Onondaga County Sheriff's Office

The Onondaga County Sheriff's Office would like to welcome Christopher Badman and Derek Hanna to the OCSO family. This morning at a brief ceremony held at the Sheriff’s Office Headquarters building, both Deputy Badman and Deputy Hanna were sworn-in by Sheriff Gene Conway. The two will serve as Patrol Deputies assigned to the Sheriff’s Office Police Department. Both have prior law enforcement experience with the New York State Park Police. Congratulations and welcome aboard!

Congratulations to our Recent Retirees! Police Department Sergeant Melissa Berlinski Correction Department Senior Officer Gerald Riposa... Court Attendant Deputy Madeline Squires Court Attendant Deputy Joan Murphy

Sheriff Conway and the members of the Sheriff’s Office extend our condolences to the Syracuse Police Department and to the Miguel family on the passing of former Chief Gary Miguel. Chief Miguel’s commitment to the City of Syracuse was remarkable. He embodied dedication to duty, service beyond himself and was a great partner working together in the pursuit of justice. He was a true credit to law enforcement. May he Rest In Peace.

From all of us at the Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office, have a safe and enjoyable holiday. Happy New Year!

After over 30 years of service to Onondaga County, Senior Officer Gerry Riposa walked off-duty for the last time this afternoon. Starting in June of 1989, Senior Officer Riposa watched the evolution of Corrections from the front line. He was a part of the inaugural Response Team (SERT), a group of specifically trained officers dedicated to controlling disturbances and keeping both the staff and inmate population safe. Riposa was always willing to instill his broad insight ...upon new officers walking inside the walls. Gerry was proud of his extensive years with the Onondaga County Department of Correction and assisted his fellow officers with the transition to the Sheriff's Office. Senior Officer Riposa is a motorcycle enthusiast and lifelong Oakland Raiders fan. We wish him the best of luck in his retirement. Congratulations, Gerry!

***UPDATE*** At about 5:00pm on December 5, 2020, Michael Ballew was located, safe and healthy, at a gas station in Canastota, NY. The DeWitt Police Departmen...t would like to thank the public for their assistance in locating Michael. Also, the DeWitt Police Department would like to thank the various media outlets that quickly disseminated the original media release. ***MISSING VULNERABLE ADULT*** The DeWitt Police Department is seeking the community’s assistance in locating a Missing Vulnerable Adult. On December 4th, 2020 at about 3:30p.m., Michael E. Ballew, 19, of Manlius, NY was at Tractor Supply Company on Manlius Center Rd., in East Syracuse when he walked away from his family. After about an hour of searching for Michael, the family called 911 to report him missing. At the time of this media release, Michael has not been located. Michael E. Ballew is 6’04 tall, weighs 160lbs, has brown hair, brown eyes and was last seen wearing denim jeans, a purple coat and black Crocs. Michael is diagnosed with autism, and does not like large crowds. Michael tends to hang out in gas stations and laundromats when he runs away. (Picture attached to email). If anyone comes in contact with Michael E. Ballew or has information regarding his whereabouts, the Dewitt Police Department urges them to contact 911 immediately.**

