Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – About 150 motorcyclists joined at the Orleans County Courthouse today for a safety and awareness rally. After speeches from the Courthouse steps, the bikers rode about 50 miles throughout the county, ending at the Vets Club in Medina.

The rally began with the pledge of allegiance. Pictured, from left, include Matt Tracy, vice president of the Orleans County chapter of American Bikers Aimed Toward Education; Chuck Persons, president of the local ABATE; and Stefan Worthington, a member of the Barnabas Bikers, a Christian motorcycle group in Genesee County. Worthington shared a prayer, asking for a safe riding season for the motorcyclists.

Fran Abrams listens to Orleans County Legislator Fred Miller read a proclamation, declaring May to be “Motorcycle Safety and Awareness Month.”

The First Presbyterian Church of Albion can be seen in this reflection on one of the motorcycles.

State Assemblyman Steve Hawley said the recently approved state budget keeps $438 million in CHIPS funding for local road work. The budget also added $10 million to help municipalities pay for extra work with potholes and road deterioration from the harsh winter.

Hawley said he wants to see state resources directed to help keep roads safe for motorists, cyclists, runners and motorcyclists.

Tim Seibert and his son Pom, 9, of Albion attended the rally and then went on the 50-mile ride.

The Presbyterian Church can be seen in this mirror.

Tim Lindsay, left, listens at the rally. He is pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship in Albion.

Dale Graff, front, gets ready to lead the group of motorcyclists on a ride through the county. They are pictured on East State Street in front of the courthouse.

These bikers get ready to ride.

The local ABATE chapter uses the rally and ride through the county to remind the public bikers are back on the roads with the return of warmer weather.

Motorcycles are some of the smallest vehicles on the road so drivers in other vehicles should take extra care to look out for them and to safely ‘Share the Road,’ ABATE officials said.

Photos by Tom Rivers – Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul, left, is pictured with Jeanne Crane on Thursday evening at dinner in Hochul’s honor at Tillman’s Village Inn.

GAINES – Kathy Hochul was a long-shot candidate in 2011 when she ran for Congress in a overwhelmingly Republican district. She pulled off the upset win versus Jane Corwin in that special election.

Hochul said Democrats in rural areas such as Orleans County were essential in that victory.

“Representing you was one of the highest honors of my life,” said Thursday during a dinner at Tillman’s Village Inn.

The Orleans County Democratic Party put on the dinner for Hochul. She was knocked out of Congress in November 2012 by Chris Collins. The district was redrawn through redistricting, stacking more Republicans in the 27th District.

Hochul, after working as vice president of governmental relations for M&T Bank Corp., was picked as lieutenant governor by Andrew Cuomo. That team was elected state-wide this past November. Hochul said she is thankful for the chance to return to public service.

Hochul addresses about 100 people at the dinner on Thursday, including Helen Zelazny, left, and Jesse Green, right.

Thursday was Hochul’s second time in Orleans County since the election. She also was in Albion on Feb. 18 to discuss the governor’s “Opportunity Agenda” and to meet with local officials, including the County Legislature.

“I know we have some challenges here,” Hochul told about 100 people at Thursday’s dinner.

She said the governor is devoting state resources to rural communities, particularly with $500 million in a broadband initiative to bring high-speed Internet throughout the state by 2018, including the rural pockets of New York.

“That will be a game changer for Orleans County,” Hochul said. “It is coming. It will be ready in New York as we compete with other states.”

The governor also wants to work with local governments to improve roads and bridges, and continue support for the state’s agricultural industry, Hochul said.

Hochul has also been busy around the state pushing a policy to combat sexual assaults on college campuses. She and Gov. Cuomo also have been advocating for equal pay for equal work, an effort to boost the pay for women who do the same jobs as men.

Local Democrats turned out for the dinner with Kathy Hochul.

Orleans County is solid Republican territory, with Republicans holding a 2 to 1 advantage in enrollment over Democrats.

In the governor’s election, Orleans County voters gave Rob Astorino the strongest support for governor of any county in the state except for one. The 73.4 percent support for Astorino among Orleans County voters was only topped by Wyoming County, which gave him 76.0 percent of the vote for governor.

