2010 AWARDS
Narrartives as published on mycentraljersey.com
EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE AWARD –
Officer Zaslavsky
EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE AWARD –
Officer Bowers
CIVILIAN AWARD 2ND DEGREE
–
Timothy Ring CIVILIAN AWARD 2ND DEGREE
–
Abigail Landau CIVILIAN AWARD 2ND DEGREE
–
Stephen
Landau
On Sept. 19, 2010, a woman began
giving birth in a store at Bridgewater Commons Mall. When Officer Zaslavsky arrived, he found the woman’s water had broken, and after
guiding her to the floor found the baby already crowning. She soon gave
birth to a baby girl, with assistance from Zaslavsky and members from the
Green Knoll Rescue
Squad.
CPR/DEFIBRILLATOR SAVE AWARD –
Officer
Bernhard
CPR/DEFIBRILLATOR SAVE AWARD –
Officer
Blath
CPR/DEFIBRILLATOR SAVE AWARD –
Officer
Augliera
CIVILIAN AWARD 2ND DEGREE –
Diane Strahlendorff
CIVILIAN AWARD 2ND DEGREE –
Melissa Sherman
On Oct. 24, 2010, two women who heard a car crash on Promenade Boulevard
ran to the scene and found one of the drivers wasn’t breathing. The
women, Diane Strahlendorff and Melissa Sherman, administered CPR along
with off-duty police officer Blath. Two more officers, Bernhard and
Augliera, arrived and took over CPR while Blath retrieved a
defibrillator, which was used to restore the driver’s pulse. The driver
regained consciousness and was transported to the hospital.
CPR/DEFIBRILLATOR SAVE AWARD –
Officer
Hollowell
CPR/DEFIBRILLATOR SAVE AWARD –
Officer
Fischer
On Oct. 2, 2010, Officers
Hollowell and Fischer were sent to the Promenade Boulevard Home Depot,
where a man was in distress. They found a 52-year-old unconscious and
with no pulse. They used a defibrillator and CPR until an ambulance
arrived, and the man eventually made a full recovery.
LETTER OF COMMENDATION –
Lieutenant Gorski
LETTER OF COMMENDATION
–
Officer Cooper
LETTER OF COMMENDATION –
Officer Hobbs
LETTER OF COMMENDATION –
Officer Mitzak
LETTER OF COMMENDATION –
Officer Daunton
CIVILIAN AWARD 2ND DEGREE
–
Dispatcher
Collins
CIVILIAN AWARD 2ND DEGREE
–
Dispatcher Sujansky
On Feb. 26, a
911 caller said he’d been stabbed by an acquaintance. Soon after
dispatchers broadcast a description of the suspect and his car to
Bridgewater officers and throughout the county, Officer
Cooper radioed that he was behind the suspect’s car. He stopped the car
on Interstate 287 and with the help of Officers Hobbs, Mitzak, Daunton
and Lieutenant Gorski, took the suspect
into custody.
LIFE SAVING AWARD
–
Sgt. Maxwell,
LIFE SAVING AWARD –
Officer Pelley
LIFE SAVING AWARD –
Officer Tennant
LIFE SAVING AWARD –
Officer Dailey
LIFE SAVING AWARD –
Officer Schubert
LIFE SAVING AWARD –
Officer Black
CIVILIAN AWARD 2ND DEGREE
–
Lance Kopman
CIVILIAN AWARD 2ND DEGREE
– Jessie Chang
On Sept. 29, 2010, officers responded to an address on Lawton Road where
a man was trapped beneath a Jeep SUV. Unable to find a jack, one of the
officers asked, “Do you think we can lift it?” Sgt. Maxwell responded,
“Let’s give it a try.” Six officers lifted the car while another officer
and two rescue squad members from Green Knoll pulled the man clear. The man was
unconscious and in cardiac arrest, but the officer and rescue squad
members used CPR and a defibrillator to restore his pulse. The man
continues to recover from his injuries.
EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE AWARD –
Officer Daunton
CIVILIAN AWARD 2ND DEGREE
–
Sr. Dispatcher Hamilton
CIVILIAN AWARD 2ND DEGREE
–
Dispatcher Marshall
CIVILIAN AWARD 2ND DEGREE
–
Dispatcher Sujansky
On Aug. 30, 2010, a dispatcher received a distraught phone call
from an 18-year-old woman in Chimney Rock Park who was threatening
suicide. Dispatcher Marshall determined her location by asking
her what she could see and hear; with his help and that of other
dispatchers, Officer Daunton located the woman near a cliff in the park.
