WHO WE ARE
Chief Brian Coons
Chief Brian Coons began his career with the Cheektowaga Police Department in 1998. He worked patrol for nine years, also being involved in specialty units including SWAT, Bike Patrol, Tactical Training Unit, D.A.R.E, and a school liaison officer within the Maryvale School District.
Chief Coons was promoted to the rank of Sergeant in 2007 and worked across all three shifts, supervising the patrol units. During his time as a Sergeant, Captain Coons also served as the Entry Team Leader on the department’s SWAT Team, where he was responsible for multiple aspects of team duties including overseeing and conducting all trainings.
In 2013, Chief Coons was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant. He served as supervisor of the Community Services Unit, managing the department’s social media activity and all community events. Chief Coons also spent time as both the Investigative Unit Supervisor and the Personnel Development Unit Supervisor.
As of his latest promotion in 2022, Chief Coons was prior serving as the Captain of Administration and Public Relations. His responsibilities included Public Information Officer, Community Services Unit, Personnel Development, and the Records Management Unit. He was promoted to Chief effective November 30th, 2023.
Chief Coons attended the FBI National Academy, Session 274, in 2018 and has a bachelor’s degree from SUNY College at Brockport.
EXECUTIVE STAFF
Captain Rick Roll 
Captain Roll began his career with the Town of Cheektowaga Police Department in 1995. Upon his appointment, he proudly became a third generation police officer, his grandfather and father had served in the Town of Cheektowaga Police Department before him. In addition to his duties as a Patrolman, he was a member of the Defensive Tactics Team, Awards Committee, and a Field-Training Officer.
Captain Roll was promoted to the rank of Sergeant in 2005, where he supervised the busy afternoon Patrol shift. In 2010, he was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant and commanded the midnight Patrol unit. In 2011, he moved to the Headquarters and Support Services position to assist with the construction of the new Police and Court building. During that time, Captain Roll also oversaw the agency’s Accreditation Program. He revised the police department’s policy manual and received New York States Department of Criminal Justice Services award, in 2014 and 2019. Along with his responsibilities, he also managed the Cellblock, Dispatch, Court Security and Dog Warden.
Captain Roll has a Bachelor’s degree from the University at Buffalo. He was a former Trustee of the Cheektowaga PBA and is currently President of the Town of Cheektowaga Captains and Lieutenants Association.
Captain Dana Cadwallader 
Captain Cadwallader began his career with the Cheektowaga Police Department in 1999, shortly after graduating from Medaille College with a Bachelors of Science Degree in Criminal Justice. During his time as a patrolman, Captain Cadwallader was a Field Training Officer and also served with the Tactical Support Team. Captain Cadwallader was promoted to the position of Sergeant in 2011, where he supervised the officers on the 1st and 3rd platoons and became a member of the awards committee. Following his promotion to Lieutenant of the 1st Platoon in 2013, Captain Cadwallader also became the Administrator for the Departments Narcan Program. Captain Cadwallader was promoted in February of 2020 to his current position of Captain of Patrol.
Captain Thomas Gerace
Captain Gerace began his career with the Cheektowaga Police Department in 2000 where he served as a patrolman and SWAT Team member until his promotion to Sergeant in 2004. As a Sergeant he supervised the officers of the 1st and 2nd platoons and became a member of the awards committee. In 2008 Captain Gerace attended the FBI National Academy in Quantico Va. and was promoted to Lieutenant upon his return to Cheektowaga.
As a Lieutenant, Captain Gerace supervised the 1st platoon until his transfer to the Vice Gambling and Narcotics unit in 2011 where he was placed in charge of five detectives that were tasked with obtaining and executing search warrants, working wire room and surveillance operations, and investigating human trafficking and narcotics cases. From 2021 to 2022 Captain Gerace also served as the departments SWAT Team Commander.
After close to a decade in Vice operations, Captain Gerace took a position as the departments Headquarters and Administrative Lieutenant in 2020 where oversaw the Cellblock, Court Security, Dog Warden and the department’s Accreditation Program.
In 2021 Captain Gerace returned to the Patrol Division where he supervised the 2nd platoon until his promotion to Patrol Captain in October of 2023.