Jeanne Crane, the Orleans County Democratic Party chairwoman, admitted it is difficult for a Democrat to win in Orleans County. Hochul has proven a Democrat can enjoy success in the rural county.

“It’s important that we as Democrats have to reach out to all of Orleans County, including the Republicans and Conservatives, because we need everyone if we are going to win,” Crane said.

Hochul is a “personable person” with a work ethic, Crane said.

Hochul said she enjoys being away from the state capital and connecting with people outside of Albany.

The lieutenant governor’s presence in Orleans, and other rural counties, shows Democratic Party leaders care about those communities, Crane said.

“We don’t have the finances or the big number of voters, but they are showing that someone does care,” Crane said. “Usually people don’t come out to see the rural counties.”

Hochul said she enjoys meeting with people. When she was campaigning, it was often at diners and community events.

“I know what is in their hearts and minds because they told me,” she said.

Hochul said she intends to be an advocate for Orleans and she won’t be a stranger.

“I will always treasure our friendships,” Hochul told the group of Democrats.

The slates are set for the May 19 elections for the Board of Education at five local school districts.In addition to voting on proposed school budgets and propositions, residents will elect volunteer members of the Board of Education.

Medina is the only district with a surplus of candidates for the Board of Education. The district has five candidates seeking three terms that are three years each.

Ann Bunch, Carol Heiligenthaler and Renee Paser-Paull all have terms up for election. Bunch and Paser-Paull are seeking re-election while Heiligenthaler, a former board president, has decided against another term.

Three other candidates – Danielle Class, Brian Koch and former board member Virginia Nicholson – will be on the ballot.

Albion, Kendall and Lyndonville all have as many candidates as they have positions on the ballot. Holley has three spots open, but only two candidates.

Here is the breakdown of candidates for the school districts:

ALBION – There are two five-year positions up for election in Albion. Marie Snyder is seeking re-election while John King is not. Chantelle Sacco is seeking the other position and is unopposed.

HOLLEY – In Holley, three positions are open that have three-year terms and two incumbents, Anne Winkley and Mark Porter, are seeking re-election. The other incumbent, Jack Welch, isn’t running again. No one submitted petitions to fill that position. That spot will be filled by the person with the most write-in votes.

KENDALL – Nadine Hanlon, the president of the Board of Education, is unopposed in seeking another five-year on the board.

LYNDONVILLE – The district has three positions open that are three-year terms. Incumbents Michelle Dillenbeck and Theodore Lewis, the current president, are both seeking re-election. Richard Mufford has decided against re-election. Kelly Cousins will be the other candidate on the ballot.

Provided Photo

ALBION – Orleans County residents turned in more than 300 pounds of unused household pharmaceuticals during a collection on Saturday at the Holley Fire Department, Orleans County Public Safety Building and Medina Fire Department, Sheriff Scott Hess said.

The photo shows Chief Deputy Tom Drennan, left, with Scott Wilson, the jail superintendent.

Residents were able to turn in unwanted or expired medications, as well as drug paraphernalia. The items will be destroyed.

The local agencies work on the collections in a collaborative effort with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, the Orleans County Health Department, and the Genesee/Orleans Council on Alcoholism & Substance Abuse.

Hess said he expects there will be another collection in the fall.

Press Release, Sheriff Scott Hess
ALBION – The Orleans County Sheriff’s Office will once again sponsor a Household Pharmaceuticals Collection Event on Saturday.

Sheriff Scott Hess and Jail Superintendent Scott Wilson are pleased to announce that the Sheriff’s Office will again participate in this semi-annual undertaking, which will takes place on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the following locations:

Orleans County Public Safety Building, 13925 State Route 31, Albion
Holley Fire Department, 7 Thomas St., Holley
Medina Fire Department, 600 Main St., Medina

This is a collaborative effort with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, the Orleans County Health Department, and the Genesee/Orleans Council on Alcoholism & Substance Abuse.

This is a great opportunity for the public to surrender unwanted and/or expired medications and drug paraphernalia for safe and proper disposal. Events such as these have dramatically reduced the risk of prescription drug diversion and abuse, as well as increasing awareness of this critical public health issue.

