OBSERVER Photo by Gregory Bacon The Chautauqua County Legislature issued a proclamation for recently retired Police Chief Dave Ortolano. Pictured from left are: County Executive PJ Wendel, Ortolano, Legislator Bob Bankoski and Legislator Marcus Buchanan.

MAYVILLE – Chautauqua County officials honored a recently retired police chief, some elected leaders who stepped down, and one former official who passed away.

During the county legislature meeting, proclamations were read for former legislators Susan Parker of Fredonia and David Wilfong, who served in Jamestown, as well as for David Ortolano, who retired as the police chief of Dunkirk after 39 years with the department.

Parker resigned in November. She first took office in January, 2022. During her time in office she was a member of the Administrative Services and Human Services committees, and a member of the Food Policy Council.

“Throughout her exemplary service to the county, Legislator Parker has proven to be a dedicated and tireless worker,” Legislature Chairman Pierre Chagnon, R-Ellery, stated, while reading the proclamation.

Wilfong stepped down from the county legislature in August, saying he was moving to Florida. He had been a county legislator from 2014-2019 and then again from 2022 until he most recently resigned.

Wilfong served on the Public Facilities, Human Services, Planning and Economic Development, and Audit and Control committees. He was also a member of the county Airport Commission.

“Legislator Wilfong is known for his service to his constituents in the Northwestern portion of the city of Jamestown,” Chagnon stated, reading the proclamation.

Neither Parker nor Wilfong were present at the meeting.

Ortolano was in attendance to receive his proclamation.

In the proclamation, it was noted that Ortolano began as a patrolman in 1985 with the Dunkirk Police Department. In 1997 Ortolano became the department’s first patrol sergeant. In 2000, he was promoted to lieutenant. In 2005 he was named police chief.

“Throughout his tenure as chief of police, Chief Ortolano worked tirelessly to address quality of life issues within the neighborhoods of Dunkirk while ensuring public safety along with the active waterfronts and parks,” Legislator Bob Bankoski, D-Dunkirk, stated, while reading the proclamation.

Ortolano thanked the county officials for the recognition. “It’s been a privilege for me to serve the residents of the City of Dunkirk and Chautauqua County for nearly 40 years. I’ve met a lot of amazing people along the way,” he said.

At the end of the meeting, a memorial was read in honor of Frank “Jay” Gould, an Ashville resident who was first elected in 2000 and served until 2022. He passed away in April.

“Jay served 22 years as a legislator and we will always remember him for his dedication to the people of Chautauqua County,” Legislator Bob Scudder, R-Fredonia, said.