Erie County Law Enforcement Training Academy

05/25/2026

This Memorial Day, we pause to honor and remember the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country. Their courage and dedication will never be forgotten.

05/21/2026

The police academy would like to congratulate Chief O’Hara on his appointment to the Town of Orchard Park Police Department, we look forward to working with you training the next generation of police officers.

It’s official! After months of interviews, considering, and discussing, the Town Board has come to a decision. Our department has a new Chief of Police.

Last night the Town Board passed a resolution to appoint Brendon O’Hara to the position of Chief of Police. He’ll start in a few short weeks.

O’Hara comes to us from the East Aurora Police Department, where he has been a Lieutenant for almost seven years. He’s a decorated officer and has been the #2 man over there for quite some time, serving under the respected Chief Welch. While we apologize to the citizens of East Aurora for poaching O’Hara, we’re excited for our residents and our department as we are gaining an experienced man for this job.

Help us congratulate Chief O’Hara! We looked forward to continuing to build a trusted and professional department with his leadership.

05/18/2026

From Day #1 of our Basic Investigative Photography class being held at the Amherst Police Department community policing and training center.

📷 credit - Daniel R Jay

05/11/2026

This National Police Week, we honor the courage, sacrifice, and dedication of the men and women who serve and protect our communities every day.

At the Erie County Law Enforcement Training Academy, we are proud to help prepare the next generation of law enforcement professionals to lead with integrity, professionalism, and commitment to public safety.

We remember the fallen, support the survivors, and thank all those who wear the badge. 💙🖤

04/29/2026

The recruits with the 148th Basic class are learning emergency vehicle operations….in the rain this week! Critical skill to have as a police officer.

04/25/2026

Remembering our fallen brother on the anniversary of his line of duty death. Rest In Peace.

New York State Police Wall of Honor - Today we Remember Trooper David C. Brinkerhoff

Trooper David C. Brinkerhoff, 29, died as a result of a gunshot wound on April 25, 2007.

The Mobile Response Team was searching a house in the town of Arkville, Delaware County, in response to a residential burglar alarm in the area a suspect was wanted in the shooting of Trooper Matthew J. Gombosi a day earlier. There was an exchange of gunfire, with rounds striking Trooper Richard G. Mattson and fatally wounding Trooper David C. Brinkerhoff.

Trooper Brinkerhoff joined the New York State Police on November 2, 1998. After attending the Academy, he briefly served in Troop A and was assigned to Troop F, SP Coxsackie at the time of his death.

04/21/2026

The police academy would like to congratulate all the officers on their recent promotions. Notably, Lt. Cochran is one of our regular EVOC instructors.

04/18/2026

Today the Charlie Platoon of the 148th Basic Class completed their Emergency Vehicle Operations Course (EVOC) training at Darien Lake theme park. Recruits receive 8 hours of classroom instruction followed by 40 hours of practical driving exercises to prepare them for patrol.

04/13/2026

The police academy would like to congratulate Lt. Gehring on his retirement from the Town of Orchard Park Police Department. Lt. Gehring has assisted the police academy for years with Standard Field Sobriety Testing (SFST) training for the recruit class. While his expertise will be missed, we know that he will enjoy his much deserved retirement.

Today we recognize and thank Lieutenant Brian Gehring, Badge #68. We acknowledge his outstanding service to the Orchard Park Police Department as he signs off for the final time.

Throughout his career, he has served not only our community, but our country—serving in the United States Army during Operation Iraqi Freedom and answering the call at Ground Zero in the aftermath of 9/11. His commitment to service continued here in Orchard Park, where he dedicated over 18 years to protecting and supporting the residents of this town.

Most recently, his efforts were recognized with the prestigious 100 Club of Buffalo Award—an honor that reflects the dedication, courage, and professionalism he has demonstrated throughout his career.

We extend our sincere gratitude for everything he has given to this profession and this community.

We wish him a long, healthy, and happy retirement—filled with family, good music, Tub Town Pizza, and plenty of laughs with friends.