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• Thursday, July 18, 2024

  NY State Legion Honors Outstanding Police, First Responders

  NIAGARA FALLS (106th American Legion Department of New York Convention) — Law-and-Order Chair Cynthia Nelson kicked off her presentation July 17 by announcing the Law Enforcement Officer of the Year. He is New York State Forest Ranger Nathaniel Laymon.

  On Jan. 6, 2024, Laymon rescued a fisherman who had fallen through the ice, and then, with a rope tied to him, plunged into the icy water to find a second fisherman who had gone under. He pulled the unconscious man to shore where EMTs worked on him and transported the victim to the hospital, where he later died.

  Next was Firefighter of the Year. That honor went to Sunset Bay Fire Chief Robert Weiskerger, who, while manning a hose, refused to leave a burning building with the roof collapsing until a fellow firefighter was able to escape. Both men were on fire as they exited the structure, with Weiskerger sustaining first and second degree burns on his right shoulder and arm, and the other firefighter, first degree burns to his right arm.

  Then South Jefferson Rescue Squad was the subject of two recognitions. First, Paramedic Christopher Singleton was named EMT of the Year for his efforts to provide and coordinate Emergency Medical Services training, including securing grants for equipment and resources. He hosts an annual “Spring Fling” that enables EMS personnel from across the state to receive training. In addition to serving as the squad’s assistant chief, Singleton is Jefferson County EMS training and education coordinator.

  

  Debbie Singleton, rescue squad exec. director

  Second, South Jefferson was named Emergency Squad of the Year. The squad, with 58 members, responded to 1,134 calls in 2023, provided 300 hours of in-house training, and pilots multiple initiatives. One initiative is a paramedicine program where designated EMS personnel can visit patient homes for wellness checks.

  The next award, Corrections Officer of the Year, went to Officer Keri Genthner of Chautauqua County Corrections Department. Nelson noted that Genthner “routinely displays acts of bravery and heroism,” saving an inmate from a knife attack as well as several inmates from suicide attempts and another from a drug overdose.

  The final two awards went to Town of Tonawanda Police Department and Lakewood Fire Department for being selected as Law Enforcement Department of the Year and Fire Department of the Year, respectively.

  

  Tonawanda Police Chief James P. Stauffiger

  Last year Tonawanda police answered 60,000 calls and were reaccredited for five years by the New York State Law Enforcement Agency Accreditation Council. Out of over 500 departments, Tonawanda is one of only 168 departments to receive the accreditation. Tonawanda Police Chief James P. Stauffiger accepted the award on behalf of the department.

  With 46 active firefighters, the Lakewood department responds to over 1,100 calls a year and holds regular drills and training, including supporting its new EMS service. A contingent of seven members accepted the award on behalf of the FD.