Deputies to Guard Rep. Collins’ Veterans Benefit Fair in Geneseo

GENESEO – The Livingston County Sheriff has assigned Deputies to Congressman Chris Collins’ veterans benefits fair and workshop tomorrow in Geneseo.

Sheriff Thomas Dougherty and public relations staff at Collins’ D.C. office confirmed that there will be increased security.

“I can confirm that I am assigning Deputy Sheriffs to Congressman Collins tomorrow as he appears in Livingston County,” said Dougherty. “There will be a uniform presence at the event as part of the detail.”

Collins and Livingston County Veteran Services are jointly holding a Veteran’s Benefits Fair and Workshop on Saturday at the National Warplane Museum on Big Tree Road from 3 to 5 p.m. A variety of veteran organizations will be present to assist with VA Healthcare enrollment and benefits to qualified veterans. County veterans that arrive to seek benefits are requested to bring a copy of their DD-214 or military separation paperwork.

“We will not be cancelling this event due to the recent event that occurred in the D.C. area,” said Livingston County Veterans Services Director Jason Skinner in a Thursday press release.

The Sheriff’s Office confirms that it was Veterans Services that originally proposed the idea of increased security.

Collins said that he does not want safety to be a concern of anyone in attendance.

“I look forward to what is sure to be a fantastic event tomorrow with veterans, I know we are going to have a productive discussion and I don’t want safety to be of any concern for those in attendance,” said Collins. “The Livingston County Sheriff has let me know that they will be sending a few individuals to the event, and I thank them for their diligence in making sure everyone stays safe.”