Eric Blowers was sworn in as Batavia’s new police chief and Detective Sergeant Gary LaBarbara was promoted to deputy chief during the Batavia City Council meeting on Jan. 6, 2025, while the council unanimously approved a proclamation honoring outgoing Chief Sean Mazza.

The council adopted a proclamation read by Mayor Jeffrey D. Schuelke recognizing Sean Mazza’s 26 years of service, his leadership as chief since 2022, and department programs he championed. The council’s vote to adopt the proclamation was recorded as 13 yes, 0 no, 1 absent.

Why this matters: The sworn changes establish department leadership ahead of Jan. 14, 2025, when Blowers and LaBarbara take their new posts; the transitions include ceremonial recognition and an explicit pledge to continue community-focused policing programs.

Council and staff said the changes were an internal promotion pipeline. Mayor Jeffrey D. Schuelke presented the proclamation and asked for a council motion to approve it; the motion carried unanimously. Laura (city administrator) praised Mazza’s leadership and called him “a humble leader who leads with a servant’s heart.”

Retiring chief Sean Mazza spoke to the council before handing the badge to his successor. “I just have an overwhelming sense of gratitude,” Mazza said, reflecting on his 26-year career and thanking officers, civilian staff and community partners. He named several department staff and said he expected the department’s work to continue under the new leaders.

Eric Blowers, whose appointment the council administered an oath for at the meeting, described Batavia as “a city like Batavia” he was fortunate to serve and pledged to continue the department’s partnerships with the community. “I promise that I will continue to do everything within my power to make sure that the Batavia Police Department remains a good community partner,” Blowers said after the oath.

The mayor and others noted several internal promotions. Schuelke and department leaders identified Eric Blowers and Gary LaBarbara as assuming chief and deputy chief roles effective Jan. 14, 2025. The mayor also named Mike Johnson among staff to be promoted, though only Blowers and LaBarbara took oaths at the meeting.

LaBarbara, promoted from detective sergeant, thanked his family and the department and said he intended to “leave this place better than I found it.” The council administered the deputy chief oath to LaBarbara during the same meeting.

No ordinance or budget change was adopted at the event; the meeting record shows the actions were internal personnel transitions, ceremonial recognition, and oath administration. The proclamation and the swearing-in were advanced by the council without amendment.

Ending: The council adjourned the formal police-transition portion of the meeting after the oaths and brief comments. Blowers and LaBarbara’s appointments are effective Jan. 14, 2025.