Vestal Police Department

10/23/2026

SRO O’Connor represented VPD last night at Texas Roadhouse for the Special Olympics New York fundraiser.

10/22/2026

Please join us in congratulating Officer Smales' on his graduation from the South Tier Law Enforcement Academy this evening. Officer Smales was recognized for his outstanding effort and received the Academy Director's Award for his persistence, dedication, and willingness to help others.
We are proud to welcome him to the Vestal Police Department, and we look forward to seeing him serve the community with the same attitude and dedication he displayed in the academy.
Congratulations!

10/20/2026

On Friday, October 16th at approximately 11:47 am, Patrol responded to a burglary in progress on Donna Drive. Upon arrival, patrols located Sarah Caletka,40, inside the victim's residence and took her into custody.
During the investigation, it was determined that Caletka also unlawfully entered an additional home, which was unoccupied at the time, and fell through the ceiling of the victim's garage, causing damage to the garage and a parked vehicle. While fleeing that residence, Caletka also attempted to enter several other homes before successfully entering an occupied residence, where she was located by patrol.
Caletka was also found to be in possession of narcotics at the time of her arrest and charged with the following:
Burglary 3rd -Class D Felony
Criminal Mischief 4th -Class A Misdemeanor
Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 7th -Class A Misdemeanor
Caletka was transported by EMS and subsequently taken to Central Arraignment.

All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

We thank the community members who remained vigilant and looked out for their neighbors during this incident. We also commend the patrol division for their rapid response and thorough investigation.
This incident should serve to remind all residents to call us when you see something suspicious and to keep your homes and vehicles secure, even during the day.

10/14/2026

Excellent work by members of our Narcotics division in partnership with other local, state and federal agencies. Having a team dedicated to pursuing narcotics dealers and criminal activity driven by narcotics has helped not only our community but the surrounding areas as well.

10/09/2026

On Sunday, October 4th, at approximately 4:03 am, Patrol responded to a motorcycle incident in the 4300 block of Country Club Road. Upon arrival, patrol observed that the victim's leg was stuck in the motorcycle between the tire and exhaust. EMS and Fire were dispatched to the scene and began extrication while rendering aid to the victim. The victim suffered severe injuries and was transported to the hospital for treatment.
During the investigation, it was determined that Maximus Romero, 21, of Vestal, was operating the motorcycle in an intoxicated state and in a reckless manner with the victim seated behind him. Maximus was subsequently arrested and charged with the following:
PL 120.03 01 Vehicular Assault- Operating Motor Vehicle While Impaired Causing Injury
PL 120.05 Assault 2nd Recklessly Causing Serious Injury
PL 120.20 Reckless Endangerment 2nd
VTL 1192 03 Driving While Intoxicated
VTL 1212 Reckless Driving
VTL 1251 0A Two on a Seat for One (motorcycle)
VTL 509 02 Driving Without Proper License
VTL 511 01 Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle

Romero was transported to Broome County Jail for arraignment.

Romero has previously fled from Vestal Police twice this year, resulting in previous charges being filed for Unlawfully Fleeing, Obstruction, and additional Vehicle and Traffic Law tickets.

All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

10/07/2026

We are currently accepting applications for lateral transfers due to planned retirements in the spring of 2027.

10/06/2026

Rest in peace, sir. We thank you for your many years of service to this town. The lives you saved, the families you comforted and the blanket of protection you and your brothers and sisters at Vestal Volunteer Emergency Squad, Inc. provided for this town during your time of service will never be forgotten.

It is with heavy hearts, we remember Wayne Schneider, who passed away on October 4, 2026. Wayne dedicated many years to serving the residents of the Town of Vestal, starting in 1990, as a well-known and respected paramedic. Through his compassion, commitment, and steady presence, he made a lasting difference in the lives of the people he served and the colleagues who stood beside him.
Wayne was an amazing man, husband, and father. He was also a mentor to everyone he knew in EMS, generously sharing his experience, offering encouragement, a good laugh, and helping others grow. His influence reached far beyond the calls he answered, he helped shape the people and the community around him.
To know Wayne was an honor. We will remember his dedication, his kindness, and the example he set for all of us. His service and the memories he leaves behind will live on in the Vestal community and in the hearts of everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.
Our deepest condolences are with Wayne’s family, friends, and EMS family during this difficult time. Rest in peace, Wayne. Thank you for all you gave to Vestal and to those fortunate enough to know you.

10/02/2026

It was another successful Law and Orders night at Tully's Good Times in Vestal for Special Olympics New York. $804 was raised. Thank you to everyone who participated, Tullys for hosting and especially those who donated.
Broome County Sheriff's Office
Vestal Police Department
Port Dickinson Police Department