Pictured are Jeff Levandoski, County Commander; Jasen Erick first Vice Commander; and Peter Ochocki, junior Past Commander now serving as Second Vice Commander.

LAKEWOOD — On June 14, the Chautauqua County American Legion held its annual Convention at Lakewood Memorial Post 1286, to elect officers for the coming year and name delegates to superior Conventions to be held at later times.

During the meeting awards were presented to several children from county schools for their winning essays on “what the Flag Means to Me.” Those recipients were: Charlie Radtke, Fredonia; Caeley Cummings, Chautauqua Lake; Luke Wickmark, H.C. Fenner Jamestown; Sadie Boner, Northern Chautauqua Catholic School, Dunkirk; Cora Janocha, H.C. Fenner; Brayden Barry, Chautauqua Lake; Luna Hurley, Silver Creek; Mackenzie Smith, Forestville; Braelyn Edson, Sinclairville; and Marilaine Stahley, Fredonia.

Awards were also given from the Law-and-Order committee to several deserving first responders and law enforcement employees. Winning the EMS Responder of the Year was Lisa Babcock of the Ripley Fire Dept.

The Law Enforcement officer of the year was given to Jason Beichner, a K-9 deputy with the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s office. Also winning awards from the Sheriff’s office was Marvin Cummings, 911 Dispatcher of the Year and Steven Darling was acknowledged as the Corrections Officer of the Year.

Sheriff James Quattrone was on hand to support his dedicated employees. Additional awards were given for Scout of the Year to Natasha Kemp, and her Mother Rebecca Schafer was awarded a plaque for Adult Leader of the year. Both were from Troop 267 in Fredonia.

More awards were given to members and contributing posts of the Chautauqua County Legion, highlighting this group was James Lemanski of Dunkirk Memorial Post 62 who was named Legionnaire of the year, chosen for his long-term commitment to many programs sponsored by the American Legion.

Winning the top membership trophy was Ellery Memorial Post 947. A newly created trophy called the Outstanding Post, that is awarded to the post listed with the highest level of activities, was awarded to John W. Dill Post 434 of Brocton.

With all the awards presented the convention continued with elections. Assuming the various offices are as follows: Jeff Levandoski, County Commander; Jasen Erick first Vice Commander; Peter Ochocki, junior Past Commander now serving as Second Vice Commander, Barbara Colt holding twin positions as Third Vice Commander and Chaplain. Martin Schroeder was named Sergeant at Arms, Walter Ackley, Treasurer, with Henry Link as his assistant. Kirk Miller was appointed as Adjutant.

All elected officers were installed by the leading candidate for Department Commander and past 8th District Commander John Miga. The meeting concluded with refreshments. A new county commander reception was held at Samuel L. Derby Post 556 in Frewsburg.