Captain Gerace has a Master’s Degree in Communications Design from the University at Buffalo and served in the NY Army National Guard from 1991-2000 where he attained the rank of Sergeant and was deployed to Bosnia/Herzegovina from 1999-2000.
Captain Jeffrey Schmidt
Captain Jeffrey Schmidt began his career with the Cheektowaga Police Department in 2006 after serving four years in the United Stated Marine Corps as a military policeman. He is a second-generation police supervisor following in the footsteps of his father Lieutenant Gary Schmidt, who retired in 2008. Captain Schmidt worked patrol for seven years, and was involved in specialty units including SWAT, Bike Patrol, Tactical Training Unit, and Field Training Officer.
Captain Schmidt was promoted to the rank of Sergeant in 2013 and worked across all three shifts, supervising the patrol units. During his time as a Sergeant, Captain Schmidt served as the Entry Team Leader and Sniper Team Leader on the department’s SWAT Team, where he was responsible for multiple aspects of team duties including overseeing and conducting all trainings.
In 2020, Captain Schmidt was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant. He served as supervisor of the Community Services Unit, managing the department’s social media activity and all community events while coordinating the Department’s hiring program.
As of his latest promotion in 2023, Captain Schmidt is serving as the Captain of Administration and Public Relations. His responsibilities include duties as the Department’s Public Information Officer and oversight of the Community Services Unit, Personnel Development Unit, and the Records Management Unit.
Captain Schmidt attended the FBI National Academy, Session 283, in 2022 and has a bachelor’s degree from SUNY College at Buffalo. He is currently the Secretary of the Town of Cheektowaga Captains and Lieutenants Association.
COMMUNITY SERVICES UNIT
The Community Services Unit plays a critical role in the department’s approach to strengthening community relationships and trust. The Community Services Unit partners with community leaders, civic organizations, block associations, and concerned citizens to develop solutions to challenges that arise within the town’s many diverse communities. Community Services Unit also provides young people with enrichment, diversion, and intervention programs, helping to reduce youth crime. Community Services Unit Officers interact with and educate the community in matters of public safety and personal safety, staying closely connected with the community.
DEPARTMENT HISTORY
THE EARLY YEARS
The early years of law enforcement in the Town of Cheektowaga started when the town charter provided for two constables who were elected to office. The town was a rural farm community that had a need to elect game constables starting in 1873. Cheektowaga began growing with the railroads as their yards were spreading across the town. Constables remained only as elected officials, until 1901, when the town began appointing special constables and adapted rules for the governing of the constables. These actions were the first attempts by the town to gain some control over the constable force. The year 1901 also saw the appointment of the first chief constable, Albert F. Carl. He was asked to resign a year later.
THE 1920’S
The decade of the 1920’s was a time of growth for the Town of Cheektowaga, as evidenced by the opening of the Buffalo Airport in June 1926, the opening of the new town hall in February 1927 and a population that doubled from 13,323 in 1920 to over 25,000 in 1930. The constable force was also growing along with the town and the conduct of some of the constables was becoming a problem. The town saw a need to appoint a Chief Constable, Amedeo
Coppola, in February 1922. This was the beginning of many changes in the constable force. Constables were assigned to districts, given badges and applications were now investigated. In 1927, the new town hall provided the force with a modern station and lock-up. In 1928, a standard uniform was required, a Chief Constable was again appointed along with a lieutenant of constables. All warrants and summons were now returnable in the new court located in town hall. This replaced arraignments at the homes of the town justices, as had been the practice. On May 1st, 1928, the town abolished the old system of elected and appointed constables and established a full time salaried constable force. The decade also saw the beginnings of traffic enforcement and accident investigation with constables on motorcycles doing speed enforcement. It also saw the installation of telephones and call boxes. The decade ended tragically when Constable John Bauer was the first Cheektowaga Officer to die in the line of duty on January 5th, 1929.
THE 1930’S
The decade of the 1930’s was a turbulent time in the history of the police force. Many officers were dismissed for charges of bribery and brutality and the chief constable was dismissed from his post. Officers were indicted by the grand jury for assault and beating defendants for confessions. In 1932, the entire police department was abolished and re-formed with Charles Wohlford as the first Police Chief. Civil service was introduced and the officers received their first week of paid vacation. The thirties saw the formation of the Sloan Police Force and the hiring of the first police matrons and telephone
operators at Town Hall. The department also purchased vehicles: two Chevrolets and two Fords both equipped with sirens and short wave length radios. Twenty-four hour police service was instituted.
