A Chemung County sheriff’s investigator who was seriously injured two years ago while trying to subdue a suspect has been recognized for his service by the state Legislature.
State Sen. Tom O’Mara and his colleagues in the Senate Republican Conference on Wednesday presented a Senate Commendation Award to Investigator Michael Theetge.
Theetge and his wife, Patrice, traveled to the state Capitol in Albany to be recognized by members of both the Senate and Assembly.
The Senate Commendation Award is one of the Senate’s highest honors, recognizing individuals who have served and made lasting contributions to their communities and the state.
The award recognizes achievements and contributions in volunteerism, public service, business, education, and law enforcement, among others, as well as, in Theetge’s case, acts of bravery in the line of duty.
“We are honored to have this opportunity to honor and recognize Investigator Theetge for his ongoing, strong commitment to law enforcement and public safety, his courage, and the enormous sacrifices he has made in the line of duty protecting our community,” O’Mara said.
“It has been a long and hard road of recovery, yet he remains committed to the vital work of law enforcement, mentoring young officers, and the critical mission of public safety and security,” he added. “His perseverance and strength are inspiring.”
O’Mara also noted Theetge was the recent recipient of the “Order of the Blue Heart Award” from Wounded Blue, the only national organization dedicated to supporting law enforcement officers injured or disabled on the job.
What happened to Investigator Theetge?
Theetge was part of a joint operation with New York State Police in March 2024 targeting retail theft operation in Consumer Square in Big Flats.
A suspect, later identified as Dominick J. Haley, of Ithaca, left the store and began running toward a waiting 2016 Chevy Impala operated by Fatiuna Massaline, also of Ithaca.
During a foot chase, Haley slid across the hood of the moving Impala and Theetge also slid onto the hood when he reached to grab Haley, police said.
Theetge was ejected from the hood and suffered a serious head injury. He underwent months of rehabilitation and treatment, including most recently a series of major spinal surgeries at the Virginia Spine Institute, according to O’Mara’s office.
He has not returned to active duty at this time.
What happened to the suspects in Theetge’s case?
Haley ultimately pleaded guilty to felony charges of assault on a police officer and second-degree assault, along with a misdemeanor count of petit larceny.
He was sentenced in Chemung County Court to 12 years in prison followed by five years of post-release supervision for the assault on a police officer plea, and five years in prison and five years of post-release supervision for the second-degree assault charge. The sentences will be served concurrently.
Massaline was convicted of assault on a police officer and second-degree assault, both felonies, following a jury trial. She was sentenced to 12-and-a-half years in prison on the assault on a police officer charge, and seven years on the second-degree assault charge, followed by five years of post-release supervision. She will also serve her sentences concurrently.
A well-earned recognition
During his recuperation and effort to return to normal, Theetge and his wife purchased longtime Corning drycleaning business Crystal Cleaners. They also acquired The Great Escape ice cream parlor in Watkins Glen.
Chemung County Sheriff Bill Schrom said it’s gratifying to see people such as Theetge who put it all on the line get credit.
“There’s a part of our society that doesn’t bother to recognize first responders,” said Schrom, who expressed appreciation for O’Mara’s effort to honor Theetge. “It’s nice to see someone that was hurt in the line of duty get proper recognition.”
This article originally appeared on Elmira Star-Gazette: Injured Chemung County sheriff’s investigator honored with Senate award
Reporting by Jeff Murray, Elmira Star-Gazette / Elmira Star-Gazette
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