Daunton was able to build a rapport with the woman and eventually was
able to grab her hand and pull her to safety.
LETTER OF COMMENDATION
–
Officer Delaney
LETTER OF COMMENDATION –
Officer Schubert
LETTER OF COMMENDATION –
Officer Greco
LETTER OF COMMENDATION –
Officer Thorsen
On March
13, four officers were sent to the Red Bull Inn on Route 22 to attend to
a potentially suicidal man. Officers didn’t have the man’s exact
location but were eventually able to locate him, and although he had
barricaded himself in his room, they were able to force open the door
and subdue him before being transported
for evaluation
LETTER OF COMMENDATION –
Officer Savare
LETTER OF COMMENDATION – Officer Hollowell LETTER OF COMMENDATION
– Officer Blath
LETTER OF COMMENDATION –
Officer Cerro
LETTER OF COMMENDATION –
Officer
Ochs
On June 1, 2010, four officers went to a home on Drysdale Lane for a
disorderly person. The man barricaded himself in his room and refused to
come out, then said he was having medical problems. The officers broke
open the door and subdued the man, who attacked them with a metal cane
before being transported to the hospital.
2008 Awards
MEDAL OF VALOR:
Officer Kochanski
MEDAL OF MERIT:
Officer Rice, Officer Kennedy
EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE AWARD:
Sgt. Hoey, Officer Cerro
CPR SAVE AWARD:
Sgt. Jurczak, Officer Augliera, Officer Bezak, Officer Bernhard (2), Officer
Dauton, Officer Albanese.
LETTER OF COMMENDATION:
Lt. Delin, Sgt. Caravela, Officer Bernhard, Officer Schubert, Officer
Guerra, Officer Zeichner,
Officer Kochanski (2), Officer Payne, Officer Edwards, Officer Statiulaitis,
Det. Rice, Officer Dailey, Dispatcher Cavallo, Dispatcher Collins
2007 AWARDS
EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE AWARD-
Officer Lamey
EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE AWARD-
Officer Ochs
EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE AWARD-
Officer Reilly
On March 3, 2007, Officer Lamey, Officer Ochs and
Officer Reilly responded to 24 Tunison Lane for a reported structure fire.
Upon their arrival at the condominium complex, they observed the rooftop to
be engulfed in flame. Prior to the arrival of the Fire Company,
Officers Lamey, Ochs and Reilly made forced entries into the affected homes
to search for and evacuate any occupants. Together, each Officer
displayed extraordinary courage
while risking their personal safety for the citizens of Bridgewater
Township.
EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE AWARD -
Officer Savare
LETTER OF COMMENDATION -
Detective Hoey
On June 28, 2007, Officer Savare conducted a routine
motor vehicle stop which resulted in the arrest of the driver and passenger,
both being NJ Wanted Persons. Subsequent investigation revealed that
the driver also possessed a stolen credit card. During the arrest
processing procedure, Officer Savare determined that the subjects had been
staying at the Days Inn, room 209. Detective Hoey responded to the
motel and located a male and female. A warrant check revealed both to
be NJ Wanted Persons. Detective Hoey arrested these subjects and gained
consent to search their room. This search yielded property that had been
removed from a vehicle stolen at the Bridgewater Commons Mall earlier in the
day. As a result of this cooperative effort, the stolen vehicle was
recovered in the Borough of Somerville and returned to the owner less than
seven hours after being reported. Together, Detective Hoey and Officer
Savare are responsible for the quick recovery of the stolen vehicle and the
arrest of four NJ Wanted Persons, resulting in an additional twenty
indictable charges being lodged against them.
EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE AWARD-
Officer Bowers
On February 21, 2007, Officer Bowers was on patrol when
he was advised of a Stop and Hold bulletin initiated by the Hillsborough
Police Department. The driver of a vehicle registered in Easton
Pennsylvania was a wanted suspect in the abduction and sexual assault of a
twenty-six year-old female. Officer Bowers altered his patrol
techniques in order to position himself along the travel route to Easton Pa.
