GENESEE COUNTY, N.Y. — Sgt. Thomas Sanfrantello was laid to rest Saturday morning following a funeral service at Genesee Community College — where his bravery and sacrifice were honored by family, friends and law enforcement from around the country.

Sgt. Sanfratello, a 32-year veteran of the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, died in the line of duty on Sunday while making an arrest at Batavia Downs Gaming and Hotel, a tragic loss of life that the community will never forget.

“I knew him for the entirety of his career,” said Chris Hayward, a retired Le Roy police chief. “Both just, you know, going to calls with him but also working with him after I became chief, because he was heavily involved in the county’s different systems and he’s just a fantastic guy.”

Hayward joined hundreds of other current and former law enforcement officials at Sgt. Sanfratello’s funeral service.

“I know what my wife was thinking last Sunday when she heard about it. And it’s just a tough deal for all families because it brings to the — not only this poor family, but all families of law enforcement — what the risks are everyday that these officers go through,” Hayward said.

During her eulogy, Sgt. Sanfratello’s sister Michelle said that while the law enforcement community will always remember him as a dedicated public servant, he was equally committed to those he loved the most.

“Tom loved his family. He would do anything for them. He lived for his children. Nothing made him prouder than spending time with them,” she said.

It is a tragic loss felt by the entire community, motivating neighbors like John Hall of Batavia to show up and provide support.

“To honor the man and his family. He did a lot for this county. I don’t know him that well but i felt obligated to come support the family,” Hall said.

With a Mercy Flight helicopter overhead and an honor guard escort, Sgt. Sanfratello was taken to his final resting place at St. Joseph’s Cemetery, leaving behind a legacy of bravery and service.

Flags were at half staff at office buildings across Monroe County on Saturday, a show of solidarity among the neighboring counties and law enforcement statewide.

Investigators say Michael Elmore and Lindsay Wilcox fought with Sgt. Sanfratello and violently resisted arrest. He became unconscious and later died. Both have been charged in connection with his death.

Calling hours for the fallen sergeant were held Friday at Genesee Community College as community members, friends, family, and local law enforcement agencies came out in droves.

News10NBC streamed the funeral online here. It also is on our Facebook and YouTube pages.

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