Similar collection events held in the past have been touted by all involved as having been very successful.

Special thanks to the Holley and Medina fire departments for providing space in their facilities for this event.

ALBION – The county is moving forward with several infrastructure and capital projects, including the replacement of the roof on the Public Safety Building.

The County Legislature approved a bid on Wednesday to replace the roof at a cost not to exceed $476,820. The Public Safety Building has a large flat roof. It is prone to leaks and the project should not be delayed, said Legislator Bill Eick.

“It’s at the point where we have to do something and we will do it,” Eick said during Wednesday’s Legislature meeting.

The Legislature last October approved an $8 million bond to work on replacing bridges, culverts, roofs and other infrastructure work.

Most of that money, about $5 million, will go towards replacing six bridges from 2015 to 2017. The county is moving forward with some of the projects after getting little state and federal dollars for bridges. Another state and federal funding cycle doesn’t come up until 2017.

The bond will also provide funding for projects at the county buildings, including the roof replacement at the Public Safety Building. That contract was approved for Garland/DBS, a company from Cleveland, Ohio.

Legislators also approved spending $48,814 from the Capital Project Infrastructure Account on Wednesday for a natural gas emergency generator from Southworth-Milton CAT, Inc. in Boston, Ma.

The Legislature also approved engineering agreements for culvert and bridge projects. Labella Associates in Rochester will be paid up to $96,000 for engineering and design work for the Oak Orchard Road Bridge over Manning Muckland Creek in Barre, up to $80,000 for work on Waterport Carlton Road Bridge over Beardsly Creek in Carlton, and up to $40,000 for work on two culverts in Ridgeway on Knowlesville Road over an Oak Orchard River tributary.

The county also approved an agreement with the state Department of Transportation for replacing the Hulberton Road Bridge over the west branch of Sandy Creek in the Town of Murray. That project will be $1,338,900. The county share will be $66,945 with the state and federal governments paying the rest. This is one of the few bridge projects in the county with the federal and state contributions.

Crime Victim Rights’ Week, Motorcycle Awareness and Safety, Older Americans among several recognized

Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – The Orleans County Legislature on Wednesday issued several formal proclamations to highlight citizens and programs in the county.

The top photo shows legislators Ken DeRoller and Lynne Johnson reading a proclamation in honor of Crime Victim Rights’ Week, which is April 19-25. Terri Drennan, second from left, is the Crime Victim’s Services Coordinator for the county. Christi Waldron, left, works with Restore, providing services for sexual assault victims.

May is also “Foster Care Month.” Legislator Bill Eick, right, presents the proclamation to Jeannine Larkin, supervisor of the foster care program in the county. Holli Nenni, left, is the deputy commissioner of Department of Social Services.

Motorcycle Awareness and Safety Month will be observed in May. Legislators Ken DeRoller and Lynne Johnson presented a proclamation to Chuck Persons, president of the Orleans County Chapter of ABATE of New York. There will be a motorcycle safety and awareness rally at 1 p.m. on May 3 at the courthouse steps. Motoryclists will then go on a ride throughout the county.

Legislators also issued a proclamation for “Western New York Armed Forces Week” with a special appreciation for Gold Star Mothers. Legislature Chairman David Callard, left, presents the proclamation to David Kusmierczak, a veteran from Medina.

Legislators also declared May to be “Older Americans Month.” Melissa Blanar, director of the Office for the Aging, is pictured with legislators Bill Eick, center, and Fred Miller.

The Legislature also issued a “Special Recognition” award to Niagara County Legislature Chairman Bill Ross, who is retiring after this year. He has been an elected official in Niagara County for 30 years.

He supported the Niagara-Orleans Regional Alliance with the two counties working together to fight a plan changing the way Lake Ontario water levels are managed.

The two counties are also working together on a Broadband initiative to bring high-speed Internet to underserved areas in the two counties.

“We can share the problems and solve the problems,” Ross said. “I can’t see a better partnership than with Orleans County.”

