License plate readers also help solve crimes, Bourke tells local officials

Photos by Tom Rivers: Orleans County Sheriff Chris Bourke, back left, and Chief Deputy Torry Tooley gave a presentation on Tuesday evening to local officials in the monthly Orleans County Association of Municipalities meeting at the Tavern on the Ridge.

ALBION – Orleans County Sheriff Chris Bourke is a believer in the Flock automated license plate reader technology.

The Sheriff’s Office in November started using Flock and the cameras have helped locate missing teens and elderly drivers with dementia, while also steering deputies and investigators in the right direction to solve crimes.

“It is one more tool in our tool box,” Bourke told about 30 local officials on Tuesday during the monthly meeting of the Orleans County Association of Municipalities. “We’ve had very good results so far.”

The County Legislature in 2024 approved a $203,450 contract with Flock over five years to install 13 Flock cameras in the county. The county has made one payment so far at $47,450 and it was covered through a state technology grant, Bourke said.

Twelve of the Flock cameras have gone up since November. One more will be set up soon in Shelby. The cameras are mounted on poles. They read license plates on the back end of vehicles.

They store a snapshot of the vehicle for 30 days. Bourke and Chief Deputy Torry Tooley said the cameras don’t take videos, and don’t identify people by their faces. Flock doesn’t continuously track people or vehicles, and it doesn’t replace investigators or human judgement, Bourke and Tooley said.

Chief Deputy Torry Tooley said the Flock cameras have been helpful pursuing leads in cases.

Flock has been in the news a lot lately with concerns over mass surveillance and an abuse by a few law enforcement officers who used the cameras to try to track ex-girlfriends and other people of interest outside of investigations. The Flock system also can send alerts to administrators if there are irregular searches.

Bourke and Tooley said the Sheriff’s Office has controls in place to make sure there is limited access to only the sheriff, undersheriff, two chief deputies and two supervising deputies. All of the searches are logged.

In the first eight months of the system – from November through July 10 –  there were 542 searches by Orleans County Sheriff’s Office with 200 searches (36.9 percent) for larceny theft investigations, 45 (8.3 percent) for traffic infraction and 38 searches (7.0) for missing person or runaway.

Sheriff’s officials also used Flock to search in cases for stolen property (5.4 percent), motor vehicle theft (5.2 percent), drugs/narcotics (5.2 percent), a wanted person (3.3 percent) and damage/vandalism (3.3 percent).

The searches for missing persons has gone up since July 10 and the Flock cameras were very helpful in locating a missing teen from Albion who was in Niagara Falls, Tooley said.

“This is a great investigative tool for the Sheriff’s Office,” he said. “It’s helped us solve crimes and finding missing people.”

Sheriff Chris Bourke said Flock cameras are “another tool in our tool box.”

The Sheriff’s Office for about 20 years had one license plate reader on a patrol car. The Flock cameras operate the same way except are mounted on a pole instead of a car, Bourke said.

Some of the local officials at Tuesday’s meetings asked if the leaders from each municipality were asked to have a Flock camera mounted in their municipality. Bourke said no municipal permission was asked because the cameras are either on the public right-of-way or private property.

Albion Town Councilman Terry Wilbert said the local officials should be notified at least as a courtesy “because we get the questions from the public.”

Darlene Benton, an Albion councilwoman, asked if the Flock data is shared with ICE. Tooley said the data isn’t shared with federal agencies, but can be with police non-federal agencies.

One of the Flock cameras in Kendall, at Sand Road and Route 18, has been defaced. Bourke said many of the cameras have been targeted by vandals around the country. Those vandals should know they will be prosecuted for damaging government property.

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Orleans County Legislator Skip Draper, right, on Tuesday presents a Stork Award to county dispatchers Jodi Marion and Mike Schultz for their efforts to help deliver a healthy baby on Aug. 15.

The father of the baby called 911 around 11:45 a.m. The baby was born four minutes later at the Clarendon Crosby’s.

Marion stayed on the phone with the father while Schultz dispatched an ambulance that took the mother and newborn to Strong Memorial Hospital.

“Ot was a sign of relief to hear the baby crying,” Marion recalled.

Marion is a former EMT who became a dispatcher three years ago after working in the Albion village clerk’s office.

She enjoys the job as a dispatcher, where she said “you are the first person to call when people need help.”

Schultz is a former Kendall fire chief who has worked as a dispatcher for 12 ½ years.

Pictured from left include Deputy Matt Prawel, 911 communications director Julie Vendetti, dispatchers Mike Schultz and Jodi Marion, Legislator Skip Draper, and Sheriff Chris Bourke.

