Robert LutzEmergency Services Coordinator
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Office HoursWednesday - Friday |
The Town of Tonawanda Police Department’s Emergency Services Bureau mission is to assure the safety and health of all of its employees and residents before, during and after natural or man-made large scale emergencies. This is done through continuous evaluation of emergency plans, training and education, outreach and establishing public and private partnerships with both the business sector as well as community organizations.
The Town of Tonawanda Police Department’s Emergency Services Bureau was created in 2002. The main responsibility of this bureau is to conduct a hazard analysis of the Town to develop a plan identifying resources in order to address any hazard or emergency which might occur.
The Bureau works very closely with the Department of Homeland Security, the New York State Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, the Erie County Department of Emergency Services and the United States Coast Guard.
Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness can only be achieved through the active involvement of all citizens in the community. Disasters are unplanned events and can be inconveniencing to our everyday lives. Through education and planning you can better prepare yourself to deal with such an incident. The Bureau maintains numerous programs to educate and promote citizen involvement in our community.
Emergency Preparedness for Kids: https://www.ready.gov/kids
INTERESTED IN CERT? CLICK HERE FOR INFORMATION
Domestic pets may not be allowed at emergency shelters for health reasons. It is important to include your pet in you emergency plan since they depend on you to keep them safe. Identifying locations for you and your pet to go before an emergency happens is important. You can identify friends or family, hotels that accept pets, or contact your local pet shelter to see if they will accept pets in the event of an emergency. Find more information on preparing your pet for an emergency at: https://www.ready.gov/animals The Town of Tonawanda's Community Emergency Response Team, or CERT, program is based on the American tradition of “Neighbors Helping Neighbors Prepare for Emergencies.” CERT training prepares citizens and communities to take a more active role in the county’s emergency preparedness and response efforts. You can use your training to join a team or better prepare yourself It is important to remember that not all emergencies or disasters are going to have the same effects or happen at the most convenient times. Therefore, having a plan can help safeguard you and your family. Town of Tonawanda residents need to prepare now for emergencies and disasters. Having a plan in place will reduce the amount of loss for both property and life. You should meet with all members of your household to discuss your plan. Talk with children about the different hazards and what to do if something should happen. Prepare a disaster supply kit and make sure it is adjusted to the number of people in your household. Also, make sure to include your pets when preparing for an emergency. There are simple, low-cost steps families can take to be ready. Please visit the following link for more information about preparing for an emergency: https://www.ready.gov/ https://www.fema.gov/disaster/4085/updates/building-supply-kit-your-family If the power is out, you should listen to a battery powered or crank radio for shelter locations for you and your family to relocate. Also listen for evacuation routs specified by local authorities. Shelters will depend upon the location of the emergency. When evacuating, make sure you wear protective clothing, sturdy shoes and have your disaster supply kit. https://www.ready.gov/shelter If the authorities advise you to Shelter-In-Place, you are to remain in your home or office (wherever you are at the time of the emergency) and protect yourself there. If there is a threat of contaminated outside air be sure to seal doors, windows and vents. Turn off all fans, heating and air-conditioning units. Go to an interior room with few windows if possible. Be sure to take your emergency supply kit with you, unless you believe it has been contaminated. Listen or watch local radio and television stations to stay updated on the latest information. https://www.fema.gov/faq-details/Evacuating-v-Shelter-in-place-1370032121004 Even though mass care shelters often provide water, food, medicine and basic sanitary facilities, you should plan to take your disaster supplies kit with you so you will have the supplies you require. Mass care sheltering can involve living with many people in a confined space, which can be difficult and unpleasant. To avoid conflicts in the stressful situation, it is important to cooperate with shelter managers and others assisting them. Keep in mind that alcoholic beverages and weapons are forbidden in emergency shelters and smoking is restricted. Search for open shelters by texting SHELTER and a Zip Code to 43362. Ex: Shelter 01234 (standard rates apply) Learn more by visiting: http://www.disasterassistance.gov/ You should have enough supplies in your disaster kit to ensure each member of your family can be self-sufficient for at least 3 days. Some things to include are: You can find out more through FEMAs Ready Campaign at: https://www.ready.gov/Emergency Services FAQ's
Mass Care Shelter
Every minute counts during a disaster. Lear how to plan now for all types of emergencies.
