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FALLEN OFFICERS

DETECTIVE WASYL POTIENKO
End of Watch: Tuesday, October 29, 2002

On October 29th, 2002, Detective Wasyl “Waz” Potienko, age 44, was killed in the line of duty in a motor vehicle accident. He was a fourteen year veteran of the Department, Badge #247. He was part of the Department’s Juvenile Division. He is survived by his wife, Mary.

Detective Potienko was following up on an investigation when the accident occurred.

The “Wasyl Potienko Sunshine Room” in Police Headquarters is used by Youth and Family Services for juvenile crime victims. The Wasyl Potienko Memorial Foundation, founded by Mary, supports academic growth and youth activities through donations and scholarships. In 2011, WasylFello Von Rapicar, the Department K9, was named in Detective Potienko’s honor. The certified narcotics detection dog is affectionately known as”Wazi.”

POLICE OFFICER DAVID J. TOLSMA
End of Watch: Thursday, October 20, 1977

On October 20, 1977 Patrolman David J. Tolsma, age 32, was killed while responding to a robbery call at a hotel on Genesee Street. He was a six year veteran of the Department, Badge #112. He was also a veteran of the U.S. Navy. He is survived by his wife, Judith, and two children, Kimberly and Jason.

All Cheektowaga Police Officers receive their firearms training at the Burgess/Tolsma Training Center located on Scott Rd. In 2007, the Town named a street after Patrolman Tolsma to further honor his memory.

POLICE OFFICER ROBERT A. BURGESS
End of Watch: Friday, July 1, 1977

On July 1, 1977 Patrolman Robert A. Burgess, age 30, was killed in the line of duty as he attempted to effect an arrest. He had been with the Department only nine months, Badge #148. He was also a veteran of the U.S. Army. He is survived by his wife, Linda Lee; and  daughter, Kristen.

All Cheektowaga Police Officers receive their firearms training at the Burgess/Tolsma Training Center located on Scott Rd. In 2007, the Town named a street after Patrolman Tolsma to further honor his memory.

CONSTABLE JOHN BAUER
End of Watch: Thursday, January 3, 1929

On January 3, 1929 Constable John Bauer, age 36, was killed in the line of duty in a motorcycle accident. He was a twelve year veteran of the Department. Constable Bauer was survived by a wife and two children.

Constable Bauer was attempting to apprehend suspects who were believed to have killed a Lackawanna Police Officer when the suspects’ vehicle forced him off the road.

CHEEKTOWAGA POLICE DEPARTMENT

3223 Union Road
Cheektowaga, New York 14227

Phone: (716) 686-3500

911 FOR EMERGENCIES

CHIEF BRIAN F COONS

FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Copyright © 2023
Cheektowaga Police Department
All rights reserved.

FALLEN OFFICERS

DETECTIVE WASYL POTIENKO
End of Watch: Tuesday, October 29, 2002

On October 29th, 2002, Detective Wasyl “Waz” Potienko, age 44, was killed in the line of duty in a motor vehicle accident. He was a fourteen year veteran of the Department, Badge #247. He was part of the Department’s Juvenile Division. He is survived by his wife, Mary.

Detective Potienko was following up on an investigation when the accident occurred.

The “Wasyl Potienko Sunshine Room” in Police Headquarters is used by Youth and Family Services for juvenile crime victims. The Wasyl Potienko Memorial Foundation, founded by Mary, supports academic growth and youth activities through donations and scholarships. In 2011, WasylFello Von Rapicar, the Department K9, was named in Detective Potienko’s honor. The certified narcotics detection dog is affectionately known as”Wazi.”

POLICE OFFICER DAVID J. TOLSMA
End of Watch: Thursday, October 20, 1977

On October 20, 1977 Patrolman David J. Tolsma, age 32, was killed while responding to a robbery call at a hotel on Genesee Street. He was a six year veteran of the Department, Badge #112. He was also a veteran of the U.S. Navy. He is survived by his wife, Judith, and two children, Kimberly and Jason.

All Cheektowaga Police Officers receive their firearms training at the Burgess/Tolsma Training Center located on Scott Rd. In 2007, the Town named a street after Patrolman Tolsma to further honor his memory.

POLICE OFFICER ROBERT A. BURGESS
End of Watch: Friday, July 1, 1977

On July 1, 1977 Patrolman Robert A. Burgess, age 30, was killed in the line of duty as he attempted to effect an arrest. He had been with the Department only nine months, Badge #148. He was also a veteran of the U.S. Army. He is survived by his wife, Linda Lee; and  daughter, Kristen.

All Cheektowaga Police Officers receive their firearms training at the Burgess/Tolsma Training Center located on Scott Rd. In 2007, the Town named a street after Patrolman Tolsma to further honor his memory.

CONSTABLE JOHN BAUER
End of Watch: Thursday, January 3, 1929

On January 3, 1929 Constable John Bauer, age 36, was killed in the line of duty in a motorcycle accident. He was a twelve year veteran of the Department. Constable Bauer was survived by a wife and two children.

Constable Bauer was attempting to apprehend suspects who were believed to have killed a Lackawanna Police Officer when the suspects’ vehicle forced him off the road.

CHEEKTOWAGA POLICE DEPARTMENT

3223 Union Road
Cheektowaga, New York 14227

Phone: (716) 686-3500

911 FOR EMERGENCIES

CHIEF BRIAN F COONS

FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Copyright © 2023
Cheektowaga Police Department
All rights reserved.

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