Vendetti has worked in dispatch for 15 years and said this is the third time in her career a dispatcher has helped deliver a baby over the phone. Jerry Bentley did it twice, she said.

The Stork Award from the County Legislature commends Marion and Schultz.

“Your quick thinking, swift actions, and dedication in the moment will forever be widespread and extremely appreciated,” the award states.

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Today was the annual Orleans County household hazardous waste collection event and about 525 to 550 residents signed up for the chance to get rid of old tires and leftover chemicals, batteries, oil and solvents.

The top photo shows Henry Haiens of Albion getting rid of a trailer load of old tires with help from Kevin Herring (center), an Orleans County Building and Grounds employee, and Devin Bruno, a motor equipment operator with the county Highway Department.

Andy Beach, a MEO in the Highway Department, uses a loader to move bigger farm tractor tires. Today’s collection for the first time allowed the larger tractor tires and also took tires that were on the rim.

The county contracts with Modern Disposal Services to take away the tires. The local towns dropped off tires earlier in the week. Corey Winters, director of the Orleans County Department of Planning and Development, said he expects the pile had about 7,000 tires. The Planning Department manages the annual household hazardous waste and tire collection.

The event also for the first time was held at the Orleans County Emergency Management Office on County House Road, which was spread out with more space compared to the Orleans County Highway Department in the village of Albion.

Employees from Environmental Enterprises, Inc. of Cincinnati work at the household hazardous waste collection event at the EMO site.

More than 500 Orleans County residents were able to get rid of leftover chemicals, batteries, tires, oil and solvents during the household hazardous waste collection day.

Residents were able to safely get rid of pesticides, motor oil & filters, adhesives, antifreeze, solvents,  batteries, fluorescent bulbs, aerosols, old-based paints, and empty propane tanks.

The county typically pays the company about $18,000 to collect and remove the household hazardous waste, with the state then reimbursing the county about half of the costs. The tire removal is a separate contract with Modern Disposal Services.

At left showcases January from the 2026 Orleans County Calendar featuring “Winter Wonderland at Medina Falls” by Robyn Ottaviano, while the photo at right shows February, featuring “Year Round Travelers” of a horse and buggy passing by the Lyndonville Shoe Tree. Photo by Isabella Zasa.

Press Release, Orleans County Tourism

ALBION – Orleans County Tourism has opened its annual call for photo submissions, encouraging the community and visitors to share their favorite images of the county.

Selected photographs may be featured in the organization’s 2027 marketing materials, including the travel guide, calendar, fishing calendar, social media and other promotional campaigns.

Submitted photographs must be taken within Orleans County and highlight a tourism-focused subject, such as the Erie Canal, Lake Ontario, museums and historic sites, outdoor recreation, natural scenery, annual events or other attractions. Images should capture the destinations, experiences and landscapes that showcase what makes Orleans County a fun and memorable place to visit.

Images selected for use will receive appropriate credit. Those chosen to represent a month in the 2027 calendar or featured on the travel guide cover will also receive an Orleans County Tourism swag bag. Individuals whose images appear in the calendar will receive five complimentary copies.

Entries must be submitted by Nov. 1, 2026, via email or mail. The official rules and entry forms can be downloaded by clicking here.

For questions, contact Orleans County Tourism at 585-589-3100 or email info@orleanscountytourism.com.

Photo by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Orleans County Legislator Fred Miller reads a proclamation last week where the County Legislature proclaimed August as Child Support Awareness Month in Orleans County.

From left from the Department of Social Services include Commissioner Shirley Mazourek, Child Support Specialist Corina DeFilipps, and Senior Child Support Specialist Danielle Kickbush.

In the proclamation, legislators state that the county is committed to ensuring the safety, health and well-being of children.

“Parents have the most critical role in the development of their children, and an obligation to provide safe, loving and secure environments in which their children can grow and flourish,” the proclamation states.

Parents have an obligation to support their children, financially and emotionally, legislators said.

The county’s Child Support Enforcement Program and child support professionals play a vital role in assisting parents in achieving and maintaining economic security for their children, the proclamation states.

Assemblyman says Orleans ‘has played a vital role in shaping the economic, agricultural, and civic life of New York State and the nation’

Photo by Tom Rivers

ALBION – State Assemblyman Steve Hawley last week presented a formal proclamation to the Orleans County legislature in honor of the 250^th anniversary of the United States of America. Pictured form left include Assemblyman Hawley, County Chief Administrative Officer Jack Welch, County Historian Catherine Cooper and Legislature Chairwoman Lynne Johnson.

Orleans County was established in 1825 and is situated along the historic corridor of the Erie Canal and the shores of Lake Ontario, the proclamation notes.