THE 1940’s
The country was at war and members of the police department answered the call for military service. Civilian defense authorities had telephone lines for defense information set up in the police station which was located in the basement of Town Hall and at the fire halls. A modern three-way type FM radio system for broadcasting and receiving was installed as well as a switchboard to handle the volume of calls. The Accident Prevention and Traffic and Detective Bureaus were both formed. The detective bureau had an identification section and a crime detection laboratory. A captain’s position was created in the department and the rank of police chief was now a civil service appointment. Police dispatchers and telephone operators were also civil service. Officers asked for more vacation time and to be paid for overtime hours that they worked.
THE 1950’s
The 1950’s started the era of the Cold War with Russia and auxiliary police in Cheektowaga were organized in the event of an attack on the community by bombing. Crossing guards saw their beginnings and foot patrol was instituted. Youth programs were mentioned to combat juvenile delinquency. The radio system was connected to the state and teletypes were used to communicate. The fire radio system that connected with the County of Erie was installed. Officers used “photo traffic cameras” which were designed to reduce accidents by determining speeds and taking a picture of the violator. A traffic timing device called “speed watch” was used to clock violators. Cameras were used to make identification photos of prisoners.
The police chief joined the International Association of Chiefs of Police and attended a conference on community relations sponsored by the National Conference of Christians and Jews.
Cheektowaga officers were assigned to patrol the Greater Buffalo International Airport. The first firearms course was set up at a high school range to enable officers to sharpen their aim with periodic practice. Social Security coverage was obtained for officers as well as twenty five year retirement.
THE 1960’s
Law enforcement in the sixties began to place emphasis on education and training and many officers took courses in sociology, criminology and police science. The first Cheektowaga officers graduated from the basic recruit course given by the Erie County Sheriff’s Department with the assistance of the FBI and Erie County Police Chiefs. A police commission was established with a police commissioner and two town board members. Cheektowaga Fire Chiefs established a central dispatching unit for the eleven volunteer fire companies. The later part of the decade saw the police department moving into its new headquarters at 3223 Union Road, complete with room for 136 Patrolmen, a pistol range, a fire dispatch office and a cell block. The Penal Law of New York State was enacted in 1967. The sixties also saw the formation of the Police Benevolent Association and the Captains and Lieutenants Association as recognized bargaining units after the enactment of the Public Employee Fair Employment Act.
FORMER CHIEFS
ORGANIZATIONAL CHART
WALL OF HONOR
The Medal of Honor may be awarded to any sworn member of the Cheektowaga Police Department, who, in the line of duty gives their life or distinguishes themselves by an act of courage involving risk of imminent danger to themselves- with the knowledge that such risk is above and beyond the call of duty. The aforementioned acts must have been performed for the purpose of saving of protecting human life.
OFFICER JACOB RUPPERT
On March 1st, 2020, Officer Jacob Ruppert confronted an armed suspect who has shot and fatally wounded an employee at a 7-Eleven convenience store on French Road. After an exchange of gunfire, the suspect lowered his weapon and surrendered into custody.
SERGEANT JOHN WANAT 
On March 5th, 2016, Sergeant John Wanat responded to the Best Western Hotel on Genesee Street in search of a suspect who stole a .45 caliber pistol. Upon his arrival at the hotel, the suspect immediately advanced towards Sergeant John Wanat and raised his weapon. Sergeant Wanat shot and fatally wounded the suspect.
OFFICER JOSEPH BASHAW
On November 14th, 2002, Officer Joseph Bashaw confronted two armed robbery suspects at the Wilson Farms store, 2761 Harlem Road. After being ordered to the ground, one suspect, armed with a shotgun, attempted to shoot Officer Bashaw. Officer Bashaw was forced to fire at the suspect, wounding one robber and taking him into custody.
