Letter Of Commendation For Numerous First Responders

From The Bath PD:  On January 31, 2026, Bath Police Sergeant Beau Roberson, Bath Police Officer Waite, Steuben County Sheriff’s Deputy Ethan Hurd, New York State Police Trooper Daniel Empfield, Trooper Garrett Gaczewski, Trooper Anthony Kuhn, and Trooper Jack Curabba were dispatched to a reported residential structure fire on Warden Street in the Village of Bath.

Upon arrival, Sergeant Roberson and Officer Waite observed a two-story residence with flames visible from multiple windows and were informed that a subject was possibly trapped inside the residence.

Recognizing that time was critical, Sergeant Roberson and Officer Waite, without hesitation and with complete disregard for their own personal safety, entered the burning structure to search for the trapped individual. Working quickly alongside a civilian neighbor, Brayden Hess, they conducted a search of the residence, breaking down an interior door where they were able to locate the subject unconscious within the residence.

Deputy Hurd arrived on scene and without hesitation and with complete disregard for his own personal safety, entered the structure to aid Sgt Roberson, Officer Waite, and the trapped individual. Deputy Hurd was able to drag the individual to the doorway of the residence where Troopers Empfield, Gaczewski, Kuhn and Curabba were able to carry the individual to an awaiting ambulance where aid was immediately rendered.

The victim was transported to a local hospital. Despite extensive life saving efforts, the victim later succumbed to his injuries.

The quick response, situational awareness, and effective teamwork displayed by each member of law enforcement on scene showed collective inter-agency cooperation and exemplifies the highest standards of professionalism, bravery, and commitment to public service. The courage of civilian Brayden Hess, and his willingness to act in the face of danger played a vital role in the effort to save a human life.

We extend our sincere condolences to the family and friends of the victim.

 

Upcoming Issues For The Steuben County Legislators

Steuben County Manager Jack Wheeler says, county lawmakers will be presenting Local Law Number Three, Establishing a Registry for Animal Abusers.  A bill will be presented at the February 23^rd county meeting - with a public hearing and vote on it in March.  This is something County Legislative Chairwoman Kelly Fitzpatrick has been pushing for.  Also on February 23^rd the county will be waiving the Established Tip Fees for Roadside Cleanup Weeks for Local Municipalities – Wheelers says they’ve done this for many years, working with towns for them to cleanup roadside debris and bring to the landfill at no charge. 

Also, Steuben County will be authorizing a Tire Amnesty Week and Establishing and Even Recycle Fee – that will be for one week in July when residents can bring tires to the landfill for $1.00 instead of $3.00
 

Flags At Half Staff In Honor Of A Former Congressman

Governor Kathy Hochul wants flags at half staff today in honor of former Congressman Richard Ottinger from Westchester County.  He died at the age of 97 on Monday.  Ottinger was in the House of Representatives for 16 years, beginning in 1965. 

 

Tomorrow's Schedule For Addison Central Food Center

 

Fire In Onedia County Leads To Several Bad Injuries

State Police in Oneida County report that five people, ages 43 to 71, were seriously injured in a church fire in the Town of Boonville.   Troopers say the Abundant Life Church there was completely destroyed.  It is not considered to be arson at this time, but the fire was caused by an explosion in the furnace, located in the basement.  The five people who were hospitalized are in critical but stable condition.