Press release
At today’s recognition luncheon held at Batavia Country Club, Kiwanis Club of Batavia announced recipients of the 2025 Criminal Justice Awards.
The Kiwanis Club of Batavia Criminal Justice Award is presented to a member or members of the community, law enforcement, or a criminal justice agency serving the citizens of Genesee County whose exceptional career achievements and conscientiousness to citizenship have demonstrated a spirit of selfless public service or demonstrated an act of exceptional valor or heroism.
The 2025 Award Recipients are:
Pictured from left-Reita Fletcher/President, Kiwanis Club of Batavia, Sheriff Joseph Graff, Sgt. Clor, Chief Deputy Brian Frieday, Barry Flansburg/Representative Assemblyman Steve Hawley’s Office, and Event Chair, Peter Guppenberger
Sergeant Mathew J. Clor, Genesee County Sheriff’s Office
Sergeant Mathew J. Clor began his career with the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office on March 8, 2016. Sergeant Clor has been a supervisor for over four years on the midnight shift and often has Deputies with minimal experience come to his shift after training. Sergeant Clor has become a leader and mentor to them while they gain experience. Sergeant Clor has sought extra assignments as he has progressed as a Sergeant. He is the lead of the Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) and a Field Training Supervisor as well as keeping other assignments and responsibilities. During his career, Sergeant Clor has earned four Commendation Awards and another for Meritorious Service. He has also been awarded the MADD Top Cop Award twice. In this past year, Sergeant Clor was the supervisor for two major incidents. One of these incidents was a reported burglary call to which Sergeant Clor responded that resulted in him being shot at by an individual. Sergeant Clor remained composed and was able to quickly bring the situation to a resolve. Sergeant Clor was also the shift supervisor for the line-of-duty death of Sergeant Thomas Sanfratello. Despite the extremely difficult circumstances of that incident, Sergeant Clor handled himself and the shift with professionalism and poise. Deputy Clor was nominated for this award by Chief Deputy Brian Frieday.
Pictured from left- Reita Fletcher/President, Kiwanis Club of Batavia, Sheriff Joseph Graff, CO Swimline, Barry Flansburg/Representative Assemblyman Steve Hawley’s Office, Kelly LoTurco, Supervising Mental Health Clinical Therapist at the Genesee County Mental Health Center and Event Chair Peter Guppenberger
Correction Officer Jared T. Swimline, Genesee County Jail
Correction Officer Jared T. Swimline has been a member of the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office since July 21, 2018. CO Swimline upholds his role of maintaining order and safety within the jail for incarcerated individuals and the jail staff. He is always willing to assist his co-workers or work additional hours to ensure that the care of the inmates remains top priority. CO Swimline has shown an extraordinary ability to balance firmness with compassion, discipline with empathy, and authority with respect. As a result of this, he is highly respected by his peers and the individuals that he serves. CO Swimline understands the mission of corrections, which is to rehabilitate rather than solely punish. He displays the utmost level of integrity, an ability to de-escalate situations, and understands the importance of fostering dialogue rather than conflict. CO Swimline is a great example of a leader by inspiring others to uphold the standards of professionalism and respect within the jail. Correction Officer Jared T. Swimline was nominated for this award by Kelly LoTurco, Supervising Mental Health Clinical Therapist at the Genesee County Mental Health Center.
Pictured from left- Sheriff Joseph Graff, Reita Fletcher/President, Kiwanis Club of Batavia, Director of Emergency Communications Frank A. Riccobono, Dispatcher Miller, Barry Flansburg/Representative Assemblyman Steve Hawley’s Office, and Event Chair, Peter Guppenberger
Emergency Services Dispatcher Beth Miller, Genesee County Emergency Services Dispatch Center
Emergency Services Dispatcher Beth Miller demonstrates exceptional commitment and diligence in providing lifesaving instructions to 911 callers; empathy for victims of crimes, fires and traumatic injuries, and critical follow-up to field units to ensure they have the most up-to-date and accurate information, which is vital for their safety. Additionally, Dispatcher Miller’s performance shines during training sessions with new employees. As one of our longest-serving Communications Training Officers, her enthusiasm remains high, and she shares her extensive knowledge and experience, ensuring that new dispatchers are well prepared for their new role as an Emergency Services Dispatcher. The feedback from trainees has been overwhelmingly positive. In addition to her training duties, Dispatcher Miller has stepped up as the lead for the Orders of Protection CAD Module. Court-issued Orders of Protection are an important safeguard against further harm to victims, therefore, the timely entry of the document into the system is very important. On several occasions, Dispatcher Miller has taken on the responsibilities of Officer-In-Charge, effectively supervising her peers while maintaining operational excellence. Emergency Services Dispatcher Beth Miller was nominated for this award by Director of Emergency Communications Frank A. Riccobono.