OFFICER JERALD BARBER
On July 21st, 1987, Officer Jerald Barber was injured tackling a man armed with a shotgun who had held police at bay for two hours and forcing him to the ground during a confrontation at Walden Avenue and Union Road.
OFFICER BRONISLAUS NAPIERSKI
On July 16th, 1982, Officer Bronislaus Napierski confronted a man who was holding a hostage at knifepoint at the Buffalo International Airport. When the hostage broke free, the suspect lunged at Officer Napierski with the knife. Officer Napierski shot and critically wounded the suspect.
OFFICER ROBERT WALKER
On October 20th, 1977, Officer Robert Walker confronted an armed robbery suspect at the Holiday Inn on Genesee Street who fired shots at him and his partner, David Tolsma. Tolsma was fatally wounded in the confrontation. Walker returned fire wounding the suspect.
OFFICER THOMAS ROWAN
On July 20th, 1977, Officer Thomas Rowan was hospitalized for smoke inhalation and burns sustained while trying to rescue the pilot of an airplane that had crashed into the Westinghouse Plant on Genesee Street.
OFFICER WILLIAM BELZ
On July 1st, 1977, Officer William Belz sustained injuries physically subduing and arresting an armed man who had fired several gunshots at him and his partner, Robert Burgess. Burgess was fatally wounded in the confrontation at Sattler’s Drugs on William Street.
DETECTIVE CHARLES IWANSKI
On June 24th, 1974, Detective Charles Iwanski suffered a gunshot wound to the leg in a confrontation with a man armed with a .30 caliber carbine in the parking lot of St. Aloysius Church located at 157 Cleveland Drive.
OFFICER ALOISIUS KLAJA
On June 24th, 1974, Officer Aloisius Klaja suffered a massive gunshot wound to the chest in a confrontation with a man armed with a .30 caliber carbine in the parking lot of St. Aloysius Church located at 157 Cleveland Drive.
LIEUTENANT WILLIAM SIWINSKI
On June 24th, 1974, Lieutenant William Siwinski suffered two gunshot wounds to the arm and hip during a confrontation with a man armed with a .30 caliber carbine in the parking lot of St. Aloysius Church located at 157 Cleveland Drive.
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.
WHO WE ARE
Chief Brian Coons
Chief Brian Coons began his career with the Cheektowaga Police Department in 1998. He worked patrol for nine years, also being involved in specialty units including SWAT, Bike Patrol, Tactical Training Unit, D.A.R.E, and a school liaison officer within the Maryvale School District.
Chief Coons was promoted to the rank of Sergeant in 2007 and worked across all three shifts, supervising the patrol units. During his time as a Sergeant, Captain Coons also served as the Entry Team Leader on the department’s SWAT Team, where he was responsible for multiple aspects of team duties including overseeing and conducting all trainings.
In 2013, Chief Coons was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant. He served as supervisor of the Community Services Unit, managing the department’s social media activity and all community events. Chief Coons also spent time as both the Investigative Unit Supervisor and the Personnel Development Unit Supervisor.
As of his latest promotion in 2022, Chief Coons was prior serving as the Captain of Administration and Public Relations. His responsibilities included Public Information Officer, Community Services Unit, Personnel Development, and the Records Management Unit. He was promoted to Chief effective November 30th, 2023.
Chief Coons attended the FBI National Academy, Session 274, in 2018 and has a bachelor’s degree from SUNY College at Brockport.
EXECUTIVE STAFF
Captain Rick Roll
Captain Roll began his career with the Town of Cheektowaga Police Department in 1995. Upon his appointment, he proudly became a third generation police officer, his grandfather and father had served in the Town of Cheektowaga Police Department before him. In addition to his duties as a Patrolman, he was a member of the Defensive Tactics Team, Awards Committee, and a Field-Training Officer.
Captain Roll was promoted to the rank of Sergeant in 2005, where he supervised the busy afternoon Patrol shift. In 2010, he was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant and commanded the midnight Patrol unit. In 2011, he moved to the Headquarters and Support Services position to assist with the construction of the new Police and Court building. During that time, Captain Roll also oversaw the agency’s Accreditation Program. He revised the police department’s policy manual and received New York States Department of Criminal Justice Services award, in 2014 and 2019. Along with his responsibilities, he also managed the Cellblock, Dispatch, Court Security and Dog Warden.