Winter driving can be hazardous and uneasy, especially in Onondaga County where we receive an abundance of snow and ice each year. The Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office is committed to making our roads safe every day for all motorists and is offering some helpful winter driving safety tips. 1) Prepare- Make sure you and your car are properly equipped Before you set out for work, school, shopping or wherever your trip may lead you, keep the following items in mind.... Make sure that your car has ample antifreeze, the windshield is clean and you have plenty of windshield washer fluid. Be sure the headlights are clean and in working order. Verify that the tires have tread and are properly inflated. Equip your car with a flashlight and extra batteries, a first aid kit, warm clothes, and a blanket. Perhaps the most important of all: Remember your cell phone, so you can call in case of emergency. 2) Prevent-Slow down Driving too fast is the main cause of collisions in winter conditions. Even if you're driving an SUV or a four-wheel-drive vehicle, you cannot safely control or stop your vehicle during a snowstorm. Regardless of your vehicle, how you drive can prevent collisions. Avoid abrupt acceleration, braking and unnecessary lane changes. These maneuvers can cause your vehicle to lose traction, sending your vehicle in an uncontrollable skid, leading to a collision. Reduce your speed. Remember the posted speed limits are for dry pavement. Leave plenty of room for stopping. It takes more time and distance to stop in adverse conditions. Be patient, plan your route ahead of time and allow yourself enough time to get to your destination. Make sure someone knows your travel plans. 3) Protect-Don’t get out of your car and stand in the road If you’re involved in a motor vehicle collision, stay in your vehicle. People standing outside on icy roads after surviving their own collision are often struck and killed in secondary collisions. If your vehicle becomes disabled, stay in your vehicle. Walking in a storm can be very dangerous. Your vehicle itself is a good shelter. Don't run the engine-unless you are certain the exhaust pipe is free of snow or other objects. Keep the radiator free from snow to prevent the engine from overheating. Run the engine at 10 minute intervals for heat. Remember to always wear your seat belt. Ensure that everyone in your vehicle is buckled up as well. Do not text or engage in any other activities that may distract you while driving. So please stay alert, slow down and stay in control!

Congratulations to the Cub Scouts of Pack 289 Longhouse Council Towpath District on their achievements. It was an honor to have participated in their awards ceremony held this morning in the parking lot of the Lysander Town Hall. Congratulations.....keep up the great work!

Sheriff Conway is pleased to congratulate Deputy Dane Spicer and Deputy Alexa Pedersen as the Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office Employees of the Month for November 2020. On November 29th, at approximately 3:25 AM, Deputy Spicer and Deputy Pedersen responded to a residence in the Town of Lafayette after receiving a 911 call of an unconscious/ unresponsive 38 year old female. Deputy Spicer quickly arrived on scene where he discovered the female lifeless on the living room floor.... Subsequent to Deputy Spicer’s interview with the victim’s relative it was determined that the female was suffering from an apparent accidental prescription drug overdose. Deputy Spicer immediately administered the drug Naloxone Narcan through the victim’s nasal passage before beginning CPR. While performing CPR, Deputy Pedersen arrived on scene and administered a second dose of Narcan. After several minutes of CPR, the victim regained a pulse and the Lafayette Fire Department along with TLC Ambulance arrived on scene. The medical personnel provided advanced life-saving techniques until the victim eventually regained consciousness, with a normal pulse and a regular breathing pattern. It is without a doubt, the quick response time along with the medical treatment provided by these two deputies and the rescue personnel, saved this woman’s life, which is why it is Sheriff Conway’s honor to designate them as the Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office Employees of the Month for November 2020.

Stay off Santa’s naughty list: Designate a sober driver to get you home safely after drinking. Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving.

Best wishes for a safe and healthy holiday season.

Deputies save woman from apparent drug overdose. Early this morning at approximately 3:25 AM, Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a residence in the Town of Lafayette after receiving a 911 call of an unconscious and unresponsive 38 year old female. Deputies quickly arrived on scene where they discovered the female lifeless on the living room floor. Subsequent to the Deputies interview with the victim’s relative it was determined that the female was suffering from an apparent acc...idental drug overdose. Deputy Dane Spicer immediately administered the drug Naloxone Narcan through the victim’s nasal passage before beginning CPR. A second dose of Narcan was administered by Deputy Alexa Pederson. After several more minutes of CPR, the victim regained a pulse. Lafayette Fire Department along with TLC Ambulance arrived where they continued to provided advanced life-saving techniques until the victim regained consciousness, with a normal pulse and a regular breathing pattern. Outstanding job to all involved!