County Legislature honors first responders, dispatchers in March 21 shoot-out

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Deputy James DeFilipps (right), who was wounded in a March 21 shoot-out in Clarendon, made a public appearance today at the Orleans County Legislature, joining other law enforcement officers, first responders and dispatchers in accepting “Special Recognition” awards from the Legislature.

DeFilipps is pictured with deputies Brian Larkin, left, and Kevin Colonna.

DeFilipps was shot twice in the abdomen. A bullet proof vest blocked the bullets, but DeFilipps sustained deep bruising in his torso. He is recovering from those injuries.

He was shot twice by James Ellis, 44, of Wyoming County. Ellis allegedly pulled a handgun on an ex-girlfriend in Shelby on March 21. Ellis was then chased by law enforcement before crashing his vehicle into a telephone pole on Route 31A in Clarendon.

DeFilipps was working the east end of the county and responded to the scene in Clarendon. Police say Ellis open fired on responding officers, including DeFilipps. After DeFilipps was shot twice, he fired at Ellis, killing him.

Evidence from the incident will be presented to a grand jury to review the actions by DeFilipps and law enforcement. DeFilipps declined to speak extensively about the incident until the grand jury is done reviewing the case.

He said he looks forward to offering “a huge thank to the community” for its support.

The Legislature honored police, firefighters and dispatchers involved the incident, including from left: Deputy Kevin Colonna, State Police Trooper Kevin Bentley, Deputy Brian Larkin, State Police Trooper Scott Gregson, Holley Police Officer Guy Burke, County Legislator Lynne Johnson, Deputy James DeFilipps, County Legislator Ken DeRoller, Albion Police Sergeant William Scribner, Orleans County Dispatcher Julie Vendetti, Dispatcher Michael Schultz, and Jon DeYoung, fire chief for the Clarendon Fire Company.

Orleans County Sheriff Deputy Josh Narburgh also was recognized, but he was not present at the meeting today.

The “Special Recognition Award” stated the following: “At a moments notice, First Responders risk their own safety in the execution of their duties to protect others. Courageous men and women are the first to arrive and assist at an emergency scene and are our first line of defense against all public safety threats.

“On the 22nd of April 2015, we do hereby recognize your devotion to duty and unwavering commitment to our fellow citizens, specifically in the early morning hours of March 21, 2015. Orleans County is fortunate to have such excellent and distinguished Responders who are ready to quickly react and assist in times of emergency and crisis.”

The certificates were signed by all seven county legislators: David Callard, Lynne Johnson, John DeFilipps, Don Allport, Bill Eick, Fred Miller and Ken DeRoller.

Dr. Clark Godshall

MEDINA – The 13 school districts in the Orleans-Niagara BOCES have shrunk from about 44,000 students eight years ago to 36,000 today, a result of a low birth rates locally and an out migration of residents, Dr. Clark Godshall, BOCES superintendent, told the Medina Board of Education on Tuesday.

However, the BOCES program has grown during that time from 1,400 students to 1,600 currently.

BOCES has career and technical centers in Medina and Sanborn with a 99 percent graduation rate, Godshall said.

“We have a 100 percent job placement in some of our programs,” he said. “You have a set of skills in your back pocket.”

BOCES continues to assess its programs to make sure students are learning skills that are needed in the local workplace. That has resulted in expanded welding and culinary programs, and a push for more STEM (science technology, engineering, and mathematics).

Godshall said some of shrinking school districts are sharing programs and staff to maintain programs for students.

“It has implications on how small can we get,” he said about the shrinking schools.

The rate of reduction has slowed and Godshall believes school districts will soon see their enrollments level off without more significant decline.

Orleans and several other counties in New York have falling sales tax revenues for the first quarter of 2015 compared to the same time in 2014, the New York Association of Counties is reporting.

The sales tax money is a critical source of revenue that pays for services and eases pressure on property taxes.

There are 62 counties in the state and 33 collected less in sales tax in the first quarter of 2015 compared to 2014. Of these counties, 12 saw their collections drop by more than 5 percent. Orleans County had a tiny drop. It went from $3,617,157 to $3,614,715 in the first quarter.

Outside of New York City, the average change per county was -0.9 percent, NYSAC reported. New York City had an increase of 1.2 percent in sales tax revenue.

