The following awards were presented at the Annual P.B.A. #154 Dinner on April 20, 2002 by Chief Craig Novick and P.B.A. President James Holzheimer.

 

Medal of Honor for Valor

Presented to

Officer Patrick Albani

On Tuesday, January 22, 2002, Officer Patrick Albani, and other officers responded to a working structure fire at an Elizabeth Avenue residence where several individuals were trapped inside. As the officers arrived, several bystanders were yelling and pointing at the residence that children were trapped inside. Despite the fact that heavy smoke was emanating from the two-story residence, the officers immediately entered the residence to search for the trapped occupants.

Officer Albani demonstrated gallant bravery in the face of imminent personal danger. He unselfishly entered the burning residence without the aid of protective clothing or breathing apparatus to effectuate the life rescue of trapped fire victims, the majority of which were young children.

 

Medal of Honor for Valor

Presented to

Officer David Canica

North Plainfield Police Department

On Tuesday, January 22, 2002, Officer David Canica, who was off-duty at the time, stopped to render aid at a working structure fire at an Elizabeth Avenue residence, where several individuals were trapped inside. As the Franklin Township officers arrived, several bystanders were yelling and pointing at the residence that children were trapped inside. Despite the fact that heavy smoke was emanating from the two-story residence, the officers immediately entered the residence to search for the trapped occupants.

Officer Canica demonstrated gallant bravery in the face of imminent personal danger. He unselfishly entered the burning residence without the aid of protective clothing or breathing apparatus to effectuate the life rescue of trapped fire victims, the majority of which were young children.

 

Medal of Honor for Valor

Presented to

Chief Craig R. Novick

On March 21, 2001, Chief Craig R. Novick and officers responded to an armed robbery with shots fired at a private residence. The suspect held a family hostage and shot and killed the family dog. The suspect shot open a safe and fled the scene with cash and valuables.

Chief Novick and Captain Ferguson responded to a radio broadcast of a suspect fleeing the area in a taxicab. The taxicab was forced off the roadway and Chief Novick and Captain Ferguson approached the taxicab on foot. As the suspect reached for a bag containing a handgun, Chief Novick reached into the taxicab and pulled the suspect out and onto the ground with assistance from Captain Ferguson. The suspect was placed under arrest without incident and the handgun and proceeds from the armed robbery were recovered in the taxicab.

Chief Novick’s swift and sure actions resulted in the resolution of a potentially dangerous situation without serious injury.

 

Medal of Honor for Valor

Presented to

Captain James L. Ferguson

On March 21, 2001, Captain James L. Ferguson and officers responded to an armed robbery with shots fired at a private residence. The suspect held a family hostage and shot and killed the family dog. The suspect shot open a safe and fled the scene with cash and valuables.

Captain Ferguson and Chief Novick responded to a radio broadcast of a suspect fleeing the area in a taxicab. The taxicab was forced off the roadway and Captain Ferguson and Chief Novick approached the taxicab on foot. As the suspect reached for a bag containing a handgun, Chief Novick reached into the taxicab and pulled the suspect out and onto the ground with assistance from Captain Ferguson. The suspect was placed under arrest without incident and the handgun and proceeds form the armed robbery with recovered in the taxicab.

Captain Ferguson’s swift and sure actions resulted in the resolution of a potentially dangerous situation without serious injury.

 

Gallantry Star

Presented to

Officer Richard L. Allen, Jr.

Officer Joseph Sierotowicz

On August 7, 2001, the Officers responded to the area of Hempstead Dr. to check for a suspect vehicle involved in a strong-arm robbery on Somerset St. While checking the area, they located the suspect in Hempstead Gardens. The suspect attempted to flee in his vehicle, also occupied by a young child. The Officers pursued the suspect resulting in the suspect’s arrest and the recovery of the stolen property while ensuring the safety of the young child.

 

Gallantry Star

Presented to

Sergeant Richard A. Grammar

On March 21, 2001, Sergeant Richard Grammar and other officers responded to an armed robbery with shots fired at a private residence. The suspect held a family hostage and shot and killed the family dog. The suspect shot open a safe and fled the scene with cash and valuables. The suspect was located after and exhaustive search attempting to flee the scene in a taxicab.

Sergeant Grammar assisted with the arrest of the suspect.

 

Gallantry Star

Presented to

Lieutenant Lawrence W. Roberts

Sergeant Richard Recine

Sergeant Richard A. Grammar

Sergeant Kenneth R. Williams

Sergeant Darrin J. Russo

Detective William Ziarkoski

Detective Brian J. Gilmurray

Detective Patrick V. Colligan

Detective Kenneth Schwarz

Detective Kevin B. Fitzharris

Detective Sean Hebbon

Officer Amber L. Sincak

Officer Philip J. Rizzo

Officer Patrick Lilavois

Officer Jose Jaime

 

On December 1, 2001, Officers and Detectives responded to a business parking lot off of Somerset St. for a report of shots fired.

Upon arrival, Officers located a victim suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Officers quickly provided first aid, secured the crime scene and began to interview witnesses. The victim was transported to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.

