The City of Batavia Police Department recognized several officers and community members for going above and beyond in 2024. From left are Assistant Chief Christopher Camp, Sergeant Kevin DeFelice, awards committee coordinator; Officer of the Year Andrew Mruczek, and Chief Shawn Heubusch. Submitted photo.
By Mike Pettinella
For Video News Service
Batavia native Andrew Mruczek has been selected as the City of Batavia Police Department’s Officer of the Year for 2024.
Several members of the department nominated Mruczek, noting that the 2017 Batavia High School graduate is “the ideal team player with an unwavering sense of loyalty to his fellow officers and the public.”
Mruczek and numerous other city police officers as well as community partners were honored for their achievements and contributions at the department’s annual recognition luncheon on April 30.
In a press release, Mruczek was recognized for demonstrating a commitment to learning, self-improvement and executing police duties on a consistent basis. He also was credited for his diligence in seeing investigations through to completion and for his ability to handle critical incidents in an exemplary manner.
“Throughout these nominations, it was referenced several times that Officer Mruczek is a true professional (who) exemplifies what it means to be a police officer in the City of Batavia,” said Chief Shawn Heubusch. “He is a model employee.”
Mruczek, a road patrol officer, joined the force in March 2022 and graduated from the Niagara County Law Enforcement Academy in September 2022. He holds an associate degree in Criminal Justice from Genesee Community College.
“I am very grateful to my peers who voted for me as Officer of the Year,” Mruczek said. “And the officers that I work with play a big part in this. It’s a team effort. We’re all there to help each other and we get along great.”
Others who received recognition at the luncheon are as follows:
Letters of Recognition
Sharon Nuwer, cleaner for the department. Nuwer was recognized for her dedication to the Department and its members by ensuring a clean, safe and healthy environment for everyone.
Brett Stevenson, supervisor of the City of Batavia Department of Public Works. Stevenson was recognized for his assistance in facilitating events and celebrations over the years in his role as supervisor at the Bureau of Maintenance. Brett has coordinated with many officers and supervisors to make these events go smoothly.
Department Honor Guard members
Detective Sgt. Matt Lutey, Detective Eric Hill, Detective Jason Ivison, Detective James DeFreze, Officer Connor Borchert, Officer William Yung. All members of the Honor Guard exemplify the professionalism and dedication to the department in times of remembrance as well as times of celebration. Their dedication to attend multiple events throughout the year is respected and appreciated.
Firearms Instructors
Sergeant Arick Perkins, Officer Samuel Freeman. Sergeant Perkins and Officer Freeman have worked diligently to improve the firearms’ program through a variety of engaging activities while still maintaining a positive training atmosphere.
Accreditation Manager
Officer Richard Messmer. Awarded for contributions to the accreditation program, Officer Messmer has worked diligently to ensure the department obtains its accredited status and is prepared for evaluation in the near future.
Certificates of Commendation
NET Officers Officer John Gombos, Officer Joseph Weglarski. In recognition of their efforts during an investigation into the transport and sales of illegal drugs in the City of Batavia resulting in several felony level charges.
Certificates of Commendation
Sergeant Arick Perkins, Officer Adam Tucker, Officer Bryan Moscicki, Officer Samuel Freeman, Detective Eric Hill. In recognition of their efforts during the investigation into a fatal motor vehicle accident that occurred in August of 2024.
Certificates of Commendation
Detective Sergeant Matt Lutey, Sergeant Arick Perkins, Officer Richard Messmer, Officer Joseph Weglarski, Detective Matthew Wojtaszczyk, Detective Jason Ivison, Detective Eric Hill, Detective Stephen Cronmiller, Detective James DeFreze. In recognition for their efforts in the line of duty death investigation of Genesee County Sheriff Sergeant Thomas Sanfratello.
Life Saving Award Officer
Samuel Freeman, Officer Bryan Moscicki. In recognition of their actions to prolong the life of an individual who had stopped breathing and was in cardiac arrest in December of 2024.
Meritorious Service Award
Detective Eric Hill. In in recognition of his service to the City of Batavia Police Department for the past 20 years as a police officer, youth detective, public information officer and resident information technology consultant.
Citizen Commendation Award
Grace Baptist Church. In recognition of its dedication to furthering the department’s professional development through its generosity and approachability.