Captain Roll has a Bachelor’s degree from the University at Buffalo. He was a former Trustee of the Cheektowaga PBA and is currently President of the Town of Cheektowaga Captains and Lieutenants Association.
Captain Dana Cadwallader
Captain Cadwallader began his career with the Cheektowaga Police Department in 1999, shortly after graduating from Medaille College with a Bachelors of Science Degree in Criminal Justice. During his time as a patrolman, Captain Cadwallader was a Field Training Officer and also served with the Tactical Support Team. Captain Cadwallader was promoted to the position of Sergeant in 2011, where he supervised the officers on the 1st and 3rd platoons and became a member of the awards committee. Following his promotion to Lieutenant of the 1st Platoon in 2013, Captain Cadwallader also became the Administrator for the Departments Narcan Program. Captain Cadwallader was promoted in February of 2020 to his current position of Captain of Patrol.
Captain Thomas Gerace
Captain Gerace began his career with the Cheektowaga Police Department in 2000 where he served as a patrolman and SWAT Team member until his promotion to Sergeant in 2004. As a Sergeant he supervised the officers of the 1st and 2nd platoons and became a member of the awards committee. In 2008 Captain Gerace attended the FBI National Academy in Quantico Va. and was promoted to Lieutenant upon his return to Cheektowaga.
As a Lieutenant, Captain Gerace supervised the 1st platoon until his transfer to the Vice Gambling and Narcotics unit in 2011 where he was placed in charge of five detectives that were tasked with obtaining and executing search warrants, working wire room and surveillance operations, and investigating human trafficking and narcotics cases. From 2021 to 2022 Captain Gerace also served as the departments SWAT Team Commander.
After close to a decade in Vice operations, Captain Gerace took a position as the departments Headquarters and Administrative Lieutenant in 2020 where oversaw the Cellblock, Court Security, Dog Warden and the department’s Accreditation Program.
In 2021 Captain Gerace returned to the Patrol Division where he supervised the 2nd platoon until his promotion to Patrol Captain in October of 2023.
Captain Gerace has a Master’s Degree in Communications Design from the University at Buffalo and served in the NY Army National Guard from 1991-2000 where he attained the rank of Sergeant and was deployed to Bosnia/Herzegovina from 1999-2000.
Captain Jeffrey Schmidt
Captain Jeffrey Schmidt began his career with the Cheektowaga Police Department in 2006 after serving four years in the United Stated Marine Corps as a military policeman. He is a second-generation police supervisor following in the footsteps of his father Lieutenant Gary Schmidt, who retired in 2008. Captain Schmidt worked patrol for seven years, and was involved in specialty units including SWAT, Bike Patrol, Tactical Training Unit, and Field Training Officer.
Captain Schmidt was promoted to the rank of Sergeant in 2013 and worked across all three shifts, supervising the patrol units. During his time as a Sergeant, Captain Schmidt served as the Entry Team Leader and Sniper Team Leader on the department’s SWAT Team, where he was responsible for multiple aspects of team duties including overseeing and conducting all trainings.
In 2020, Captain Schmidt was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant. He served as supervisor of the Community Services Unit, managing the department’s social media activity and all community events while coordinating the Department’s hiring program.
As of his latest promotion in 2023, Captain Schmidt is serving as the Captain of Administration and Public Relations. His responsibilities include duties as the Department’s Public Information Officer and oversight of the Community Services Unit, Personnel Development Unit, and the Records Management Unit.
Captain Schmidt attended the FBI National Academy, Session 283, in 2022 and has a bachelor’s degree from SUNY College at Buffalo. He is currently the Secretary of the Town of Cheektowaga Captains and Lieutenants Association.
COMMUNITY SERVICES UNIT
The Community Services Unit plays a critical role in the department’s approach to strengthening community relationships and trust. The Community Services Unit partners with community leaders, civic organizations, block associations, and concerned citizens to develop solutions to challenges that arise within the town’s many diverse communities. Community Services Unit also provides young people with enrichment, diversion, and intervention programs, helping to reduce youth crime. Community Services Unit Officers interact with and educate the community in matters of public safety and personal safety, staying closely connected with the community.
