Deputy Sheriff Stephen Romanik and Senior Dispatcher Marvin Cummings received awards at the New York State Sheriff’s Association Banquet, held in January at the Desmond Hotel in Albany. They were accompanied by Chautauqua County Sheriff James Quattrone and Undersheriff Nathan Baideme on the trip.

Romanik earned the New York State Sheriff’s Association Civil Deputy of the Year Award, which is given to a civil deputy who has exhibited an exceptional degree of dedication and commitment to the professional fulfillment of the important duties of the Sheriff’s Office in Civil Law Enforcement.

“I love my agency. I love working my position,” Romanik said.

Romanik entered the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office Civil Division in 2018, and since his arrival, he has been a major reason for the Civil Division’s success. A 32-year veteran of law enforcement, Romanik performs his duties with great attention to detail and is quick to assist others or to take on supervisory duties in times of need.

Deputy Sheriff Stephen Romanik, left, and Senior Dispatcher Marvin Cummings, right, received awards at the New York State Sheriff’s Association Banquet, held Jan. 21 in Albany.

“I’m very pleased that (Romanik) has been there moving us through, with several supervisors we’ve had,” Quattrone said. “He and (Baideme) have truly done wonderful work at that office.”

After he was welcomed on stage to receive his award, Romanik began by thanking Quattrone and Baideme, who was previously his direct supervisor. Romanik also thanked his parents, his wife, and his children for their support throughout all of the shifts he has worked over the years.

Less than 15 minutes after Romanik stepped down from the podium, his friend and former Silver Creek Village Board member, Cummings, took to the stage for his own moment in the spotlight.

Cummings earned the New York State Sheriff’s Association Emergency Communicator of the Year award, which is given to an emergency communicator who has exhibited an exceptional degree of dedication and commitment to the professional fulfillment of their duties. Like Romanik, Cummings is a 32-year veteran of law enforcement. He has spent the past 20 years as a Senior Dispatcher and Dispatch Supervisor with the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office.

Cummings said he was “very honored and humbled” for even being nominated for the award. Speaking to the Awards committee, he said, “I know there’s many dispatchers in all of your agencies that are just as worthy of being up here receiving this award, so thank you very much.”

Cummings was described as “a crucial member” to Chautauqua County Law Enforcement operations. Cummings is the current E-911 coordinator, and during his career, he has been a dispatch manager for many serious events. He also staffs the Chautauqua County Mobile Command Unit during crucial planned and unplanned events in our county.

“He is just always steady, always there for us when we need information,” Quattrone said.

Quattrone said the nomination for Cummings did not do justice for all that he has done during his time with the Sheriff’s Office. Quattrone specifically credited Cummings for his efforts in setting up portable command posts throughout the region during the chase for Bucky Phillips after his escape.

Cummings, a longtime umpire and referee at high school sporting events across Western New York, could not resist showing his love for sports at the awards ceremony. At the beginning of his speech, he joked that he considered dressing in an outlandish outfit like Buffalo Bills receiver Mack Hollins often does.

At the event, Cummings was accompanied by Forestville’s award-winning School Resource Officer Brian Hanner, Melody Voigt, and his daughters, Courtney and Nicole, who he thanked for making the trip.

In a press release congratulating the award recipients, the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office stated it is “honored and proud to have exceptional employees who perform their duties with diligence and care in service to the citizens of Chautauqua County.”