Assembly Resolution No. 961

BY: M. of A. Hawley

MOURNING the untimely death and paying tribute to
the life and heroic service of Sergeant Thomas A.
Sanfratello who died in the line of duty on March
10, 2024

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to convey its
grateful appreciation and heartfelt regret in recognition of the loss of
a courageous and decorated New York State Sheriff's Sergeant who
dedicated his purposeful life and career in faithful service to both his
family and the residents of New York State; and

WHEREAS, It is with profound sadness that this Legislative Body
records the tragic and untimely death of Sergeant Thomas A. Sanfratello
who made the ultimate sacrifice while on special assignment at Batavia
Downs on Sunday, March 10, 2024; he was 54; and

WHEREAS, A 32-year-veteran of the Genesee County Sheriff's Office,
Sergeant Thomas A. Sanfratello began his illustrious career as a
dispatcher in February of 1992; he rose through the ranks, becoming a
deputy sheriff in 1996, and earning a promotion to sergeant in 2007; and

WHEREAS, Throughout his career, Sergeant Thomas A. Sanfratello held
various positions and roles, including serving as the president of the
Genesee County Deputy Sheriff's Association; and

WHEREAS, Sergeant Thomas A. Sanfratello exemplified what it truly
means to give of himself in providing vital police services and in
keeping with the noble mission of the Genesee County Sheriff's Office;
he was twice honored as the department's Deputy of the Year; and

WHEREAS, With a steadfast and unwavering commitment to his
community, Sergeant Thomas A. Sanfratello was also a certified paramedic
and doubled as an active member of the Alexander Fire Department from
1986 to 2003; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, he was a graduate of Alexander Central School
District and was previously a member of the Alexander Town Board; and

WHEREAS, An avid sports fan, Sergeant Thomas A. Sanfratello favored
the New York Yankees and the Buffalo Sabres; he had an overwhelming
collection of Legos and Hot Wheels, and spent much time at model car
conventions and Motorama racing events across the United States; and

WHEREAS, In 2015, Sergeant Thomas A. Sanfratello was inducted into
the Model Car Hall of Fame as the Collector of the Year; he was later
presented with the President's Award by the association in 2021; and

WHEREAS, A devoted father, son, brother, and sheriff, Sergeant
Thomas A. Sanfratello loved spending time with his family; he is
survived by his mother, Dorothy; and his three children, Ian, Kyla and
Alexis; as well as numerous other relatives and friends; and

WHEREAS, For more than three decades, Sergeant Thomas A. Sanfratello
served the Genesee County Sheriff's Office with dedication, loyalty and
compassion, earning the admiration, affection and esteem of his fellow
officers; and

WHEREAS, Sergeant Thomas A. Sanfratello's infinite selflessness and
benevolence will shine on through his family's vivid and happy memories;
his life of service and strength will forever serve as a beacon of love,
light and hope to the countless lives he touched; and

WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Sergeant Thomas A. Sanfratello leaves behind a legacy which
will long endure the passage of time and will remain as a comforting
memory to all who were privileged to have known and loved such an
amazing man; he will be deeply missed and truly merits the grateful
tribute of this Legislative Body; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the untimely death if Sergeant Thomas A. Sanfratello, and to
express its deepest condolences to his family; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Sergeant Thomas A. Sanfratello.