Greetings!
It is hard to believe that my first full calendar year as Chief has come and gone. 2023 was another successful year for the police department. As in years past, 2023 was full of growth and change within the department. Although we faced challenges at times, the men and women of the Ogden Police Department rose to the challenges presented to them. Our officers continue to deliver a superior product to the community they serve.
In January, we hired Officer Jeremy Lindauer as our new DARE officer. Officer Lindauer had a long and distinguished career with the Rochester Police Department; he has carried that tradition on here. Thanks to Officer Lindauer, our DARE program is thriving; I continually receive positive feedback from parents of DARE students. Moving forward, we hope to continue our collaboration with the school district to offer more education to both students and faculty alike.
Officer Marc Lawrence joined our department in late 2022, and he completed his field training in February. A twelve-year veteran, Officer Lawrence joined our team as a lateral transfer from the City of Batavia. Officer Lawrence filled the vacancy created by Chief Mears’ retirement and gave us the ability to reinstate fourth platoon. Traditionally, fourth platoon hours were 11:00 am-7:00 pm; we adjusted those hours to 6:00 pm-2:00 am. This adjustment distributes personnel to help reduce the times officers on the overnight shift work alone. Officer Lawrence is doing great work and is a great addition to our team.
March and April are traditionally the time of year that our officers attend annual In-Service training at the Monroe County Public Safety Training Facility. In 2023, our officers learned about “Rescue Task Force,” a new aggressive deadly behavior response concept. This training helps prepare our members to respond to critical incidents in a streamlined, coordinated manner, ultimately serving to facilitate faster care for victims.
Officer Mark Bennetti and Officer Corey Lawhorn received Certificates of Appreciation at the Monroe County STOP-DWI awards ceremony on April 17th. Throughout the summer months, our officers conducted several grant-funded traffic safety details. The details targeted distracted driving, seatbelt violations, speeding in construction zones, and impaired driving. Our department is renewing efforts to promote public safety through traffic enforcement.
In May, Officer Dana Paduano was hired to fill a vacant part-time road patrol position. Officer Paduano joined OPD after a remarkable career with the New York State Police. Officer Paduano completed his field training and immediately proved to be a great addition to this organization. Shortly after completing field training, Officer Paduano was commended for his actions while responding to an officer-involved shooting in the Town of Gates in August.
On May 16th, 2023, we received word from the Division of Criminal Justice Services that after a rigorous certification process, our agency was found to be compliant with the new requirements of Executive Order 846. EO 846 pertains to the hiring standards and practices for police agencies. It is no surprise that our agency was found to be compliant, given our long history of successful accreditation.
Forfeited drug funds were used to purchase new rifle-threat ballistic panels /carriers for our officers. Not only are the new vests significantly lighter and enhance mobility, but they also reduce the risk of projectiles spalling and striking an officer, a flaw of our previous vests. Officers also completed semi-annual firearms qualifications and use of force training in May.
Keeping with tradition, our officers assisted the Spencerport Volunteer Fireman’s Association with their annual carnival and parade. Anticipating record crowds, our department, in conjunction with the Special Police, bolstered our staffing to promote a safe environment for all attendees. I am proud to say that this carnival season (despite the hazy smoke) was another success.
In accordance with our goals and objectives, we made an effort to strengthen our Community Engagement program in 2023. In addition to teaching DARE, Officer Lindauer coordinated community engagement events. By partnering with local businesses, we held events such as Pizza and Pages, National Night Out, and a Bicycle Helmet Safety program. The events we held were well attended and we aim to expand our programs in 2024. These events serve to strengthen the bond between our members and the community.
We began promoting the return of our Explorer Program in September, a program that had been dormant for several decades. After hosting an informational meeting, our program went live in November. I am proud to report that as of this writing, our Explorer Post has 12 students enrolled. These young men and women are the future of law enforcement, and we look forward to showing them what it takes to be an Ogden Police Officer.
The tail end of 2023 saw more training for our membership. In addition to fall firearms qualification, our officers participated in a defensive tactics refresher course- something new for the department. Every member also underwent resiliency training with Dr. Kimberly Butler, which aims to give all of our staff the tools to help deal with the cumulative stress of working in law enforcement. Finally, all of the command staff participated in supervisory training hosted online by the Daigle Law Group.