Overall, the state sales tax collections were up from $2.87 billion to $2.95 billion. However, the counties’ share was a much smaller increase, from $1,714,967,327 to $1,718,676,745.

It is not clear what the reason for the sharp drop off for some counties, but there are two major factors that may be contributing to these numbers, said NYSAC Executive Director Stephen J. Acquario. He cited the harsh winter and gasoline prices that were 32 percent lower in the first quarter of 2015 compared to 2014.

“Sale tax collections are an important economic indicator,” Acquario said. “These taxes have a direct relationship to consumer confidence and the general direction of the economy measured during a certain period of time. As property taxes remain flat across the state, sales taxes are even more important to local governments trying to continue essential governmental services. This quarterly distribution continues to demonstrate volatility and uneven collections across the state.”

ALBION – The Orleans County Job Development Agency is continuing a summer work program for people between the ages of 16 and 24, a program the county has been running the past 40 years.

The initiative places qualified participants in private and government positions for summer work experience. The Job Development Agency is accepting applications for this subsidized employment program. Participants must fall under income and other eligibility guidelines.

More than 30 local businesses and government agencies are partners in the employment program, including The Arc of Orleans, Arnold’s Auto Parts, Orleans County Cornell Cooperative Extension, Olde Dogge Inn, Kendall Highway Department, Shelridge Country Club, Lee-Whedon Memorial Library, Orleans County Chamber of Commerce, Saint-Gobain ADFORS, Cobblestone Country FCU, and many others.

“Our staff observed (our 2014 youth employee) grow in people- and time-management skills and she was successful in finding a job in her career field of choice after the program,” said Jennifer Wagester, program director for the Cornell Cooperative Extension. “We look forward to hosting another youth employee this year.”

Job Development is proud to assist in the employment of 30 to 40 young men and women, each of whom benefit not only from the job opportunity, but also from the comprehensive experience, which includes career exploration, financial literacy, leadership development and many other complementary program components and supportive services.

“The work program is a good fit for both us as the employer and the participant,” said Daniel DeCarlo of Arnold’s Auto Parts in Albion. “The young man we have now is a good worker and a pleasure to be around. We are able to give him more job duties every week.”

For more information or to request an application, contact Job Development at 585-589-2822 or 589-2823. Applications are available at Orleans County high school guidance offices and at the Job Development office in the County Administration Building, 14016 Route 31 West, Albion (across from DMV).

A downloadable pdf of the application and a list of required documents are available at orleansny.com. Also, Job Development will be on hand for Community Action’s Annual Community Job Fair on Friday, May 8, from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Hoag Library, 134 South Main St., Albion.

File photo – GCC’s Civil War Re-enactment returns April 24-26 for the final time. This photo shows re-enactors from the Confederate States of America firing on the Union soldiers during last year’s encampment and mock battle.

ALBION – The Genesee Community College Board of Trustees held its monthly meeting at its Albion campus last week, and the college highlighted several efforts in the county. The board also heard from students and staff about the college experience at the campus centers in Albion and Medina.

James J. Simon, Associate Dean of the two campus centers, reported that GCC served 712 Orleans County students over the last year, with 316 of these students participated in courses offered in Albion and Medina.

Each of the two campus centers has been developing informal academic specialties over the last several years, Simon said. Albion has specialized in Art, Business, Criminal Justice, Office Technology, and Spanish courses, while Medina has specialized in Human Services, Biology and Chemistry courses. The Medina Center has a multi-disciplinary science lab, he noted.

Both campus centers emphasize service to the community. Simon cited GCC’s driving courses, OSHA courses, field placements, service learning, GO-ART gallery (located at the Albion Center), Heritage Heroes awards, and Civil War encampments as examples of initiatives that have served numerous area residents.

The third annual Civil War Encampment at the Medina Campus Center is scheduled for April 24 – 26, 2015 featuring demonstrations, exhibits, reenactments, camps, workshops and the Victorian Cotillion with City Fiddle performing. (Visit https://civilwaratgcc.files.wordpress.com/2015/04/encampment-schedule_2015_final.pdf to see the schedule of events.)

