By Mike Pettinella
For Video News Service
They gathered to dedicate the new $15.5 million City of Batavia Police Department at the corner of Alva Place and Bank Street on Friday morning but each and every speaker made sure to point out the dedication of the men and women in blue who faithfully serve their community.
Video of dedication and ribbon cutting-Police Chief Christopher Camp leads a tour for attendees
“This is an important day for the City of Batavia and all the people of Genesee County. Today represents the completion of a project built through dedication, hard work and a shared commitment to this community,” said Congresswoman Claudia Tenney, who also was on hand for the groundbreaking ceremony on May 31, 2024.
“First and foremost, I want to recognize and thank the men and women of the Batavia Police Department. Every day you take on tremendous responsibilities in service to others, in responding to emergencies, assisting residents and just being present when people need you the most. Your dedication to the community does not go unnoticed and I thank you for your sacrifice.”
Tenney commended the department’s leadership for its “vision and commitment through this process,” adding that the facility was built for the officers, staff, dispatchers and support personnel.
She also thanked city and county leadership, project teams, contractors, engineers, architects and all who played in role in making the building a reality, and thanked the federal agencies behind the financing of the 19,000-square-foot structure.
Financing was secured through a $13 million loan from the United States Department of Agriculture and a $2.5 million grant also secured through the USDA in 2022 by U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer and former U.S. Representative Christopher L. Jacobs.
“Projects like this do not happen overnight and they certainly do not happen without cooperation, a lot of work and a lot of moving parts,” Tenney said. “So, most importantly today, it’s about the people of this community, it’s about the officers who put on the uniform every day, it’s about the residents who place their trust in those officers and it’s about a city that values safety, service and community.”
After speaking, she presented a certificate and flag that was flown over the Capitol to city leaders as well as commemorative coin to City Manager Rachael Tabelski, who celebrated her birthday on Friday.
Other speakers prior to the ribbon-cutting were as follows:
Batavia City Council President Eugene Jankowski Jr.
“The previous building (former Brisbane Mansion) was over 170 years old and replacing it took many years to complete. To be successful, a project of this magnitude involves the work of many people working together towards a common goal,” he said.
Jankowski thanked city workers and department heads for their contribution and city management. He also recognized numerous elected officials and other community leaders.
“This project presented some difficult challenges at the initial outset, but Rachael and her team showed their excellent management skills as they kept this transformative project moving forward throughout a multi-year construction period,” he continued.
He said the city owed it to the police officers to provide them with “the best training and equipment possible.”
“Having a proper building to conduct interviews, process evidence, file reports and the other responsibilities of today’s police work is a force multiplier towards completing the public safety mission,” he said.
“The dedicated men and women of the Batavia Police Department will now have a new, professional building that will enhance their efforts to protect and serve our community for many years to come. So, on behalf of City Council and the residents of the City of Batavia, we thank the members of the Batavia Police Department for your dedication, public service and sacrifice as we proudly celebrate the opening of your new police headquarters.”
Batavia City Manager Rachael Tabelski
“This facility is more than just a police station. It is a foundation for the continued growth in and around City Centre, which is vital to Batavia’s resurgence,” she said.
She and Assistant City Manager Shawn Heubusch recognized current and past City Council members, police department leadership, city fire department and other department heads and employees for their contributions.
Assistant City Manager Shawn Heubusch
“The City of Batavia police force will now have a new, modern police station to call home and our residents will have an ADA-compliant building with easy access to police services,” he said. “Today, we take one more step to reverse urban renewal and build our city back better.”
Batavia Chief of Police Christopher Camp
“Because of Shawn’s leadership, this facility is a reality,” said Camp, who succeeded Heubusch as police chief. “This new police station is a result of a collective effort; it could not have been accomplished by the police department alone. Our new facility is a welcoming place for the community. The police station is the second-most frequently visited city building after City Hall.”
He noted that citizens come to the police station every day for various reasons, including to receive guidance and assistance.
“I’m honored and proud to lead the men and women of the City of Batavia Police Department. I know they share a deep commitment to protecting and serving this community. This facility will serve as a second home for our staff and enhance the safety of all employees while creating a more efficient and welcoming work environment.
“It also includes modern amenities that were simply not available at our previous facility. Equally important is the public safety function of this building. This is where individuals are processed after their arrest, evidence is secured and records are maintained. These responsibilities are governed by strict federal, state and local regulations. This new facility ensures that we will meet and exceed those standards for years to come.”
Batavia Police Detective Matthew Wojtaszczyk
“As you know, the new police building is a purpose-built facility for our department. Safety, security and efficiency have been greatly improved for our officers. We are appreciative of all the hard work that went into its creation,” he said.
“I’m thankful for our new facility but I really want the focus of my remarks today to be on the men and women within the facility. We are fortunate to have officers who are dedicated and passionate about protecting our city. The members of this agency truly care about this community, and that is reflected daily by their efforts to prevent crime and to hold offenders accountable.
“We often hear and acknowledge that being a police officer is a tough job. That is in fact true. The roles and responsibilities extend well beyond making arrests. Our officers frequently encounter high stress situations, including domestic disputes, violent encounters, mental health crises and the list goes on.
“When responding to calls, they are called upon to be counselors, mediators, teachers, de-escalators, social workers and the list goes on. They make split second decisions in high stress situations and run into danger without a second thought. And they do it all because they love this community and truly care about the City of Batavia.”
NYS USDA Rural Development Director Richard Mayfield
After recognizing members of his staff who were present and noting that his office is in Batavia, Mayfield congratulated city leaders. He then directors his words to the officers, who were among those present at the ceremony.
“I think we can all agree what impresses us most (are) these brave men and women in uniform – as they run toward danger while the rest of us stand back …,” he said. “The vision of our community, the faith of all the residents of Batavia – because, again, this is your tax dollars – and most importantly, our congresswomen who has believed in this project as well as our federal delegation.
Rev. Donald Shirk, former police chaplain, gave the invocation and benediction, stating that “today was not an ending but a brand-new beginning.”
The view during the ribbon cutting
Officials from the City of Batavia and other government, civic and business leaders from across the community gathered to celebrate the opening of the new $15.5 million police station and headquarters in Downtown Batavia.
Financing for the 19,000 sq. ft. structure at 31 Bank Street, was secured through a $13 million loan from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and a $2.5 million grant also secured through the USDA in 2022 by United States Senator Chuck Schumer and former U.S. Representative Christopher L. Jacobs.