NYS Gives Livingston County’s Everyday Heroes $36K Boost

LIVINGSTON COUNTY – The New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services (DOCJS) gave a big financial boost to several Livingston County agencies that make a difference every day for the victims of crime and disaster.

According to a press release from NYS Senator Patrick Gallivan, DOCJS is dividing a total of $36,000 between the Caledonia Police Department, Geneseo Police Department, Genesee Valley EMS, Geneseo Fire and Ambulance, and Chances & Changes Inc.

“We are fortunate to have proven crime prevention and victim assistance programs in place, but we need to provide adequate funding to allow these programs and services to continue,” said Gallivan. “We must also ensure that local police, fire and rescue agencies have the tools and resources they need to do their job and to keep our communities safe.”

Senator Gallivan secured funding through the DOCJS. He formally announced the award at the Geneseo Fire and Ambulance Hall on Tuesday.

The Geneseo and Caledonia Police Departments will use their award to purchase body cameras for all of their officers. Geneseo will receive $10,000 and Caledonia will get $6,000.

“I would like to thank Senator Patrick Gallivan and his staff for obtaining this funding to purchase body cameras for our police officers,” said Geneseo Police Chief Eric Osganian. “The addition of body cameras for our officers will increase the professionalism of our police force.”

“Technology can be an officer’s friend, but for villages our size there just is not any money in the budget to stay current,” said Caledonia Police Chief Daniel Chapman. “With the money that Senator Gallivan secured for CPD we will be able to purchase camera systems to help document interactions the officers have. Today’s juries like to see and hear any statements made during an arrest. This money will also help to protect our officers and village from false accusations as well as identify training opportunities.”

Geneseo Fire and Ambulance will use their $5,000 award to replace one of their hoses.

“Our department will be replacing hose that is 15 and 20 years old,” said Geneseo Fire and Ambulance Chief Andrew Chanler. “This hose is specifically used to supply pumpers while hooked to a fire hydrant or supply water to other fire trucks. This is the first time we have received direct funding for fire equipment from the State of New York and we are grateful to Senator Gallivan and his staff for providing this funding.”

Genesee Valley EMS will use their $5,000 award to purchase an emergency generator.

Chances & Changes, Inc., which provides confidential assistance to victims of domestic violence in Livingston County, will use their $10,000 award to continue their domestic violence and child abuse prevention and recovery services. These include a 24/7 hotline, shelter, counseling, education, prevention services, active advocacies.

“Chances and Changes, Inc. will use the funding support to assist the agency in addressing Domestic Violence issues in the community with appropriate, effective, and timely services, especially for those families where there is Domestic Violence and co-occurring child abuse situations,” said Karen Tremer, Chances and Changes Executive Director. “The goals will be to assist victims, primary and secondary, to escape from violence and attain safety. Such services include  and other services specific to the needs of the families served.”