Investigator Nolan A. Wengert, Rochester Police Department

CLAYVILLE/ROCHESTER - Investigator Nolan A. Wengert of the Rochester Police Department, and our beloved son, is in the arms of his Lord and Savior. Nolan, age 32, of Rochester, and formerly of Clayville, passed away suddenly on Sunday, April 9, 2017 in the comfort of his home. At the time of his passing he was in the hearts of those he loved. Born in New Hartford, NY on June 20, 1984, Nolan was the precious son of Earl G. and Maryrose M. (McTiernan) Wengert. An honors student, he was a graduate of Sauquoit Valley High School/Class of 2002 and was the recipient of a scholarship to Utica College of Syracuse University where he graduated in 2006 summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in Economic Crime Investigation. It was Nolan’s intention to get the criminals off the streets. He attained his Masters Degree, summa cum laude, via on-line courses through Utica College of Syracuse University while he concurrently worked in his career in law enforcement. During his college years, he was an intern for Michael Arcuri in the District Attorney’s office and also worked on his campaign bid for District Attorney. On a beautiful day at Lake Ontario, a romance began between Nolan and Sarah L. Miesner/RN, and it was also the place where he asked her to marry him on Valentine’s Day. Sarah said yes, and they set their wedding date for May 5, 2018. She loved him and he was everything a woman could want. He was loving, loyal, and gallant; they were perfect partners. There was so much happiness during their young lives and they looked forward to a bright future. Sarah will find his bright star in the sky and he will never fade away, and never be forgotten. She will cherish his memory, forever. On August 21, 2006 Nolan joined the Rochester Police Department. As a patrol officer, he spent almost his entire career working in the southwest area of the city, assigned to the West Division’s 3rd Platoon. He also served as a Field Training Officer, General Topics Instructor at the academy, and a member of the Firearms Training Unit. He was promoted to Sergeant in 2012 and proudly accepted the title of Investigator in 2013 assigned to the Lake section. Investigative work was his passion and the west side was under his purview and protection. His humble nature allowed him to recognize that a good arrest was a result of team work. He appreciated the teachings of his mentors, trainers, and fellow officers. He believed in his calling to serve mankind, to safeguard lives and property; and to respect the Constitutional rights of all persons to liberty, equality, and justice. He was available 24/7 to assist and give directions for every call. Nolan was blessed with a keen eye for critical details and he worked with many branches of law enforcement including the FBI, ATF (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms) Parole Board, Probation Department, Marshall’s Office, and all of these agencies had his personal cell phone number. In recognition of his hard work and dedication, Nolan earned a myriad of accolades, multiple times, including The Chief’s Letter of Recognition (21 times), The Excellent Police Service Award (10 times), The Distinguished Service Award, Officer of the Month/May 2008, Officer of the Month/October 2009, Officer of the Year 2012, Investigator of the Year 2015, and his current nomination for Investigator of the Year 2017, an award of the culmination of recognition of over 700 fellow officers. To the moment of his passing, Nolan was talking about his job and getting the “bad guys”. Nolan was God’s gift to his parents, and to them he was perfect! He was a most responsible person, honest to a fault, and filled with the wisdom, compassion, and inner peace of an old soul. He brought great happiness to his parents and they were immensely proud of his academic achievements, his police career, as well as the fine young man that he became. He was conservative in his attire and demeanor, but he had a great sense of humor and was such a joy to know. He respected his elders, especially his grandmas. He could carry on an interesting conversation because his mind was always working, and he was always on the go because of his incredible work ethic. For several years he operated Wengert Polygraph Services for central and western New York. Nolan loved his motorcycles, a red Hyabusa Honda and a Yamaha Raider. He rode Lake Road and the Letchworth State Park, memories that were special to Sarah and Nolan. He was an avid, responsible, gun enthusiast and often gave advice to novice gun owners on rules and regulations, shooting techniques, laws, and safety. He enjoyed Red Dog Beer and Woodford Reserve Bourbon Whiskey. He was very particular about his food. If he found something that pleased his palate he ate it frequently until he found a new favorite food. He often enjoyed a cheeseburg sub. He also loved his breakfast sandwich maker because it made his life complete. And when in Utica, he went directly to O'Scugnizzo Pizzeria. Nolan was a bull in a china shop, often hiding the damage he may have created. But he appreciated his family, especially during the holiday season when everyone was together. Sunday was sacred; it was a time for rest and a time for friends. Nolan had a deep love for Christ, and when he and Sarah prayed together, it was a special and precious time. He was a “vault” and you could tell him anything and he would lock it away in privacy. He also would spend hours talking you through tribulations and troubled times, and he would say, “I’ll take care of it”, and he always did. He knew his Lord and he believed. He was a peace maker. He was a peace keeper. God grant him peace in his eternal rest. Nolan is survived by his amazing parents, Earl and Maryrose; his beloved fiancee, Sarah; his aunts and uncles, Elaine and Dave Szalkowski, Marilyn McTiernan, Joanne McTiernan, Gerald Wengert, Bruce and Betsy Wengert, Judy Springer, Kathy, Fred, Dave and Reiza Zimmerman, Joe and Missy Vatalaro; extended family, Charly and Gracie Isgro, Dick and Chris Roberts, Marsha Shaoud and the late Ray Shaoud, Patty and Leo Boulerice, Frank and Debby Rocco, and Walt and Tina Bayley; cousins, Gerry Wengert, Jr. Florida Canine Officer, Jennifer Wengert, and Kristin Neves; his future mother-in-law Mary Miesner, his future in-laws, Lee and Bonnie Miesner, and Sarah’s niece Kaelynn, and nephew Nathaniel, all of whom spent enjoyable times together with Nolan. So many are at a loss over Nolan’s passing, but he truly shared his heart and life with these precious friends, Aaron and Kimberly Eyrich, Adam Alliet and Erin Alliet, Jason Prinzi, Daryl Hogg, James LaRuez, Jason Hess, Russ Tinker, Justin Assisi, Caleb Sirco, Chris Kimball, and John Williams; and a host of men and women of the Rochester Police Department; they were all truly his brothers and sisters. He was predeceased by his paternal grandparents, Earl and Alma R. Wengert; maternal grandparents, Edwin T. and Marian (Nolan) McTiernan; his aunt Erla Zimmerman; and uncle Edwin McTiernan. The family is grateful to the Emergency Department staff and the Pediatric Emergency staff at Rochester General Hospital who are Sarah’s co-workers. Family members were comforted by their love and concern; and the Rochester Police Department for their brotherhood and compassion. Visitation will be held Tuesday afternoon from 3:00-7:00 at the Stanley Performing Arts Center, 259 Genesee Street, Utica. Nolan was a “father” to his rescue dog, “Winston Wengert”, and his feline “Diego”. Nolan and Sarah had an incredible backyard which welcomed deer and turkeys and was a place where Nolan could be one with nature. In line with his love for God’s creatures, memorial contributions may be considered to Rochester Animal Services, 184 Verona Street, Rochester NY 14608, Phone (585)-428-7274 or to the Stevens-Swan Humane Society online at https://stevens-swan.org; envelopes will be available at the service. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Nolan's funeral service and Celebration of Life which will commence on Wednesday morning at 11:00 at the Stanley Performing Arts Center with Pastor Drew Conover of Life Point Church, Yorkville, NY, officiating the ceremony. Police Honors will be conferred. Interment will follow graveside in Mt. Olivet Cemetery.

Investigator Nolan A. Wengert, Rochester Police Department

June 20, 1984 - April 9, 2017