This year’s Heroes & Helpers gift distribution was held this morning at Sheriff’s Headquarters, and the event was a drive-through due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Over the past few weeks, Deputies and Officers hit the Target stores armed with wish lists from the children and unloaded shipments of donated toys from the First Responders Children’s Foundation. We spent the morning wrapping the gifts before hand delivering them to the families as they drove down the alley outside... our headquarters office. In addition to the gifts, the children also received Dunkin Donuts, hot chocolate & gift cards donated by the Wolak Group. This successful event couldn’t have been done without the support of our friends from the First Responders Children's Foundation, Target, Summit Federal Credit Union, Thomas J. Pirro Jr. Funeral Home,H. P. Mile, Inc. of Syracuse and Dunkin' Donuts the Wolak Group. We wish all the children a Merry Christmas/ Happy Holiday. #ToyExpressFRCF

We would like to sincerely thank Victor & Connie Oliver of East Syracuse along with the many CNY Orphan Car Fans for their generous donation of $1,000 to the Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office Law Enforcement Foundation Inc. We are so grateful for their donation and support. The CNY Orphan Car Club has hosted an annual Orphan Vehicle Show charitable event for the past 6 years. They are classic car enthusiasts devoted to marques that are no longer manufactured, aka 'orphan'. (e....g. Studebaker, AMC, Packard, Nash, Pontiac, Kaiser Frazer, Checker, some special interests (Corvair, Edsel) and perhaps in a few more years, Saturn!) Due to COVID-19, this year's event was modified from a judged car show to a car cruise-in, and was a resounding success. Vehicles would 'cruise-in', and at any given time, and more than several hundred vehicles were on display at Lewis Park in Minoa.

Today we remember Syracuse Police Detective Wallie Howard Jr., who was killed in the line of duty on October 30, 1990. On the anniversary of his passing, we mourn with his family, friends and our brothers and sisters in SPD. It is especially difficult today with the timing of his killers release. May his memory and sacrifice never be forgotten.

Today is National First Responders Day. National First Responders Day recognizes the heroic men and women who make it their business to take immediate action when disaster strikes. We want to thank you for everything you do to serve our community firefighters, paramedics, police, sheriff, 911 dispatchers and more.. we salute you!

The Onondaga County Sheriff's Office wishes to recognize and congratulate Lori Hable on her retirement following a distinguished career. Included in her many years of service to Onondaga County, was time spent working in the Sheriff's Office, where she was employed as an Administrative Assistant assigned to the Criminalistics Section for many years before moving to the Communications/Information Section. She would later accept an offer of employment with the Department of Com...munications-911, where she remained connected to public safety in several ways, often taking on assignments beyond her normal duties. She is described as the consummate professional by all who have worked with her. Her meticulous attention to detail, cheerful personality, dedication and commitment is evident by her long tenure of service to the citizens of Onondaga County. The members of the Sheriff's Office extend our deep appreciation for her support, past and present. Congratulations, we wish you the absolute best in your retirement from Onondaga County.

Today we remember fallen Sheriff’s Deputy Glenn Searles, whose watch ended 17 years ago on November 29th, 2003. Deputy Glenn Searles died in 2003 after a car lost control along Route 481 and struck him while he was helping a stranded motorist. Deputy Searles had served with the Onondaga County Sheriff's Office for two years, and had previously served as an investigator with the medical examiner's office. He was 31 years old when he was killed in the line of duty. May his memory and sacrifice never be forgotten.