The safety and security of our personnel and facility remain a top priority for me. In September, I presented a proposal to the Town Board, in conjunction with the Ogden Police Club, to increase our patrol staffing. Our patrol positions remained at the same level for decades despite significant growth and development in the town. Officers on the overnight and morning shifts frequently work alone. In response, the Town Board authorized an increase of one new patrol officer position in 2024. This new position helps reduce the number of frequencies officers are working alone. Additionally, a proposal was presented to the town board for installing a security fence around the police department parking lot. The board approved the installation of such a fence utilizing ARPA funding. After putting the project out to bid, the winning bidder expects to start the installation in March of 2024. The members of OPD are thankful to the town board for their willingness to address our concerns while understanding their fiscal responsibilities to the taxpayers.
In December, we hired our new Animal Control Officer, Ariel Ambrose. ACO Ambrose filled the vacancy created when our previous Animal Control Officer, John Eeckhout, retired after a successful 37-year career. ACO Ambrose was previously employed as the Orleans County Animal Control Officer and brings nearly seven years of experience to our team. ACO Eeckhout left some big shoes to fill, but ACO Ambrose has already proven to be an asset to the organization.
Throughout the year we received many kind words and thank you’s from citizens in town- more than could fit in this document. We aim to provide a high level of service to the community, and it is very rewarding to hear the positive feedback. Officer Ronnie Brett and Officer Ryan Sherman were presented with lifesaving awards for their actions at two different emergency scenes. Thanks to their quick actions, two citizens are alive and well. I could not be more proud of our officers; all of our staff are truly top-notch.
In closing, I want to thank the men and women of the Ogden Police Department and the Ogden Special Police for their service and dedication; it is an honor to be your Chief. I would also like to thank the community for the unwavering support in my first year as Chief; I am fortunate to serve in this capacity in such a great community. Our team has never been stronger, and we look forward to the year ahead!
Respectfully submitted,
Travis J. Gray
Chief of Police
It is hard to believe that my first full calendar year as Chief has come and gone. 2023 was another successful year for the police department. As in years past, 2023 was full of growth and change within the department. Although we faced challenges at times, the men and women of the Ogden Police Department rose to the challenges presented to them. Our officers continue to deliver a superior product to the community they serve.
In January, we hired Officer Jeremy Lindauer as our new DARE officer. Officer Lindauer had a long and distinguished career with the Rochester Police Department; he has carried that tradition on here. Thanks to Officer Lindauer, our DARE program is thriving; I continually receive positive feedback from parents of DARE students. Moving forward, we hope to continue our collaboration with the school district to offer more education to both students and faculty alike.
Officer Marc Lawrence joined our department in late 2022, and he completed his field training in February. A twelve-year veteran, Officer Lawrence joined our team as a lateral transfer from the City of Batavia. Officer Lawrence filled the vacancy created by Chief Mears’ retirement and gave us the ability to reinstate fourth platoon. Traditionally, fourth platoon hours were 11:00 am-7:00 pm; we adjusted those hours to 6:00 pm-2:00 am. This adjustment distributes personnel to help reduce the times officers on the overnight shift work alone. Officer Lawrence is doing great work and is a great addition to our team.
March and April are traditionally the time of year that our officers attend annual In-Service training at the Monroe County Public Safety Training Facility. In 2023, our officers learned about “Rescue Task Force,” a new aggressive deadly behavior response concept. This training helps prepare our members to respond to critical incidents in a streamlined, coordinated manner, ultimately serving to facilitate faster care for victims.
Officer Mark Bennetti and Officer Corey Lawhorn received Certificates of Appreciation at the Monroe County STOP-DWI awards ceremony on April 17th. Throughout the summer months, our officers conducted several grant-funded traffic safety details. The details targeted distracted driving, seatbelt violations, speeding in construction zones, and impaired driving. Our department is renewing efforts to promote public safety through traffic enforcement.