DEPARTMENT HISTORY
THE EARLY YEARS
The early years of law enforcement in the Town of Cheektowaga started when the town charter provided for two constables who were elected to office. The town was a rural farm community that had a need to elect game constables starting in 1873. Cheektowaga began growing with the railroads as their yards were spreading across the town. Constables remained only as elected officials, until 1901, when the town began appointing special constables and adapted rules for the governing of the constables. These actions were the first attempts by the town to gain some control over the constable force. The year 1901 also saw the appointment of the first chief constable, Albert F. Carl. He was asked to resign a year later.
THE 1920’S
The decade of the 1920’s was a time of growth for the Town of Cheektowaga, as evidenced by the opening of the Buffalo Airport in June 1926, the opening of the new town hall in February 1927 and a population that doubled from 13,323 in 1920 to over 25,000 in 1930. The constable force was also growing along with the town and the conduct of some of the constables was becoming a problem. The town saw a need to appoint a Chief Constable, Amedeo
Coppola, in February 1922. This was the beginning of many changes in the constable force. Constables were assigned to districts, given badges and applications were now investigated. In 1927, the new town hall provided the force with a modern station and lock-up. In 1928, a standard uniform was required, a Chief Constable was again appointed along with a lieutenant of constables. All warrants and summons were now returnable in the new court located in town hall. This replaced arraignments at the homes of the town justices, as had been the practice. On May 1st, 1928, the town abolished the old system of elected and appointed constables and established a full time salaried constable force. The decade also saw the beginnings of traffic enforcement and accident investigation with constables on motorcycles doing speed enforcement. It also saw the installation of telephones and call boxes. The decade ended tragically when Constable John Bauer was the first Cheektowaga Officer to die in the line of duty on January 5th, 1929.
THE 1930’S
The decade of the 1930’s was a turbulent time in the history of the police force. Many officers were dismissed for charges of bribery and brutality and the chief constable was dismissed from his post. Officers were indicted by the grand jury for assault and beating defendants for confessions. In 1932, the entire police department was abolished and re-formed with Charles Wohlford as the first Police Chief. Civil service was introduced and the officers received their first week of paid vacation. The thirties saw the formation of the Sloan Police Force and the hiring of the first police matrons and telephone
operators at Town Hall. The department also purchased vehicles: two Chevrolets and two Fords both equipped with sirens and short wave length radios. Twenty-four hour police service was instituted.
THE 1940’s
The country was at war and members of the police department answered the call for military service. Civilian defense authorities had telephone lines for defense information set up in the police station which was located in the basement of Town Hall and at the fire halls. A modern three-way type FM radio system for broadcasting and receiving was installed as well as a switchboard to handle the volume of calls. The Accident Prevention and Traffic and Detective Bureaus were both formed. The detective bureau had an identification section and a crime detection laboratory. A captain’s position was created in the department and the rank of police chief was now a civil service appointment. Police dispatchers and telephone operators were also civil service. Officers asked for more vacation time and to be paid for overtime hours that they worked.
THE 1950’s
The 1950’s started the era of the Cold War with Russia and auxiliary police in Cheektowaga were organized in the event of an attack on the community by bombing. Crossing guards saw their beginnings and foot patrol was instituted. Youth programs were mentioned to combat juvenile delinquency. The radio system was connected to the state and teletypes were used to communicate. The fire radio system that connected with the County of Erie was installed. Officers used “photo traffic cameras” which were designed to reduce accidents by determining speeds and taking a picture of the violator. A traffic timing device called “speed watch” was used to clock violators. Cameras were used to make identification photos of prisoners.
The police chief joined the International Association of Chiefs of Police and attended a conference on community relations sponsored by the National Conference of Christians and Jews.
Cheektowaga officers were assigned to patrol the Greater Buffalo International Airport. The first firearms course was set up at a high school range to enable officers to sharpen their aim with periodic practice. Social Security coverage was obtained for officers as well as twenty five year retirement.