Sometimes Superheroes Reside in the hearts of Small Children Fighting Big Battles. Today, a few of our members along with a member of the Camillus Police Department had the pleasure of meeting one of those superheroes named Kaiden Uribe. Kaiden, who is 5 years old, was recently diagnosed with leukemia and after spending several days in the hospital, he was able to return home where we had the opportunity to greet him with lights, sirens and gifts. Stay Strong Kaiden and Kee...p Fighting the Fight. Want to give Kaiden the ultimate gift, visit Kaiden’s Corner at https://www.gofundme.com/f/uribe-leukemai-fund

The Contest Deadline is Fast Approaching! One week from today, three kids will win #spooktacular prizes. See below for details. ... Kids Halloween Costume Contest It’s time to celebrate all things spooky! Halloween brings screams, treats and lots of fun. That’s why we’ve decided to hold a Kids’ Halloween Costume Contest. Children ages 0-15 can enter for a chance to win a #spooktacular prize! Costume Contest Categories Most Cutest Most Scariest Most Creative HOW TO SUBMIT: Onondaga County residents can submit photos of their child’s Halloween costume by emailing it to [email protected]. Please include your child’s name, age and contact information. Winners will be posted on our Facebook page on October 31st. Contest ends at 12:00 PM on October 30th, 2020. Good Luck Everyone.

We are sad to learn of the passing of retired Lieutenant Gary Jones. Lieutenant Jones retired in 1998 after serving for 25 years. His career included assignments to Patrol, Special Investigations, Criminal Investigations and as Commander of the Criminalistics Section. A recipient of the Medal of Distinction, he embodied the values of professionalism, dedication to duty, fairness and a deep desire to protect and serve the community. We extend our sincere condolences to his family. May he rest in peace.

A SAFE HALLOWEEN IS A HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

In the Air Last Night- On December 7th at approximately 11:58 pm, Air1 responded to the Auto Auction lot on Brewerton Road in the Town of Cicero for a trespass in progress. Upon the arrival of Air1, the flight crew located three subjects hiding between vehicles in the northwest corner of the lot. The flight crew coordinated a perimeter with responding ground units and as offfcers moved in, the suspects ran west from the lot and scaled over a fence into a large field. One of the suspects eventually split from the group and fled in another direction. After ground units took the two suspects into custody, Air1 searched for the third suspect, who was eventually located in a wet wooded area, where he was taken into custody. All three were charged by the Cicero Police Department. Great job by all involved!

National Teen Driver Safety Week begins today! Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for teens in the U.S. Make sure you’ve established the #RulesForTheRoad to keep them safe. 1 RISK TAKING-Don’t do something you’ll regret for the rest of your life. Car crashes are the leading cause of injury and death for teens. And it’s not just about you: Crashes affect pedestrians, passengers and other drivers, as well as their families. 2 TEXTING & TALKING-Focus on drivin...g. Texting increases crash risk by 23 times. Talking on a cell phone while driving can double reaction time. Save the texting, phone calls and other gadgets for after the driving is done. 3 UN-BUCKLED-Use a safety belt and insist that all your passengers do so as well. About two-thirds of teens killed in vehicle crashes were not wearing safety belts. Wearing a seat belt reduces your chances of being hurt or killed in a crash by 45 percent. 4 MUSIC-Turn the music off while learning to drive. Adjusting the radio or cd player or searching your iPod are common distractions for teen drivers. 5 SPEED-Stick to the speed limit. One-third of teen fatalities involve speeding. Obeying the speed limit reduces the severity of a crash you can’t avoid. 6 ROWDY RIDERS-Don’t load up your car with friends. Adding one teen passenger to a vehicle increases a teen driver’s crash risk by about 50 percent. With two or more teen passengers, the crash risk is fivefold. 7 DUI/DRUGS-Stay sober and drug-free. The risk of involvement in a motor vehicle crash is greater for teens under the influence of alcohol or drugseven prescription drugs. 8 LATE NIGHT DRIVING-Teen crash rates at night (9 p.m. to 6 a.m.) are twice as high as daytime rates. Obey parental curfews. 9 PEER PRESSURE-Make good choices and don’t be afraid to speak up. Before you get in the car with a friend, ask: Is this a person you trust? Is he in the right frame of mind to drive safely? Are you prepared to speak up if he drives dangerously? 10 OVERCONFIDENCE-Overconfidence can lead to crashes when new drivers encounter unfamiliar or unexpected situations. Parents should supervise and monitor their teen driverseven after they get their license.

