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Memorial



Police Officer John Bauer
Cheektowaga Police Department
End of Watch: Friday, January 4, 1929

Officer Bauer was killed when he was intentionally run off the road while attempting to stop a suspicious vehicle. The vehicle had been stolen and the occupants were wanted for the shooting of another officer two days earlier. As Officer Bauer attempted to stop the vehicle the driver intentionally struck the rear of his motorcycle, forcing him through a guard rail and down a 40-foot embankment. Officer Bauer was transported to Emergency Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries at 0200 hours.




Police Officer Robert A. Burgess
Cheektowaga Police Department
End of Watch: Friday, July 1, 1977

Officer Burgess was shot and killed while responding to a robbery call at a drug store.

Officer Robert Burgess was fatally shot at Sattler’s Drugs Store on William Street by a suspect who had gained control of another officers’ revolver in a struggle and fired six shots, one striking Officer Burgess in the chest.



 

Patrol Officer David J. Tolsma
Cheektowaga Police Department
End of Watch: Thursday, October 20, 1977

Officer Tolsma was shot and killed while responding to a robbery call at a hotel on Genesee Street. The suspect was an escapee who had been on the run for three days. He was captured 13 hours after murdering Officer Tolsma, and sentenced to 25 years to life.

Officer Tolsma had served with the agency for 6 years. He was survived by his wife and two children.



 

Detective Wasyl Potienko
Cheektowaga Police Department
End of Watch: Tuesday, October 29, 2002

Detective Wasyl Potienko was killed in an automobile accident on Broadway near Lackawana Street.

Detective Potienko's unmarked patrol car was struck by a recycling truck and then pushed into the path of an oncoming pickup truck. Detective Potienko was thrown from his car and received fatal injuries. He was transferred to Erie County Medical Center where he succumbed to his injuries a short time later.

Detective Potienko had been a member of the Cheektowaga Police Department for 15 years, and is survived by his wife.

 

 

 
Awards Committee
The Town of Cheektowaga Police Department Awards Committee was formed to recognize acts of bravery and efforts that are above and beyond the Departmental mission of service to the community, or recognize efforts that substantially further the department’s mission in the community.  Members of the Police Department, both sworn and civilian, along with community members who distinguish themselves may be honored.  The Committee is chaired by the Captain of Patrol and consists of two Lieutenants and four Sergeants.  All awards are reviewed and approved by the Chief of Police.  The group meets throughout the year and reviews notable incidents culled from over 50,000 annual calls for service.  Award recipients are honored at a yearly awards brunch, held each March.  Police and civilian employees of the Police Department are recognized in front of their peers when they receive their awards.  The awards are: Letter of Commendation, Distinguished Conduct Medals, Special Unit Citations, Meritorious Service, and achievement awards.  Physical fitness and tactical operator awards are also handed out at the brunch.  The highest honor offered by the Department, the Chief’s Medal of Valor, is handed out only when a sworn member of the Police Department distinguishes themselves by an act of courage performed to save or protect human life, involving a substantial risk of imminent danger to their own life, with the knowledge that such risk is above and beyond the call of duty; or when an Officer gives his life in the line of duty. Civilians from the community are honored at the brunch with letters from the awards committee, recognizing and thanking them for their willingness to become involved and make a difference in their community through assisting the police.

 
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