Learn about home fire safety from the American Red Cross
http://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/fire
Ready Erie Preparedness Mobile App
The new “Ready Erie” app is available for free and is designed for the iPhone, iPad, android and iOS systems. The multi-purpose app will allow users to receive critical information and emergency alerts through push notifications, locate Erie County’s emergency shelters, view up-to-date evacuation route maps, and create a personalized Emergency Preparedness Plan by answering five basic questions.Among the Ready Erie app’s other features are the ability to share your status with selected contacts on your device and get the latest news and weather for Erie County. Users who create a personalized Emergency Management Plan will be able to store the Plan on their device to share with family and friends. Every individual’s Plan will include and Emergency Supply kit Checklist tailored to their needs; a Customized Emergency Food Supply Shopping List; an Emergency Communications Plan to notify loved ones of the individual’s status; and information to prepare your home for impending disaster. The app also provides an opportunity to learn about the various emergency situations that Erie County residents are most likely to face in five integrated eGuides.
“The Ready Erie app takes emergency planning and preparedness to the next level and will give users the information they need at the time they need it, helping them and their loved ones to respond to emergencies in a safe and organized manner,” said Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz. “With this app we can communicate directly with our constituents, individuals can have access to critical alerts and updates to coordinate planning with family or co-workers, and stay on top of changing conditions. The app also has useful information on ways to prepare before disaster strikes, helping to mitigate damage and protect lives.
To download please follow this link:
http://www2.erie.gov/disaster/index.php?q=ready-erie-preparedness-app
Special Needs Registry Form
Everybody Has Needs - Do the Right People Know What Yours Are?
If you or someone in your household has a disability or a special medical need, the people whose job it is to respond when you call for help in an emergency need to know. Whether it affects your entire community, your street or just your home, seconds can make a life-or-death difference. Having specific details on file about your special situation will significantly help us help you.
Please click this link to submit your information
Alternatively you can download the documents to fill out and send in to our Police Department
Business and Commercial Property Emergency Notification Information
Please fill out the online form to provide the Police Department with your notification information in the event of an emergency at your business during unoccupied hours.
Take Note - All completed applications must be submitted to the Town of Tonawanda Clerk’s Office. The Town Police Department cannot accept any completed applications.
Click here for 4 PDF documents you will need
CRASHDOCS website makes it easier to get accident reports
There is no need to make a trip to the police station to obtain a copy of your accident. Simply search for your report, go to checkout (no charge at checkout) and receive a copy that you can print or save to your files.
No more:
Reports are available 24/7, so you can get your accident report when it is accepted into this system from the police department.
To obtain an accident report for the Town of Tonawanda you can follow this LINK to start the process. You will need the complaint number that you were given previously.
Sponsored by the Town of Tonawanda Police Department, the Concerned Parents Support Group meets every Thursday at 7:00 pm in the Lincoln Park Satellite Office to provide support and advice for helping a teen or adult child in crisis.
For more information contact:
Det. Darren Hearitt: EMAIL
WNY Still Standing is a Facebook group for parents and family members whose loved ones are in Active Addiction or Early Recovery. Some are bereaved parents. For more information, support, advocacy and awareness, please follow this link:
Do you own a business in the Town of Tonawanda? If you would like us to have your contact information in the case of after-hour emergencies on your property; we have a form that can completed online which our Public Safety Communication Center receives and enters into our dispatch system. It is the most efficient way of getting us your key-holders and other info you supply.
CLICK THE LINK BELOW FOR THE FORM ON THE TOWN OF TONAWANDA WEBSITE
https://www.tonawanda.ny.us/index.php?option=com_rsform&view=rsform&formId=8
Erie County BE SAFE PROGRAM
https://www2.erie.gov/da/index.php?q=domestic-violence-advocacy
BE-SAFE Victim Advocacy Program
The BE-SAFE Program, led by Heather Summers, Director of Domestic Violence Services, is located at Buffalo City Court, Erie County District Attorney’s Office, 50 Delaware Avenue, 4th Floor, Buffalo, New York 14202. Staff can also be reached by telephone at (716) 858-4630, 8:30-5:00pm, M-F. Should you receive a notice of a court date, please call one of the advocates there.
BE SAFE provides free community outreach & training for professionals, law enforcement, Judges, and community members on a variety of topics related to Domestic Violence.
If you are involved in the Criminal Justice system, we understand that you may not be ready to proceed with criminal charges and can help explain options to maintain your safety. Advocates will assist you throughout each stage of your case, from Arraignment, Grand Jury or trial.
