Wayne County Life

Dear Neighbors,

The Marine Patrol trained 22 road patrol deputies for 8 hours each (176 total hours) on boat operation and water rescue assistance. This training was funded by Homeland Security monies. The training provided the deputies with basic maritime knowledge for assistance to our Marine Patrol in case they have to assist in a water rescue. On June, 18 the Marine Patrol completed a multi-agency training partnership covering response protocol, vessel familiarization, tabletop exercises and training incidents for emergency services and law enforcement reaction to navigational incidents. Special thanks to Sergeant Steve Mitchell and the Sodus Point, Sodus, Pultneyville, Alton, North Rose, Red Creek and Wolcott Fire Departments and Ambulance Corps.

Our Wayne County Jail underwent a thorough accreditation inspection on June 6 and 7, overseen by the New York State Sheriffs’ Association, and conducted by Sheriff’s Office Jail Superintendents James Rose (Livingston County), Ron Harling (Monroe County), Chris Ivers (Allegany County) and Chris Lian (Steuben County). We fully complied with all 166 categories of the standards required for NYS Corrections Accreditation.

This means the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office Jail Facility is now the 24^th county jail in New York State to receive the Corrections Accreditation. The Jail Facility Corrections Accreditation is again a testament to the quality of work and professionalism of the correction officers, sergeants, civilian staff, Lieutenant Jeff Fosdick and Major Lester Carr. Great job to all on this very notable achievement! 

In May, 136 males and 43 females (179 total) were committed to the jail facility, 212 court transports, 12,718 inmate meals were served and $38,045 was collected from 40 inmates released on bail and/or fines. Inmates worked a total of 1,736 hours of labor in laundry, facility cleaning and food service. Court Security Officers cleared 3,596 people entering the Hall of Justice through the magnetometer, securing 173 weapons (knives, razors, and scissors). Deputies traveled 95,748 miles on patrol, investigating 109 motor vehicle accidents, 11 missing persons, 23 animal complaints, 1,559 miscellaneous complaints, 435 minor crimes, 12 major crimes and 17 fires totaling 2,697 complaints received. Deputies issued 292 traffic tickets, 8 DWIs and made 75 criminal arrests. The Marine Patrol handled 36 complaints, inspected 9 vessels, issued 5 navigation summons, gave 12 violation warnings and assisted 6 disabled boats. The Records Office processed 12 pistol permit applications and 39 pistol permit amendments requiring a Brady Check. The Civil Office served 275 legal papers and 124 Family Court orders, handled 8 evictions, received $117,400.00 and paid out $116,658.00 to creditors. $14,373 was remitted to Wayne County Treasurer Thomas Warnick for the county’s General Fund.

We completed a lot of training in May: Sgt. David Ambeau for Incarcerated Education; Sergeants Rick Morrison, James Miller, Craig Schwartz and Tim Powell attended Corrections Supervisory School; Deputy William Benedict for Child Passenger Safety; Lieutenant Steve Sklenar to Civil Division Supervisors Training; Cindy Tyler to Phase Two of Basic Civil School; Sgt. Roger LaClair to Advanced Narcotics; Deputy Gabe Desanto completed the Intermediate, Advanced and Technical Crash Management Training; and Deputies Scott Knapp, Brandon Martin and Craig Pagnotti  attended the Tactical Warrant Execution School.

Deputies issued 55 IDs in June at The Lyons National Bank in Lyons and 150 IDs at the North Rose Elementary School for Operation Safe Child. Deputies also presented a Neighborhood Watch Program at the Walworth Fire Hall, and conducted Boater Safety Classes certifying 69 students (51 adults and 18 youth) at Casey Park in Ontario and the Newark FD. Bicycle safety was instructed to the Palmyra Elementary 2^nd Grade.

   I sponsored eight kids to the NYS Sheriffs Camp in Penn Yan, NY. Dan McKinney and my wife, Sandy, helped with transportation. I’m grateful to Kathy McGonigal, of Aging and Youth, and my secretary, Betty Rose, for their help with the application process. All the kids had a great time at the camp, which focuses on character-building and recreation. These are kids that otherwise would not get a summer vacation and/or a day trip experience this summer. 

Deputy Tom Smith (retired Newark PD Captain) completed 5 years of service. I salute Tom for his Service! 

Here’s a Summer Safety Tip – Walk on sidewalks or if no sidewalk, against traffic. Ride your bicycles with traffic, and observe all traffic regulations. Remember: children under 14 years of age must wear a helmet. In fact, I recommend everyone wear a helmet when you’re riding your bike.

Please contact me at 315.946.5797 or bvirts@co.wayne.ny.us with any questions or concerns you may have.

Sincerely,

Wayne County Sheriff