Soon afterward, Officer Bowers observed the suspect vehicle and initiated a
motor vehicle stop on Route 22 East. He detained the operator until
Hillsborough Police Officers arrived. Subsequent to their investigation, the
driver was charged with Kidnaping (1st degree) and Attempted Aggravated
Sexual Assault (2nd degree).
MEDAL OF MERIT- Officer Ochs
EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE - Sgt.
Nunery
EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE -
Officer Lamey EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE -
Officer Sommers
EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE -
Officer Hennessey
LETTER OF COMMENDATION-
Dispatcher Daniel Celaya
On July 30, 2007 at 0259 hours, a resident of 566 Downey
Road dialed 911 reporting an Armed Home Invasion and Robbery at the
residence. The residents had been bound and pistol-whipped. Dispatcher
Celaya received the call and began gathering information from the caller
when the phone line was disconnected. Dispatcher Celaya attempted to
return calls to the victim however, they were unanswered. He
immediately dispatched Sergeant Nunery and Officers Sommers, Lamey, Ochs and
Hennessey to the scene. Officer Ochs responded to Downey Road and observed
two male subjects walking south which he immediately detained and
interviewed with the assistance of Officer Lamey. Officers Sommers and
Hennessey responded to 566 Downey Road where Officer Sommers learned that
one of the three suspects was armed with a handgun. Officer Ochs and
Officer Lamey placed the two suspects under arrest. They were unarmed.
Officer Ochs continued searching for the third suspect, locating him hiding
in a drainage pipe nearby. Acting alone, Officer Ochs ordered him out
at gunpoint. The suspect refused to cooperate and was physically dragged
from the drainage pipe and taken into custody by Officer Ochs. While
searching nearby, Officer Hennessey located an unoccupied White Lincoln
Town Car utilized by the suspects. Sergeant Nunery responded to the
scene while monitoring and aiding the actions of the responding Officers.
After learning that all three suspects had been located and placed under
arrest, Sergeant Nunery continued his search for evidence. While
checking the dew-soaked lawns on Downey Road, Sergeant Nunery followed
depressions in the grass leading him to a black semiautomatic handgun which
he subsequently recovered. All of the officers are commended for their quick
response to the scene, courage and investigative skills which resulted in
the quick arrest of three dangerous criminals.
2006 AWARDS
MEDAL OF MERIT-
Officer Michael White
Between August 5 and December 18, 2006, a township
family was victimized by a series of residential burglaries and thefts.
On December 20, 2006, Officer White completed working his midnight shift and
then volunteered to conduct surveillance on their residence. At
approximately 1026 hours, Officer White observed a vehicle pull into the
driveway. A male subject exited the vehicle and forcibly entered into
the home. Prior to the arrival of backup units, the subject exited the
residence and was apprehended by Officer White. The burglar
subsequently admitted to the crimes.
LETTER OF COMMENDATION
- Detective Christopher Burke
In September of 2003, Detective Christopher Burke began investigating a
robbery at Sherman and Sons Jewelers where more than $55,000 dollars in
jewelry was stolen. Blood evidence from a broken display case was
retrieved and submitted to CODIS (Combined DNA Index System). In May
2006, Detective Burke was notified that the blood evidence was linked to a
career criminal. In July 2006, Sherman and Sons Jewelers was again
victimized for a theft of Rolex watches valued in excess of $5,000 dollars.
Detective Burke began investigating this case also and developed a separate
suspect. During the course of investigation, Detective Burke worked in
conjunction with Special Agents of the FBI’s Violent Crime/Criminal
Enterprise Task Force in order to solve these cases. It was determined
that both suspects were linked to a violent gang known as "The Second Street
Mob" which had victimized countless stores across the entire Eastern
Seaboard. As a result of Detective Christopher Burke's tireless work
and contribution, this joint investigation lead to one Federal arrest and
three State arrests.
LETTER OF COMMENDATION
-
Officer James Edwards
In July 2006, Officer James
Edwards responded to a Township residence after being dispatched for an
elderly male that had fallen. After providing aid, Officer Edwards
observed that both elderly residents were in poor health and unable to care
for themselves. As a result, living conditions in the home were
deplorable. Over a period of several months, Officer Edwards continued
to check on the residents as he assisted them in obtaining health aids and
residential cleaning services. The actions and initiative of Officer
James Edwards resulted in the elderly couple receiving the proper medical,
psychiatric and domestic services they needed, possibly preventing a
situation that may have produced tragic results.