A SAFETY PLAN is a tool which enables victims of domestic abuse to assess their options and reduce their risk of further abuse. Leaving an abusive relationship is something that needs planning and can increase your risk. Should you feel unsafe at any time or want to discuss a safety plan please contact the advocates for assistance.
Erie County BE SAFE Brochure and Safety Plan
You should have enough supplies in your disaster kit to ensure each member of your family can be self-sufficient for at least 3 days. Some things to include are:
• water (1 gallon per day per person)
• food (nonperishable and easy to prepare)
• can opener
• first-aid kit
• flashlights
• extra batteries
• medicines and medical items
• a multipurpose tool to turn off utilities
• sanitation and hygiene items
• copies of personal documents
• blankets/sleeping bags
• extra cash, credit card, and/or cashier’s check
• list of important numbers
• a whistle to signal for help
• dust masks
• local maps
• battery-powered or hand crank radio
You can find out more through FEMAs Ready Campaign at:
https://training.fema.gov/nims/
https://www.ready.gov/business
http://water.weather.gov/ahps/
https://www.dhs.gov/active-shooter-preparedness
Be prepared and download the FEMA app for free on the App Store and Google Play.
Learn what to do before, during, and after emergencies with safety tips & receive weather alerts from the National Weather Service for up to five different locations anywhere in the United States.
D. It shall be unlawful for any owner of any dog in the town to permit or allow a dog to: (2) Engage in habitual loud howling, barking, crying or whining or conduct itself in such a manner so as to unreasonably disturb the comfort or repose of any person.
https://www.tonawanda.ny.us/departments/police/animal-control.html
Selections are made from a Civil Service list based upon exam scores. For each selection the person must be in the top three places on the list. Exams are given every two years by the Erie County Personnel office.
For additional information connect to the Erie County Civil Service Commission. Erie County Civil Service Commission
The fee for fingerprint cards is $10 per card for Town of Tonawanda residents and $50 per card for non-residents. You must bring exact change, no personal checks are accepted. You must also have proper identification.
If the application is personally returned during the hours of operation (Monday through Friday between 8:00 am and 4:00 pm), the permit will be issued immediately. There are no fees for handicap parking permits.
Permits are issued to Town of Tonawanda residents only.
Once your complaint reaches court the judge will preview the complaint you signed, a criminal summons will be served on the defendant and the judge will then issue a temporary order of protection, until further action in court.
For an Order of Protection through Erie County Family Court, please call (716) 858-8234 Monday through Friday, from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
This system is a service available to victims, or their designees, who have been granted certain Court Orders of Protection. It allows victims the option of registering to be notified when an Order of Protection has been served.
Do not depend solely on this notification for your protection. If you are at risk, seek help and take appropriate precautions.
This program is part of the SAVIN-NY initiative funded by the Bureau of Justice Administration (BJA) and coordinated by the NYS Sheriffs' Institute.
Permits must be picked up in person and are issued at that time. Each permit is good for a period of 30 days from date of issuance.
You may download the form now and have it ready for the desk officer when you arrive at the police station.
What are the fees for a specific report?
Police Incident Report $ 0.25 per page
Police Incident Report - Victim No Charge
Fire Incident Report $ 0.25 per page
Accident Reports $ 0.25 per page
Paramedic Medical Report $ 0.25 per page
Record Checks on Individuals With Copy $ 10.00
DWI Attending School BAC $ 3.00
Peddler & Hawker Applications $ 50.00 per month
Fingerprints -Town & Village $ 10.00 per card (Resident)
$ 50.00 per card (Non-resident)
Pistol Permit Applications $ 75.00
Photographs $ 20.00 each
Sketches $ 15.00
Surrendered/Safekeeping of Firearms Processing Fee $ 25.00
CD/DVD $ 1.00 each
For most minor traffic infractions, you may pay a set fine by appearing in person at the cafeteria court window during regularly scheduled hours. Be sure you have your conviction stub with you. It may be helpful to call the Court to verify that there is a set fine for your particular infraction. Please note that the Town of Tonawanda Court will only accept cash, money orders or certified checks.
If you wish to plead not guilty by mail, you must date and sign Part B of the summons. Upon receipt of your not guilty plea, the Court will notify you in writing of your court date for arraignment.
If you do not want to enter a plea by mail, you should appear in Court on the date listed on the bottom of your summons. Upon arrival in the Court there are lists posted in the hallway. Locate your name on the list and follow the directions on the top of the sheet. If you have any questions go to the cafeteria court window, where a clerk will assist you.