Edward J. Grabowski is a GCC alum (class of 1973), GCC adjunct faculty member, former Shelby town justice, and local attorney. He commented on the impact of the Albion and Medina campus centers on area students.

“A lot of our faculty members have experience and knowledge from life, and GCC does a great job bringing real-world experience and the classroom experience together,” he told GCC trustees.

Grabowski also praised GCC’s use of instructional technology, noting that online courses and video-linked courses make higher education available to many students whose schedules prevent them from attending traditional classroom-based courses.

Two students who have completed several courses at the Albion and Medina centers described their experiences.

Christine A. Chennell of Albion, who is planning a career in Veterinary Technology, spoke about dropping out of college at a young age and coming back to GCC as an older student.

“Life happens. I found myself as a single parent, trying to support my child,” she said. “Now, it was 15 years after I dropped out of UB [The University at Buffalo], in my second marriage, out of a job, and I realized I liked helping people. I thought, why not a Human Services degree? But the idea really scared me. I didn’t think I could do it. I passed by the campus center a million times.”

She eventually decided to begin her studies on a part-time basis, and found out that she could excel in the classroom. She praised GCC faculty who, she said, gave her the knowledge and inspiration to excel.

“They are really awesome,” she said.

Keith McKinney also addressed the GCC trustees. After completing 27 ½ years of active duty in the U.S. Army, McKinney moved to Lyndonville with his wife and decided to pursue his dream of becoming a history or political science teacher.

The transition was challenging at first.

“I had spent years in the military and I was a very dedicated soldier, but walking into college I was scared to death,” he said. “I was older than many students and some of the instructors. But I felt welcomed by everyone.”

McKinney also praised the faculty.

“These are the best educators I have ever met in my life,” he said.

David Callard, chairman of the Orleans County Legislature, welcomed the Board of Trustees to the Albion Campus Center.

Callard told trustees that he and the Legislature appreciate GCC’s service to Orleans County residents and hope for even greater collaboration between the college and the county in the years ahead.

“Education is the greatest gift we can give,” he told trustees.

He said he intends to make transportation to and from Batavia via Routes 98 and 63 a priority project in the next year.

Press Release, NYS Correctional Officers & Police Benevolent Association
ALBION – A corrections officer in the Orleans Correctional facility had an unknown liquid thrown at him by an inmate three days after a similar incident at Attica Correctional Facility, according to the New York State Correctional Officers & Police Benevolent Association.

The union said an inmate at Attica Correction Facility is facing criminal and disciplinary charges after taking a water bucket and throwing an unknown liquid on correction officers who were attempting to deliver his meal.

The Attica incident occurred on April 7 at approximately 4:15 p.m. Two officers were handing out meals to inmates on a unit at the maximum security facility. When they approached inmate Jeramias Santiago’s cell, they attempted to give him his meal tray through a hatch on the cell door.

Santiago pushed the tray back at the officers and became agitated, saying he wasn’t going to eat the meal. As one of the officers attempted to close the cell hatch the inmate grabbed a water bucket inside his cell, and threw an unknown liquid through the cell hatch, hitting both officers, the union reported.

One officer was hit in the face, upper body and legs. The second officer was struck in the arms and face. After getting hit with the liquid, both officers secured the cell hatch and exited the unit.

They were both brought to the prison’s medical facility for treatment. A doctor who examined them determined they had significant exposure. Both officers were then taken to Erie County Medical Center for further treatment and released later that evening, the union reported.

Santiago is serving a 4-year sentence after being convicted in Kings County in 2011 for Assault 2nd and Attempted Assault 2nd.

On April 10 a similar incident occurred at Orleans Correctional Facility, a medium security prison.

At approximately 5:05 p.m. an officer was making his rounds when an inmate, Jeddidia Manning, stopped the officer and stated he was going to flood his cell by stuffing toilet paper into the toilet, the union said in a news release.

The officer ordered the inmate to bring his hands out so he could put restraints on so other officers could go inside the cell and remove the toilet paper. Manning refused.

A sergeant who came to the scene, again ordered the inmate to put his hands out. Manning refused again, the union said.

