesee County law enforcement agencies, including the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, City of Batavia Police Department, and LeRoy Police Department will be participating in a coordinated effort with the STOP-DWI program to bring awareness to the dangers of impaired driving. 

The statewide STOP-DWI Impaired Driving High Visibility Engagement Campaign runs: Oct. 27 – 31.

Designate a driver. Don’t let alcohol take the wheel. When it comes to impaired driving Halloween can turn the roads into a horror fest. While families spend time with their children trick or treating and hosting parties with loved ones, law enforcement officers and STOP-DWI programs across New York State will participate in special efforts to stop impaired driving, prevent injuries, and save lives.

The STOP-DWI Halloween High Visibility Engagement Campaign is one of many statewide initiatives promoted by STOP-DWI NY and the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee. Highly visible, highly publicized efforts like the STOP-DWI High Visibility Engagement Campaign aim to further reduce the incidence of drunk and impaired driving.

Impaired driving is completely preventable. All it takes is a little planning.

Sheriff’s deputies encounter a lot of different scenarios when out on patrol, and after a weeklong training on various mental health issues, several of them will be more versed to handle crisis intervention training in this area as well, county Mental Health Director Lynda Battaglia says.

Battaglia and co-facilitator

Monroe County emergency dispatch received a call on a non-emergency number Monday afternoon reporting a murder-suicide at 3865 Countyline Road in Darien.

Genesee County Sheriff's Office and State Police responded, along with Mercy EMS, and found a farm field at that address. They checked three neighboring residents near that address and didn't find any issues. Patrols have cleared the scene. 

 "We checked residences out of an abundance of caution given that we had plotted the address to an empty field," Chief Deputy Joseph Graff said.