Pictured from left– Reita Fletcher/President, Kiwanis Club of Batavia, Shawn Heubusch/Police Chief City of Batavia, Barry Flansburg/Representative Assemblyman Steve Hawley’s Office, Officer Borchert and Event Chair, Peter Guppenberger
Police Officer/School Resource Officer Connor Borchert, City of Batavia Police Department
Police Officer Connor Borchert’s commitment to public safety, dedication to youth, and exceptional professionalism as a School Resource Officer (SRO) have made a profound impact on our school community and the broader public safety mission. Since assuming the role of SRO, Officer Borchert has exemplified what it means to serve with integrity, compassion, and effectiveness. He has developed meaningful relationships with students, staff, and families, establishing himself as a trusted mentor, educator, and protector. His proactive approach to safety education, including initiatives on bullying prevention, substance abuse awareness, and emergency preparedness has helped foster a safe and supportive learning environment. Officer Borchert’s outstanding work goes beyond traditional policing duties. He regularly leads classroom discussions, organizes community outreach programs, and mentors at-risk youth, consistently demonstrating a commitment to building bridges between law enforcement and the community. His calm demeanor, deep sense of fairness, and genuine care for young people have de-escalated numerous situations that could have otherwise had serious outcomes. Additionally, Officer Borchert has taken on the role of leading the Department’s Crisis Negotiation Team that is deployed during critical incidents. Whether responding swiftly and appropriately to potential threats or coordinating with school administration during drills, his actions have strengthened trust in the safety measures within our schools. Through his daily actions, Officer Connor Borchert models the very best of the criminal justice profession. His work reminds us that true public safety is rooted not only in enforcement but also in education, prevention, and strong community relationships. Police Officer Connor Borchert was nominated for this award by Chief Shawn Heubusch.
Charles L. Mancuso Mock Trial Award
The “Charles L. Mancuso Award” was presented to the members of the Batavia High School Mock Trial Team as winners of the 2025 GLOW (Genesee, Livingston, Orleans, and Wyoming Counties) District Competition in the New York State Bar Association High School Mock Trial Tournament. The award reads “Dedicated to the Memory of an Outstanding Attorney-Citizen,” Mr. Mancuso, a Batavia lawyer, served as coordinator of the local competition until his untimely death 18 years ago.
The Batavia High School team members honored at the luncheon include Cameron Baiocco, Allison Bisnett, Kayla Richenberg, Augustin Crawford, Jeffrey Burton, Tabitha Jett, Thomas Gaylord, Jillian Mellander, Devin Polk, Eliana Cossitt, Liam Richenberg, Mason Bellamy, Mya Odom, Mikenna Durawa, Nathaniel Kinsey, Team Advisors – Theresa Traver and Addison Marino. The coordinator of the local Mock Trial Program is Kristie DeFreze.
Genesee County Magistrates’ and Court Clerks’ Association Awards
Presented by Honorable Vivian M. Williams, President of GCMCCA
Honorable Jeffrey T. Tauscher-2023 President’s Award-from left Honorable Vivian M. Williams, Judge Tauscher, Barry Flansburg/Representative Assemblyman Steve Hawley’s Office, and Event Chair Peter Guppenberger
Honorable Andrew J. Young-2024 President’s Award-From left-Peter Guppenberger/Event Chair, Reita Fletcher/President, Kiwanis Club of Batavia, Judge Young, Barry Flansburg/Representative Assemblyman Steve Hawley’s Office, and Judge Vivian M. Williams/President of GCMCCA
Service Achievement Award-Honorable Thomas A. Graham-from left-Peter Guppengerger/Event Chair, Reita Fletcher/President, Kiwanis Club of Batavia, Judge Graham, Barry Flansburg/Representative Assemblyman Steve Hawley’s Office, and Judge Vivian M. Williams/President of GCMCCA