Bridgewater Police Awards

EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE AWARD – Officer Zaslavsky
EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE AWARD – Officer Bowers
CIVILIAN AWARD 2^ND DEGREE – Timothy Ring
CIVILIAN AWARD 2^ND DEGREE – Abigail Landau
CIVILIAN AWARD 2^ND 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 2^NDDEGREE – Diane Strahlendorff
CIVILIAN AWARD 2^ND 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 2^ND DEGREE – Dispatcher Collins
CIVILIAN AWARD 2^ND 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 2^ND DEGREE – Lance Kopman
CIVILIAN AWARD 2^ND 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 2^ND DEGREE – Sr. Dispatcher Hamilton
CIVILIAN AWARD 2^ND DEGREE – Dispatcher Marshall
CIVILIAN AWARD 2^ND 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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.