LETTER OF COMMENDATION
-
Dispatcher Jason Slaughter
LETTER OF COMMENDATION - Dispatcher Allison Cavallo
On May 6, 2006 Dispatcher Jason Slaughter and Dispatcher Allison Cavallo
were working together in the Communications Bureau. During the time
period between 0021 hours and 0238 hours, the incoming call volume was
extremely unusual, with all calls for service being Priority One.
These calls included an Armed Robbery, a Motor Vehicle Crash with double
entrapment, and a second Motor Vehicle Crash with multiple injuries, a
Structure Fire, a Missing Person and a Stolen Vehicle. Together,
Dispatcher Slaughter and Dispatcher Cavallo handled all calls in an
organized and efficient manner, properly dispatching all responding
personnel including Police, Fire, Rescue, K-9, and two Medevac Units.
Both Dispatchers remained calm throughout, displaying their professionalism
and dedication to duty.
LETTER OF COMMENDATION/CPR
Save - Off. Stasiulaitis
LETTER OF COMMENDATION/CPR
Save -
Off. T. Mele
On March 3, 2006, Officer T. Mele and Officer Stasiulaitis responded to
Somerville Lumber to a report of CPR being performed on a fifty six year old
male. There they assisted in the resuscitation efforts. As a result of
their efforts, the man was subsequently revived and has recovered.
CPR Award - Off.
Slepokura
CPR Award -
Off. Shimp
CPR Award -
Off. Hennessey
On May 12, 2006, Officer Slepokura, Officer Shimp, and Officer Hennessey
responded to the Bridgewater Diner on a report of a man choking. Upon
their arrival, the victim was unconscious and had no pulse. The
officers began CPR and initiated defibrillator protocols. Officer
Shimp attempted additional abdominal thrusts when it was determined the
man’s airway was still obstructed. Paramedics arrived and removed the
obstruction with a medical instrument. The victim was subsequently able to
be resuscitated thanks in part to the quick actions and efforts of Officer
Slepokura, Officer Shimp and Officer Hennessey.
Medal of Merit – Officer
Delaney
In September of 2006, Officer Delaney identified an area along the Raritan
River near Robert Street which had become a dumping ground for old
appliances, furniture, and numerous other household items. This area
was adjacent to County Parkland and a walking trail and presented a
potential hazard for children and animals in the area. Officer Delaney
organized dedicated groups of volunteers who met in November for a clean-up
day. As a result of their efforts, tons of garbage was removed from
the area. He is hereby awarded the Medal of Merit for his initiative
and the implementation of this clean-up project.
Exceptional Service – Officer
Guerra
Exceptional Service –
Officer Krok
Exceptional Service –
Officer Rice
Exceptional Service –
Officer Ochs
Exceptional Service –
Officer Zeichner
On April 25, 2006, an individual wanted by Franklin Police Department for an
attempted theft and eluding hid in the Martinsville area of Bridgewater for
several hours. He was observed by Officer Ochs on Washington Valley Road in
Martinsville after committing two burglaries and a theft at two residences
there. During one of the burglaries, he confronted a seven year old resident
and attempted to gain keys to her mother’s car. Officer Ochs, Officer Krok
and Officer Guerra initiated a foot pursuit of the suspect into a wooded
area. Officer Rice and Officer Zeichner joined the pursuit from
another direction, and through the excellent coordinated efforts of all the
officers involved, the subject was arrested, charged and incarcerated.
Lifesaving Award – Bound
Brook Officers Ulmer and Mazeura
On April 19, 2006, a serious on car motor vehicle crash occurred on East
Main Street near the Rt. 287 overpass. The engine compartment of the
vehicle erupted into flames. A passerby unsuccessfully attempted to
remove the driver from the vehicle. Officer Mazeura and Officer Ulmer
of the Bound Brook Police Department responded to the scene and were able to
pull the driver, who was seriously injured, from the flaming vehicle seconds
before the passenger compartment became engulfed in flames. The quick
actions and courage of Officer Ulmer and Officer Mazeura saved the driver
from further injury or death.
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