THE 1960’s
Law enforcement in the sixties began to place emphasis on education and training and many officers took courses in sociology, criminology and police science. The first Cheektowaga officers graduated from the basic recruit course given by the Erie County Sheriff’s Department with the assistance of the FBI and Erie County Police Chiefs. A police commission was established with a police commissioner and two town board members. Cheektowaga Fire Chiefs established a central dispatching unit for the eleven volunteer fire companies. The later part of the decade saw the police department moving into its new headquarters at 3223 Union Road, complete with room for 136 Patrolmen, a pistol range, a fire dispatch office and a cell block. The Penal Law of New York State was enacted in 1967. The sixties also saw the formation of the Police Benevolent Association and the Captains and Lieutenants Association as recognized bargaining units after the enactment of the Public Employee Fair Employment Act.
FORMER CHIEFS
ORGANIZATIONAL CHART
WALL OF HONOR
The Medal of Honor may be awarded to any sworn member of the Cheektowaga Police Department, who, in the line of duty gives their life or distinguishes themselves by an act of courage involving risk of imminent danger to themselves- with the knowledge that such risk is above and beyond the call of duty. The aforementioned acts must have been performed for the purpose of saving of protecting human life.
OFFICER JACOB RUPPERT
On March 1st, 2020, Officer Jacob Ruppert confronted an armed suspect who has shot and fatally wounded an employee at a 7-Eleven convenience store on French Road. After an exchange of gunfire, the suspect lowered his weapon and surrendered into custody.
SERGEANT JOHN WANAT
On March 5th, 2016, Sergeant John Wanat responded to the Best Western Hotel on Genesee Street in search of a suspect who stole a .45 caliber pistol. Upon his arrival at the hotel, the suspect immediately advanced towards Sergeant John Wanat and raised his weapon. Sergeant Wanat shot and fatally wounded the suspect.
OFFICER JOSEPH BASHAW
On November 14th, 2002, Officer Joseph Bashaw confronted two armed robbery suspects at the Wilson Farms store, 2761 Harlem Road. After being ordered to the ground, one suspect, armed with a shotgun, attempted to shoot Officer Bashaw. Officer Bashaw was forced to fire at the suspect, wounding one robber and taking him into custody.
OFFICER JERALD BARBER
On July 21st, 1987, Officer Jerald Barber was injured tackling a man armed with a shotgun who had held police at bay for two hours and forcing him to the ground during a confrontation at Walden Avenue and Union Road.
OFFICER BRONISLAUS NAPIERSKI
On July 16th, 1982, Officer Bronislaus Napierski confronted a man who was holding a hostage at knifepoint at the Buffalo International Airport. When the hostage broke free, the suspect lunged at Officer Napierski with the knife. Officer Napierski shot and critically wounded the suspect.
OFFICER ROBERT WALKER
On October 20th, 1977, Officer Robert Walker confronted an armed robbery suspect at the Holiday Inn on Genesee Street who fired shots at him and his partner, David Tolsma. Tolsma was fatally wounded in the confrontation. Walker returned fire wounding the suspect.
OFFICER THOMAS ROWAN
On July 20th, 1977, Officer Thomas Rowan was hospitalized for smoke inhalation and burns sustained while trying to rescue the pilot of an airplane that had crashed into the Westinghouse Plant on Genesee Street.
OFFICER WILLIAM BELZ
On July 1st, 1977, Officer William Belz sustained injuries physically subduing and arresting an armed man who had fired several gunshots at him and his partner, Robert Burgess. Burgess was fatally wounded in the confrontation at Sattler’s Drugs on William Street.
DETECTIVE CHARLES IWANSKI
On June 24th, 1974, Detective Charles Iwanski suffered a gunshot wound to the leg in a confrontation with a man armed with a .30 caliber carbine in the parking lot of St. Aloysius Church located at 157 Cleveland Drive.
OFFICER ALOISIUS KLAJA
On June 24th, 1974, Officer Aloisius Klaja suffered a massive gunshot wound to the chest in a confrontation with a man armed with a .30 caliber carbine in the parking lot of St. Aloysius Church located at 157 Cleveland Drive.
LIEUTENANT WILLIAM SIWINSKI
On June 24th, 1974, Lieutenant William Siwinski suffered two gunshot wounds to the arm and hip during a confrontation with a man armed with a .30 caliber carbine in the parking lot of St. Aloysius Church located at 157 Cleveland Drive.
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.