The sergeant turned away to go and notify a supervisor of the situation. When he did the inmate threw liquid from a small cup through the cell hatch, striking the officer who was attempting to close the cell hatch.

The inmate was not charged with aggravated harassment based on a decision made by the administration at the prison.

The officer remained on duty but was not allowed by administrators to shower for two hours after the incident.

Manning is serving a 2- to 6-year sentence after being convicted in 2014 in Oswego County for Attempted Arson 3rd and Criminal Possession of Stolen Property 4th.

In 2013, lawmakers amended the current law at the time to make it a Class E Felony for throwing toilet water on a correctional officer.

“Correction officers work in adverse and difficult conditions every day. Even when performing routine duties, officers are subjected to conditions that can be, or are, dangerous to their health and safety,” stated Western Region Vice President Mike Dildine. “We are disappointed that the administration at Orleans Correctional Facility did not pursue criminal or disciplinary actions against the inmate. We will continue to monitor both situations and advocate on behalf of our members for criminal prosecution when it is appropriate.”

Photos by Tom Rivers – Kim Zarpentine, one of nine full-time Orleans County dispatchers, works in the 911 Center last week at the Orleans County Public Safety Building.

ALBION – When people are in distress in Orleans County and then call 911, they talk to a dispatcher who will collect the information and activate a response, whether from police, the fire department, an ambulance or animal control.

Sometimes, while help is on the way, the dispatchers will give instructions on performing CPR, delivering a baby or removing a choking obstruction.

The job can go from being fairly quiet to life-or-death situations within seconds.

“There’s so much we have to do,” said Allen Turner, a dispatcher for 23 ½ years and communications coordinator for the 911 center. “We’re basically the lifeline in Orleans County.”

Allen Turner, the communications coordinator for the dispatch center, started as a dispatcher 23½ years ago.

This week is “National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week,” an effort by government officials to recognize the important and critical work by dispatchers. In Orleans County, there are nine full-time and four part-time dispatchers.

They receive about 80,000 calls a year. Last year that included 23,447 police calls, 5,773 ambulance calls, 2,541 fire calls, and 1,490 animal control calls. In addition, there were another 57,924 calls to dispatch.

“Dispatchers need to be patient and remain calm when people are in a very heightened state of emotions,” Turner said.

When Turner started as dispatcher in October 1992, he remembers there was little training for the job. That is not the case today. The dispatchers have three days of in-house training and refresher courses throughout their careers.

Many of the dispatchers are also firefighters and involved in emergency services. Four fire chiefs in Orleans County – Pete Hendrickson of Holley, Mike Schultz of Kendall, Jerry Bentley of Barre and Jon DeYoung of Clarendon – work in dispatch.

One dispatcher, Bill Oliver, was an Albion police officer before switching to dispatch 24 years ago.

Kevin Colonna, an Orleans County deputy sheriff, looks for information from dispatcher Bill Oliver.

Kim Zarpentine was a firefighter, EMT and CPR coordinator for the Clarendon Volunteer Fire Company. She has worked as a dispatcher for 12 years.

“It was a natural transition,” she said about the job.

Sometimes when there is a frantic caller, dispatchers will need to use “repetitive persistence” to draw out the details and determine the problem, the address and which emergency responder to send.

If it’s a police call, dispatchers will try to give it to the closest car outside the villages with police departments. A call in Albion, Medina or Holley is dispatched to those police departments, while calls outside those villages are sent to state police and Sheriff’s deputies.

Zarpentine said callers sometimes aren’t sure of their whereabouts or the extent of the problems. The dispatchers will work to get the most relevant information for responding police, fire departments or ambulances.

Bill Oliver, a dispatcher for 24 years, talks over the air about an emergency call last Friday.

The dispatchers are essential to the emergency services in Orleans County, said Chief Deputy Tom Drennan.

“That’s the start of whole process,” he said. “Getting the right information is critical for officers’ safety and the individual’s safety.”

Drennan said the dispatchers are professionals determined to work quickly and accurately.

“They have to draw out the information and the get addresses, and then pass it out to the right jurisdictions and people,” he said.