Family, friends remember officer who died after altercation at Batavia Downs

Loved ones are mourning the loss of a veteran officer in the Genesee County Sheriff's Office, who died over the weekend while on duty. Sgt. Thomas A. Sanfratello was on special assignment at Batavia Downs early Sunday morning when the incident occurred. He was 54.

Here's more about Sgt. Sanfratello:

A 32-year veteran of the Genesee County Sheriff's Office, Sanfratello began his 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.

Throughout his career, Sanfratello held various positions and roles, including serving as the president of the Genesee County Deputy Sheriff's Association. According to the Officer Down Memorial Page, he was twice honored as the department's Officer of the Year.

His son, Ian Sanfratello, recently graduated from the Niagara Country Law Enforcement Academy, excelling in the basic course for corrections officers and receiving several awards. Thomas Sanfratello was present to celebrate his son's achievement.

In the wake of his death, his family has requested privacy but noted that he "will be remembered as a loving father, son, brother, and sheriff, and will be greatly missed by all who knew him."

Friends, colleagues, and family shared condolences and memories on the sheriff's office Facebook post announcing the news of Sanfratello's death.

One comment reads, "One of the best deputies I’ve had the privilege of working with."

Another states, "He was an all-around great guy who will be missed."

And yet another shares, "I'm honored and humbled to have known this man. He's taught me a few things and vice versa I hope. God bless my law enforcement family."

Thomas Sanfratello died following altercation at Batavia Downs. What happened?

Sanfratello and casino security intervened in a disturbance inside the facility around 12:45 a.m. Sunday, according to Batavia Police Chief Shawn Heubusch. The altercation escalated as they escorted two patrons, Michael J. Elmore, 33, and Lyndsey Jean Wilcox, 39, out of the bar area, he said. Wilcox became physically combative with Sgt. Sanfratello, and despite efforts to restrain her, Elmore interfered and allegedly attacked Sgt. Sanfratello, which led to a physical altercation.

During the fight, Sgt. Sanfratello became unresponsive and despite CPR efforts, he was pronounced dead by the Genesee County coroner, authorities said.

Two charged in connection with death of Thomas Sanfratello

Elmore and Wilcox, both Batavia residents, are facing several felonies. Elmore was charged with first-degree aggravated manslaughter, aggravated assault upon a police officer and second-degree burglary, all felonies, Batavia police announced Monday. Wilcox was charged with second-degree burglary and attempted second-degree assault, both felonies. officers said.

Both Elmore and Wilcox were told to leave casino property, according to police. Elmore is accused of leaving and returning to the Batavia Downs casino. Wilcox is accused of not leaving when directed to, according to police.

Both were arraigned in Batavia Town Court and were remanded to the Genesee County Jail. Elmore is being held on $100,000 cash bail, $200,000 bond or $500,000 partially secured bond. Wilcox is being held on $50,000 cash bail, $100,000 bond or $200,000 partially secured bond. They are each scheduled to return to court on Tuesday.

When are funeral arrangements for Thomas Sanfratello?

Funeral arrangement have not yet been announced but services will be handled by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company in Batavia. Sanfratello's body was taken to the Monroe County Medical Examiner's Office for an autopsy.

This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Thomas Sanfratello remembered by family, friends after Batavia Downs death