U.S Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), administers a Victim Notification Program. This program allows eligible victims and witnesses to obtain reliable and timely information regarding a criminal alien's release from custody. Victims and witnesses are required to register with HSI in order to receive notification of a criminal alien's release.
Listed below is a universal resource locator for the HSI Victim Notification Program. A victim or witness can simply click on the hyperlink and be transferred to a number of valuable victim services programs provided by ICE.
The Sex Offender Registration Act requires the Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) to maintain a Sex Offender Registry. Sex offenders are classified according to their risk of re-offending: low-risk (Level 1), moderate risk (Level 2) and high-risk (Level 3). The Act requires that DCJS also maintain a public Sub-directory on the internet which only includes Level 2 and 3 offenders.
DCJS attempts to ensure that the information in the Sub-directory is accurate and complete. However, the information on the Sub-directory is reported to DCJS by other sources. As a result, DCJS makes no express or implied guarantee concerning the accuracy or completeness of this data.
The information in this Sub-directory must be used responsibly. Anyone who uses this information to harass or commit a criminal act against any person may be subject to criminal prosecution.
You may search the public Sub-directory website here. (opens in a new window)
IF YOU ARE A REGISTERED SEX OFFENDER AND HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT REGISTERING IN OUR TOWN, YOU MUST CONTACT - Detective Eric Schmidt at 716-879-6627.
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic we are suspending all peddler permits to prevent any soliciting to our town residents to help ensure their health and safety as best as possible. 7-7-2020
Going Door to Door? Check here for information regarding these permits and when needed.
The Town of Tonawanda Code can be located at this link http://ecode360.com/10932920
To download the needed form for a permit, please follow this link for the PDF to print
CLICK HERE FOR FORM (Disabled)
The new “Ready Erie” app is available for free and is designed for the iPhone, iPad, android and iOS systems. The multi-purpose app will allow users to receive critical information and emergency alerts through push notifications, locate Erie County’s emergency shelters, view up-to-date evacuation route maps, and create a personalized Emergency Preparedness Plan by answering five basic questions.Among the Ready Erie app’s other features are the ability to share your status with selected contacts on your device and get the latest news and weather for Erie County. Users who create a personalized Emergency Management Plan will be able to store the Plan on their device to share with family and friends. Every individual’s Plan will include and Emergency Supply kit Checklist tailored to their needs; a Customized Emergency Food Supply Shopping List; an Emergency Communications Plan to notify loved ones of the individual’s status; and information to prepare your home for impending disaster. The app also provides an opportunity to learn about the various emergency situations that Erie County residents are most likely to face in five integrated eGuides.
“The Ready Erie app takes emergency planning and preparedness to the next level and will give users the information they need at the time they need it, helping them and their loved ones to respond to emergencies in a safe and organized manner,” said Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz. “With this app we can communicate directly with our constituents, individuals can have access to critical alerts and updates to coordinate planning with family or co-workers, and stay on top of changing conditions. The app also has useful information on ways to prepare before disaster strikes, helping to mitigate damage and protect lives.
To download please follow this link:
http://www2.erie.gov/disaster/index.php?q=ready-erie-preparedness-app
Special Needs Registry Form
Everybody Has Needs - Do the Right People Know What Yours Are?
If you or someone in your household has a disability or a special medical need, the people whose job it is to respond when you call for help in an emergency need to know. Whether it affects your entire community, your street or just your home, seconds can make a life-or-death difference. Having specific details about your special situation will significantly help us help you.
Please fill out the online form to provide the Police Department
Alternatively you can download the documents to fill out and send in to our Police Department
http://www.tonawanda.ny.us/document-center/police/842-2018-tow-fee-schedule/file.html
NOTE - Document remains the same pricing from 2018
Vacation House Checks are a service provided by the Town of Tonawanda Police for residents who are away from home for vacation. After filling out the required paperwork, an officer will check the premise at random times and contact you or your emergency contact person to report anything out of the ordinary.
This service is not provided for homes that are for sale or vacant.
Click here to fill out the form which we will enter into our system
You can also request a house check by calling 879-6613, or in person at The Town of Tonawanda Police Department located at 1835 Sheridan Drive. We will be happy to assist you. We are open 24 hours a day for this service.
NOTE: IF YOU COME HOME EARLY IT IS IMPERATIVE THAT YOU NOTIFY US IMMEDIATELY!