Deputy Kevin McCarthy, center, displays the Deputy of the Year plaque as Genesee County Sheriff Joseph Graff, left, and Undersheriff Ryan DeLong look on at Wednesday night’s awards ceremony at Genesee Community College. (Photos by Mike Pettinella/For Video News Service)
By Mike Pettinella
For Video News Service
Calling him “steady, committed and hard-working,” Genesee County Sheriff Joseph Graff presented Deputy Sheriff Kevin R. McCarthy with the agency’s Deputy of the Year award on Wednesday night.
The hour-long ceremony took place in front of law enforcement personnel, county leaders, friends and family at the Stuart Steiner Theatre at Genesee Community College.
“Deputy McCarthy is a steady, committed and hard-working deputy who is relied upon,”
Graff said. “He’s a veteran deputy sheriff in our office who can be called upon in any situation and respond appropriately to achieve the best result for the situation.”
A prime example of that occurred in August 2025 when a tour bus rolled over on the Thruway in the town of Pembroke, requiring a multi-agency, multi-county response.
According to the sheriff, “upon Deputy McCarthy’s arrival, and without regard to his own safety, he entered the unstable, overturned bus and began triaging and treating the patients trapped inside between seats, luggage, and other individuals. Deputy McCarthy did this for approximately two hours alongside EMS. Deputy McCarthy’s actions showed his commitment to public safety and undoubtedly saved many lives that day.”
An 18-year member of the Sheriff’s Office’s road patrol, McCarthy was honored for “consistently displaying high moral character; a professional, positive attitude; and an unwavering work ethic.”
In September 2025, Deputy McCarthy was assigned as the School Resource Deputy at Pembroke Central School District. He is a Field Training Officer, Project Lifesaver administrator and certified vehicle inspector.
Graff said that McCarthy is part of “a group of true professionals that I’m honored to work with at the Sheriff’s Office. Tonight’s awards are a representation of the astounding acts that they do every day at work.”
“Being on the selection committee, sometimes it’s difficult to distinguish acts that rise above their normal duties to be recognized for an award because we set such a high standard and expectation for the service they provide.”
The sheriff added that the response to emergencies such as the bus incident and the serious fire at Hodgins Engraving last May “showcases the commitment and the dedication that our personnel are willing to do and sacrifice their own self for the good of the community.”
Other awards presented on Wednesday night are as follows:
Dan DeMare accepted the Sheriff’s Office’s “Distinguished Service Award” on behalf of his late sister, Rosanne.
Distinguished Service Award
This award is presented in honor and memory of Community/Victim Services Counselor Rosanne M. DeMare in recognition of her distinguished service, dedication, and lasting contributions to the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office.
Throughout her career at Genesee Justice, Counselor DeMare exemplified professionalism, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to serving the community and supporting her fellow employees. Counselor DeMare’s work, character, and dedication left a lasting impact on our Office and those who had the privilege to serve alongside her. Though her passing is deeply felt, her legacy of service and commitment will continue to inspire all who follow in her footsteps.
Confidential Secretary Carolyn Della Penna, Undersheriff Ryan DeLong and Sheriff Joseph Graff.
Longevity Awards
10 years — Undersheriff Ryan M. DeLong, Deputy Sheriff Rachel M. Diehl, Investigator Kevin P. Forsyth, Sergeant Michael J. Lute, Deputy Sheriff Eric J. Meyer, Correction Officer Dani M. Stone.
15 years — Confidential Secretary Carolyn A. Della Penna.
20 years — Senior Correction Officer Matthew R. Burgett.
25 years — Financial Clerk-Typist Margaret A. Sheelar, Narcotic Intelligence Analyst R. “Pete” Welker.
Meritorious Service
These employees have, for an extended period of time, performed in an exceptional manner worthy of special recognition.
Lead Family Advocate Jacqueline M. O’Brien, Deputy Sheriff Joshua A. Brabon, Deputy Sheriff Zachary P. Hoy, Chief Deputy Road Patrol Brian M. Frieday (his 2nd award).
Sheriff Joseph Graff
Commendations
These employees were recognized for their actions for a specific act, occasion, or project that reflects courage, exceptional performance, and dedication to the Office and profession.
Dog Control Officer Catherine D. Seward, Correction Officer Tyler D. Brown, Correction Officer Timothy R. Maid, Correction Officer Susan A. Mattice, Emergency Services Dispatcher Tylin A. Torcello, Deputy Sheriff Austin C. Heberlein.
Program Coordinator Tracy L. Ranney, Correction Officer Laurie J. Schwab, Investigator Jonathan M. Dimmig, Sergeant Nicholas R. Chamoun (their 2nd award).
Emergency Services Dispatcher Beth A. Hynes, Deputy Sheriff Mason S. Schultz (their 3rd award).
Emergency Services Dispatcher Samantha L. Ehrke, Sergeant Kyle D. Krzemien (their 4th award).
Emergency Services Dispatcher Stephen R. Smelski (his 5th award).
Emergency Services Dispatcher Jason W. Holman (his 6th award).
Senior Emergency Services Dispatcher Robert H. Tripp (his 11th award).
The Volunteers for Animals received certificates of appreciation for their role in evacuating and caring for animals from the Genesee County Animal Shelter during last May’s fire at the neighboring Hodgins Engraving facility. From left are Aggie Jaroszewski, Sue Sullivan, Dog Control Officer-Catherine Seward, Wendy Castleman and Shanna Shaw.
Certificates of Appreciation
Case Manager Nicole M. DiSalvo, Community/Victim Services Counselor Jada E. Gerber, Financial Clerk-Typist Carolina C. Denson, Volunteer Fireman Ed Mileham, Volunteers for Animals, Program Coordinator Nicole M. Easton, Program Coordinator Trisha M. Reynolds, Public Communications and Web Design Specialist Steven Falitico.