In May, Officer Dana Paduano was hired to fill a vacant part-time road patrol position. Officer Paduano joined OPD after a remarkable career with the New York State Police. Officer Paduano completed his field training and immediately proved to be a great addition to this organization. Shortly after completing field training, Officer Paduano was commended for his actions while responding to an officer-involved shooting in the Town of Gates in August.
On May 16th, 2023, we received word from the Division of Criminal Justice Services that after a rigorous certification process, our agency was found to be compliant with the new requirements of Executive Order 846. EO 846 pertains to the hiring standards and practices for police agencies. It is no surprise that our agency was found to be compliant, given our long history of successful accreditation.
Forfeited drug funds were used to purchase new rifle-threat ballistic panels /carriers for our officers. Not only are the new vests significantly lighter and enhance mobility, but they also reduce the risk of projectiles spalling and striking an officer, a flaw of our previous vests. Officers also completed semi-annual firearms qualifications and use of force training in May.
Keeping with tradition, our officers assisted the Spencerport Volunteer Fireman’s Association with their annual carnival and parade. Anticipating record crowds, our department, in conjunction with the Special Police, bolstered our staffing to promote a safe environment for all attendees. I am proud to say that this carnival season (despite the hazy smoke) was another success.
In accordance with our goals and objectives, we made an effort to strengthen our Community Engagement program in 2023. In addition to teaching DARE, Officer Lindauer coordinated community engagement events. By partnering with local businesses, we held events such as Pizza and Pages, National Night Out, and a Bicycle Helmet Safety program. The events we held were well attended and we aim to expand our programs in 2024. These events serve to strengthen the bond between our members and the community.
We began promoting the return of our Explorer Program in September, a program that had been dormant for several decades. After hosting an informational meeting, our program went live in November. I am proud to report that as of this writing, our Explorer Post has 12 students enrolled. These young men and women are the future of law enforcement, and we look forward to showing them what it takes to be an Ogden Police Officer.
The tail end of 2023 saw more training for our membership. In addition to fall firearms qualification, our officers participated in a defensive tactics refresher course- something new for the department. Every member also underwent resiliency training with Dr. Kimberly Butler, which aims to give all of our staff the tools to help deal with the cumulative stress of working in law enforcement. Finally, all of the command staff participated in supervisory training hosted online by the Daigle Law Group.
The safety and security of our personnel and facility remain a top priority for me. In September, I presented a proposal to the Town Board, in conjunction with the Ogden Police Club, to increase our patrol staffing. Our patrol positions remained at the same level for decades despite significant growth and development in the town. Officers on the overnight and morning shifts frequently work alone. In response, the Town Board authorized an increase of one new patrol officer position in 2024. This new position helps reduce the number of frequencies officers are working alone. Additionally, a proposal was presented to the town board for installing a security fence around the police department parking lot. The board approved the installation of such a fence utilizing ARPA funding. After putting the project out to bid, the winning bidder expects to start the installation in March of 2024. The members of OPD are thankful to the town board for their willingness to address our concerns while understanding their fiscal responsibilities to the taxpayers.
In December, we hired our new Animal Control Officer, Ariel Ambrose. ACO Ambrose filled the vacancy created when our previous Animal Control Officer, John Eeckhout, retired after a successful 37-year career. ACO Ambrose was previously employed as the Orleans County Animal Control Officer and brings nearly seven years of experience to our team. ACO Eeckhout left some big shoes to fill, but ACO Ambrose has already proven to be an asset to the organization.
Throughout the year we received many kind words and thank you’s from citizens in town- more than could fit in this document. We aim to provide a high level of service to the community, and it is very rewarding to hear the positive feedback. Officer Ronnie Brett and Officer Ryan Sherman were presented with lifesaving awards for their actions at two different emergency scenes. Thanks to their quick actions, two citizens are alive and well. I could not be more proud of our officers; all of our staff are truly top-notch.
In closing, I want to thank the men and women of the Ogden Police Department and the Ogden Special Police for their service and dedication; it is an honor to be your Chief. I would also like to thank the community for the unwavering support in my first year as Chief; I am fortunate to serve in this capacity in such a great community. Our team has never been stronger, and we look forward to the year ahead!
Respectfully submitted,
Travis J. Gray
Chief of Police