The Onondaga County Sheriff's Office would like to welcome Brittany McGraw to the OCSO family. This morning at a brief ceremony held at the Sheriff’s Office Headquarters building, Deputy McGraw was sworn-in by Sheriff Gene Conway. Deputy McGraw will serve as a Patrol Deputy assigned to the Sheriff’s Office Police Department. Deputy McGraw comes to the agency with prior law enforcement experience as she was previously employed by the Syracuse Police Department for the past 4 years. Congratulations Deputy McGraw and welcome aboard!

Our thoughts and prayers are with the men and women of Syracuse Police Department and the friends and family of Detective William LaShomb. Rest In Peace and thank you for your Service!

Congratulations to Deputy Sean Andrews, Deputy Jeremy Butler and Detective Michael Walton on their promotion today to the rank of Sergeant.

Kids Halloween Costume Contest It’s time to celebrate all things spooky! Halloween brings screams, treats and lots of fun. That’s why we’ve decided to hold a Kids’ Halloween Costume Contest. Children ages 0-15 can enter for a chance to win a #spooktacular prize! Costume Contest Categories... Most Cutest Most Scariest Most Creative HOW TO SUBMIT: Onondaga County residents can submit photos of their child’s Halloween costume by emailing it to [email protected]. Please include your child’s name, age and contact information. Winners will be posted on our Facebook page on October 31st. Contest ends at 12:00 PM on October 30th, 2020. Good Luck Everyone.

Weather Alert Reports of numerous trees and wires down throughout Onondaga County due to heavy winds and severe thunderstorm. If you should come across downed wires, stay at least 30 feet away (at least two full pole spans) and keep others from going near them as well. Call 911 immediately.

Fire Prevention Week 2020 kicked off yesterday. This year’s theme is Serving up fire safety in the kitchen. Kitchen fires are the leading cause of home fires and home fire injuries in the United States! Be sure to check out your local fire department’s Facebook page to educate yourself on cooking hazards, the dangers of unattended cooking, and precautions you can take to prevent cooking-related fires. Amber Fire & EMS Apulia Volunteer Fire Company Inc. Baldwinsville Vol. Fi...re Company Belgium Cold Springs Fire Department Borodino Fire Department Brewerton Fire Department Bridgeport Fire Department Camillus Volunteer Fire Department Caughdenoy Volunteer Fire Department Cicero Fire Department Clay Fire Department Cody Fire Department Delphi Falls Fire Department Open House DeWitt Fire District East Syracuse Fire Department Elbridge Fire Department Fabius Fire Department Fairmount Fire Department Fayetteville Fire & EMS Hinsdale Volunteer Fire Department Howlett Hill Fire Volunteer Department Jamesville Fire Department Jordan Fire Department Kirkville Fire Company LaFayette Fire Department - NY Lakeside Fire District Liverpool Fire Department Lyncourt Fire Department Lysander Fire Department Manlius Fire and EMS Marcellus Fire Department Mattydale Fire Department Minoa Fire Department Mottville Fire Department Moyers Corners Fire Department Nedrow Volunteer Fire Department Inc. North Syracuse Fire Department Onondaga Hill Fire Department Onondaga Nation Vol. Fire Department Otisco Fire Department Phoenix Enterprise Fire Company #1 Plainville (NY) Fire Department Pompey Hill Fd Seneca River Fire Department Sentinel Heights Fire Department Skaneateles Volunteer Fire Department Solvay Fire Department South Bay Fire Department South Onondaga Fire Department Southwood Volunteer Fire Dept/ Spafford Fire Dept Taunton Fire Department Tully Fire & EMS Warners-Memphis Fire Department See more

Today we bid farewell to Special Assistant George Manolis, who officially retired from the Correction Department after serving over 30 years. As a token of appreciation, the office dedicated Manolis Parkway to him. an internal roadway at the Correction facility. Congratulations!