Orleans deputy recognized by State Senate as ‘Woman of Distinction’

Staff Reports Posted 18 September 2021 at 9:10 am

Ashleigh Stornelli picked by Rob Ortt for the honor

Ashleigh Stornelli

State Sen. Rob Ortt has chosen a deputy with the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office to be the “Woman of Distinction” representing the 62nd Senate District.

Ashleigh Stornelli is a road deputy with the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office. She also has worked as the school resource officer at Kendall Central School.

“Her daily interactions and honest conversations help her make positive connections with students, faculty and staff,” Ortt said.

He noted Stornelli is certified in mental health and crisis intervention. Stornelli grew up in Lyndonville and graduated in Lyndonville’s Class of 2010. She played soccer, basketball, and track at Lyndonville, and then earned an Associate Degree in Criminal Justice at Genesee Community College.

Stornelli in 2014 joined the Army National Guard as a 32B — Military Police Officer. She graduated from the 42nd Military Police Company in Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, in February 2015, and was stationed at the 222nd Military Police Company in Rochester for six years. “During her time in service, she learned the value of loyalty, duty, and personal courage,” Ortt said. “She chose to live by these standards and continue a career in law enforcement in her civilian life.”

In 2015, she was accepted into the Erie County Community College Police Academy and graduated with the 126th Basic Academy Class. The following year she started with the Holley Police Department, participating in community events and holiday festivities. She also began interacting with students in the school district, working to develop positive relationships with students and staff.

In May 2018, she joined the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office. She is active in the yearly Veterans and Memorial Day ceremonies and attends festivals and other celebratory events, according to her Woman of Distinction profile.

Ortt praised Stornelli for dedicating her life “to protect and defend those in need, always there to provide encouragement and support.”

She is the second woman from Orleans County picked by Ortt to receive the award. He previously chose Annette Finch, director of community services at Community Action of Orleans & Genesee, for the recognition in 2017.