Submitted photo James Quattrone, left, is pictured with his dad, Wayne.

A few days ago, a photograph showed up on Facebook that James Quattrone remembers fondly.

It was taken on election night in 2018 around the time Quattrone learned he was about to become the new sheriff of Chautauqua County. At his side was his father, Wayne, a former officer and police chief himself.

“You know, standing with my dad that night, him being a former officer, you can see the pride in him,” Quattrone said. “But I had pride in him myself, so it was bittersweet not having him there last night.”

Quattrone was unopposed as he was re-elected sheriff Tuesday — bringing in 35,009 votes across the county.

Just hours earlier, a funeral service for Wayne Quattrone was held at Conduit Ministries in Jamestown.

Born in August 1939 and a veteran of the U.S. Navy, Wayne Quattrone worked as a police officer in Salamanca and Busti. He served as chief in Busti beginning in 1968, and later in his working career was head of security at WCA Hospital and director of security for United Refining Co. He passed away Nov. 2 at the age of 83.

Before visitation Tuesday, Quattrone said every police chief in the county walked in together along with other police officers — a tribute he found very touching.

He also was moved by a 5-year-old girl who stood near Conduit Ministries during Tuesday’s service with a “Thin Blue Line” American flag in honor of his father. He and Undersheriff Rich Telford later went over and spoke to the child and her dad.

“That meant so much to our family,” he said. “A father and daughter showing respect, you know, not only to my dad, but to law enforcement in general. I think that’s more of what we see in this community or, at least, more of what I believe that people feel towards law enforcement with respect. Even though we often hear about the negative side, we have great support.

‘DOING THE RIGHT THING’

Quattrone said his dad provided plenty of inspiration from his own background in law enforcement.

“All along through my career he provided me with tips and encouragement, advice,” he said. “You know, he never ran for any political office, but something he always instilled in myself and my siblings is work hard. And my slogan, if you will, isn’t by chance, you know, ‘Doing the right thing for the right reasons,’ really comes from my dad.”

There are some traits from his father that Quattrone said he has tried to emulate while overseeing the sheriff’s department.

“One of the things my father always stressed is to delegate,” he said. “What I often will talk about is allowing our staff to have autonomy — giving them an opportunity to master their craft, if you will, and then giving them a purpose. And that purpose is keeping our community safe, and that seems to help with the morale and we strive to do that. Sometimes it’s difficult, but that’s why I have a great staff across the board with our corrections officers, our parole officers, dispatchers or administrative staff, court officers who are all awesome.”

Quattrone said his dad was an early proponent of school resource officers and community policing. He also would go to the high school and spend an afternoon talking to students.

“He was always out in the community,” Quattrone said. “It’s a little cliche, but he would stress the importance of stopping for coffee and talking with people in the coffee shops and talking to the community more.”

Since becoming sheriff, Quattrone himself has hosted “Coffee with Cops” events to meet with the community.

WORKING TOGETHER

The sheriff said he appreciates the support he has received in his re-election effort. During his first four years in office, he noted the collaboration among police departments in the county that he believes has made the community safer while promoting a positive image.

The collaboration, he addded, includes other officials and county agencies.

“I think when we’re able to work together with other leaders in the county — other police chiefs, or legislature, our county executive, our state representatives — while we’re all able to work together, it really makes for effective law enforcement,” he said.