Funeral service for Genesee County sergeant Thomas Sanfratello set for Saturday morning
BATAVIA, N.Y. (WIVB) – The funeral service for Thomas Sanfratello, the Genesee County sergeant who died last weekend in the line of duty, will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at Genesee Community College’s Call Arena.
A large turnout is expected, and live coverage will be available on WIVB.com. Calling hours are Friday from 2-8 p.m. at GCC.
Son of fallen Genesee County sergeant: My dad wouldn’t want threats against suspects
Gov. Kathy Hochul directed flags on all state buildings to be flown at half-staff from sunrise to sunset Saturday in honor of Sanfratello.
“From the Town Board to the Sheriff’s Office, Sergeant Thomas A. Sanfratello dedicated his life to improving the lives of his neighbors and protecting his community,” Hochul said in a press release. “My heart goes out to Sergeant Sanfratello’s family and loved ones. May the courage he showed throughout a lifetime of service be a comfort to those he leaves behind.”
Sanfratello worked for the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office since 1992, when he began as a dispatcher. He was appointed as a deputy sheriff in 1996 and was promoted to road patrol sergeant in 2007.
Docs: Batavia man hit Genesee County sergeant with jewelry before sergeant died in line of duty
Sanfratello, 54, died early Sunday morning while responding to an incident at Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel, according to officials. The incident allegedly began when he and other Batavia Downs security staff were escorting a man and a woman out of the hotel around 12:45 a.m. The woman was placed under arrest after a struggle, and the man also reportedly became combative, officials said, adding that a fight ensued and Sanfratello attempted to use a Taser.
During the altercation, Sanfratello, suffered a “medical event” that resulted in his death, according to the district attorney’s office. The man and the woman involved are both facing charges.
Genesee County Sheriff William Sheron Jr. asked the public on Wednesday to share any video they have of the incident. At the end of the press conference, Sanfratello’s son, Ian — who also works in law enforcement — read a statement that shared his family’s enduring love for Tom.
“My dad … my dad was one-of-a-kind,” Ian said, pausing to gather himself. “An amazing dad, son, brother, and co-worker. He loved my sisters Lexi and Kyla with all of his heart and loved to spend time with us. I know we will all cherish the memories we have with him. He will never be forgotten. And he will be missed immensely by all that had the chance to not only know him but talk to him. And he will always be loved.”
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Nick Veronica is a Buffalo native who joined the News 4 team as the Digital Executive Producer in 2021. He previously worked at NBC Sports and The Buffalo News. You can follow Nick on Facebook, Twitter and Threads. See more of his work here.
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