It’s been a very difficult week for Genesee County Dispatchers. The group of first responders who are always there for everyone from the public to police and fire have lost one of their own.
Dispatcher Andy Merkel, 38, (GS99) died unexpectedly after a brief illness at Rochester General Hospital on Tuesday March 21, 2023.
Obituary below:
https://www.bataviafuneralhomes.com/m/obituaries/Andrew-Merkel/Memories
“It’s been difficult,” says Nate Fix, President of the Genesee County Sheriff’s Employee Association/911 Dispatcher.
“There is no one in that room that wasn’t affected. He will be truly missed, he cared about everything and everyone and served his county and community. He was a dedicated family man who always put his wife and kids first.”
The 18 dispatchers that are the nerve center of EMS in Genesee County are doing what they always do, assist the public, local police and fire, but their fellow dispatcher is always on their minds.
Fix says dispatchers have received an overwhelming amount of support from the community the past few days. Fire Departments and law enforcement agencies have been dropping off food and leaving messages of support. Dispatchers are currently working out of their back up location at the former Sheriff’s Department Headquarters at 14 West Main Street while their main location on Park Road is being upgraded.
“We thank everyone for the outpouring of love and support.”
The Genesee County Sheriff’s Employee Association has created a GoFundMe campaign for the family of Andy Merkel who leaves behind a wife and three children, ages 13, 6 and 5.
“This is what we are doing to assist his family, so they don’t have to worry about things right now.”
Link below:
Fundraiser by GC SEA : Andrew K. Merkel’s Family Support Fund (gofundme.com)
People can also contribute by sending funds to:
GCSEA
P.O. Box 46
Batavia, NY, 14021