Lawmen and Judges Award Two Lockport Policemen for Bravery
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On Saturday, May 17, 2014 the Judges & Police Executives Conference of Niagara County held its annual Lawman Dinner to honor law enforcement officers from Niagara County who go above and beyond the line of duty. This year two Lockport Police Officers received the Hon. Wesley Arnold Memorial Lawmen of the Year Award. On the afternoon of March 18, 2013, Lt Todd Chenez and Officer Michael Stover, two off-duty members of the Lockport Police Department, were training for an upcoming marathon. While they were out during a practice run, they noticed a nearby home on fire. Both men ran to the rear of the home and found black smoke coming from the back door and filling the home. The owner of the home had just exited through the back door and informed the officers that her husband was still inside. Lt Chenez and Officer Stover called for back up help then not waiting for their arrival the two rushed into the burning building, fighting continuous, thick, black smoke until locating the victim in the basement. With limited visibility and difficulty in breathing, the pair had to retreat momentarily from the burning home. That did not stop them. Catching their breath they re-entered the building and found the victim unconscious and not breathing. With the help of two other officers who arrived at the scene, they were able to lift the victim out of the house. Paramedics were able to revive the victim and he was rushed to Erie County Medical Center where doctors ascertained that without the actions of the officers, the victim would have perished. Also awarded was Niagara County Sheriff Chief Deputy Thomas Beatty who received a Lifetime Achievement Award. During his 36 years in the Sheriff's office, Chief Deputy Beatty has become a highly respected source of knowledge whose insights have been sought by many colleagues in law enforcement and government. He serves as a liaison to the Niagara County Legislature. This was not the first award Chief Deputy Beatty has received during his prominent and distinguished career. He has previously earned the Sheriff's Distinguished Service Award, the Niagara County Sheriff's Office Craig C Harmon Award, the NYS Division of Criminal Justice Services John Kimball O'Neill Certificate of Achievement, and the NYS Sheriff's Association Institute's Carl Draxler Award. During the awards dinner the new Board of Directors members were sworn in for the 2014-2015 term. Niagara County Undersheriff Michael Filicetti is the organization's new president.
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