The county “has played a vital role in agricultural and civic life in New York State and the nation,” Hawley states in the proclamation. “Generations of residents of Orleans County have answered the call of service, contributing to the defense of our freedoms in every major conflict in American history and continuing to uphold the values of patriotism, sacrifice, and duty that define our nation.”

He also praises the Orleans County’s “rich agricultural heritage that has helped feed New York State and beyond, strengthening local economies while preserving the traditions of hard work, stewardship of the land, and community resilience that remain central to the American identity.”

Orleans County’s towns and villages also have long embodied the spirit of American self-government through strong local leadership, civic engagement, volunteerism, and a commitment to preserving history while preparing future generations for success, Hawley said.

“As the nation reflects on 250 years of progress, challenges, and shared achievement, Orleans County stands as a testament to the strength of small communities in shaping the broader story of New York State and the United States of America,” Hawley states in the proclamation.

He also presented a 250^th anniversary proclamation to the Genesee County Legislature and will be presenting one to Monroe County officials on Aug. 14 at the Town of Clarkson’s Good Neighbor Day.

Photo by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Orleans County Legislator Skip Draper, right, presents a proclamation last week to Eddie Eagle, a gun safety mascot, that designates August 2026 as “Firearm Safety Awareness Month.” They are joined by Justin Niederhofer, the county’s emergency management director.

The Eddie Eagle mascot was developed by the National Rifle Association to teach children about gun safety.

The proclamation from the County legislature states that firearm safety is a “shared responsibility” among firearm owners, families, educators, healthcare providers, law enforcement, sportsmen, firearm instructors, retailers and community organizations.

 Responsible firearm ownership includes safe handling, secure firearm storage and child access prevention, the proclamation states.

“Orleans County supports educational efforts that encourage lawful firearm ownership, promote responsible firearm ownership and handling, responsible hunting traditions, recreational shooting safety, suicide prevention awareness, secure firearm storage, and the protection of children and vulnerable individuals,” the proclamation states.

County legislators said Firearm Safety Awareness Month provides an opportunity to increase public awareness, promote voluntary safe storage practices, encourage community education, and strengthen partnerships dedicated to preventing firearm-related injuries and deaths through education and responsible ownership.

Photo by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Orleans County Legislator Don Allport, right, presents a proclamation to the team at Medina Memorial Hospital’s Wound Care Center, which recently earned the designation of “Wound Care Center of Distinction” by Healogics.

The Wond Care team includes program director Lisa Albanese, medical director Dr. Joseph Canzoneri, clinical nurse manager Teresa Clark, nurse practitioner Amanda McDonald, RN Kristen Warriner, LPN Melissa Neuman and office manager Budena Hess.

This is the second time, the Wound Care Center has been designated a “Center of Distinction” by Healogics, the nation’s largest provider of advanced wound care. The honor was earned for having achieved 82% wound mix adjusted CHR with a patient satisfaction rating of 96%.

The Wound Care Center has grown from a small program operating just two days a week into a four-day-a-week center. Patients who once had to travel out of county to get this kind of care can now receive it at Medina Memorial.

Photo by Tom Rivers

ALBION – The Orleans County Legislature and District Attorney Susan Howard, second from right, last week presented “Commendations of Excellency” to first responders and investigators in a Medina arson case.

Zachary Natale, 32, of Medina pleaded guilty to the crime and on April 1 was sentenced to 13 years in state prison by Orleans County Court Judge Sanford Church. Natale also was ordered to pay $270,000 in restitution.

Natale admitted to setting a fire on Dec. 17, 2024 at 207 Bates Rd. That fire forced a mother and her 9-year-old son to evacuate.

Howard during the April 1 sentencing said Natale caused a “terrifying, horrifying ordeal” for the victims where they could have been killed, and also put local firefighters in danger.

Howard and County Legislator Skip Draper, right, praised the first responders for preventing a loss of life from the blaze. Howard and Draper also commended law enforcement and fire investigators for their work which led to a conviction in the case.

Pictured from left include: officer Dustin Meredith – Medina Police Department, Sargeant Jonathon McManus – Medina Police Department, Investigator Chris Seefeldt – Medina Fire Department, Investigator  Jacob Crooks – Medina Fire Department, Chief Steven Cooley – Medina Fire Department, Investigator Scott Kuhlmey – Erie County Sheriff’s Department with K-9 Clipper, Investigator Dave Clary – Orleans County Emergency Management, Investigator Brian Marsceill – Orleans County Sheriff’s Department, District Attorney Susan Howard, and Legislator Skip Draper.