An intense investigation was begun to apprehend the murder suspect. Officers and Detectives worked around the clock for the next several days, interviewing witnesses, obtaining search warrants and conducting the criminal investigation.

As a result of the professionalism and teamwork displayed by the men and women of the Franklin Township Police Department, the suspect was arrested and the murder weapon was recovered.

 

Gallantry Star

Presented to

Officer Daniel J. McNamara

On December 16, 2001, Officer Daniel J. McNamara and officers responded to a radio transmission from Detective Kenneth Schwarz who was on a burglary surveillance in the area of New Brunswick Rd. stating that a suspicious person was fleeing the area in a vehicle.

Officer McNamara observed the vehicle and attempted to stop it. The suspect vehicle attempted run Officer McNamara’s marked patrol car off the road. After a pursuit of the suspect vehicle, the suspect exited the vehicle and ran into a wooded area on Tunnell Rd. Officer McNamara ran after the suspect and ultimately caught him. The suspect resisted arrest causing a struggle until Officer McNamara and other officers that arrived on scene were able to subdue him.

Officer McNamara’s swift and sure actions resulted in the resolution of a potentially dangerous situation without serious injury.

 

Gallantry Star

Presented to

Officer David M. Spakowski

Officer Andre Springer Sr.

On December 1, 2001, the officers responded to Holland Dr. on a report of a car burglary in progress.

Upon arrival, the suspect vehicle rammed the front end of Officer Andrè Springer Sr.’s marked police vehicle. The suspect then continued to flee the area. The Officers pursued the suspect vehicle through Franklin, New Brunswick and Highland Park before ending on the Interstate 287 ramp. The suspects were apprehended after a foot pursuit.

 

Chief’s Excellence in Crisis

Presented to

Lieutenant Jeffrey J. Carter

On Tuesday, January 22, 2002, Lt. Jeffrey Carter, and other officers responded to a working structure fire at an Elizabeth Avenue residence where several individuals were trapped inside. As the officers arrived, several bystanders were yelling and pointing at the residence that children were trapped inside. Despite the fact that heavy smoke was emanating from the two-story residence, the officers immediately entered the residence to search for the trapped occupants.

Lt. Carter demonstrated gallant bravery in the face of imminent personal danger. He unselfishly entered the burning residence without the aid of protective clothing or breathing apparatus to effectuate the life rescue of trapped fire victims, the majority of which were young children.

 

Exceptional Duty Award

Presented to

Detective Gary R. Karwoski

Officer Ordell Taylor

On March 21, 2001, The officers responded to an armed robbery with shots fired at a private residence. The suspect held a family hostage and shot and killed the family dog. The suspect shot open a safe and fled the scene with cash and valuables.

The Officers arrived at the location and proceeded to enter. They were met by the victim and her children who were emotionally upset. The officers then began searching the house room by room, floor by floor for any suspects. After finding the family dog lying on the floor in the den, apparently shot, Detective Karwoski had Officer Ordel Taylor remove the victim and her children from the residence. It was determined that the house was clear and it was secured as a crime scene.

 

Exceptional Duty Award

Presented to

Officer Amin Brodie

On November 18, 2001, Officer Amin Brodie responded to 65 Rachel Court on a report of a burglary in progress.

Upon arrival, Officer Brodie located a suspect vehicle and observed a suspect exiting the victim’s vehicle. The suspect fled on foot and resisted arrest. Officer Brodie pursued the suspect and placed him under arrest with the help of other officers.

 

Exceptional Duty Award

Presented to

Sergeant Richard A. Grammar

Officer John Kuzemchak

Officer Amin Brodie

On November 27, 2001, the Officers responded to an armed robbery call at the Footlocker on Hamilton St. and Franklin Blvd.

Upon arrival, officers started to interview the victims and search the area for evidence. Within a matter of minutes two suspects were under arrest and all the evidence was recovered. The suspects ultimately confessed to the armed robbery.

 

Exceptional Duty Award

Presented to

Detective Kenneth V. Schwarz

Officer Armando Garcia

On December 16, 2001 Detective Kenneth V. Schwarz was conducting mobile burglary surveillance in the area of New Brunswick Rd. and observed a person hiding in the shrubs. When Detective Schwarz attempted to approach the individual, he fled on foot and entered a vehicle which ultimately turned into a vehicle pursuit.

Officer Garcia observed the suspect vehicle and observed it attempt to ram marked police vehicles. After a pursuit of the suspect vehicle, the suspect exited the vehicle and ran into a wooded area on Tunnell Rd. The suspect was ultimately caught and resisted arrest causing a struggle until Officer Garcia and other officers that arrived on scene were able to subdue him.

Detective Schwarz’s burglary surveillance led to the apprehension of an individual who confessed to multiple residential burglaries in the area.

 

Exceptional Duty Award

Officer William Furmick

Detective Gary Karwoski

Officer Jeffrey Seider

Officer Ordel Taylor

On January 5, 2001, officers responded to Sapphire Lane for a report of stolen vehicle.

The Officers quickly gained information from witnesses, which led to the apprehension of the suspect.

 

Exceptional Duty Award

Presented to

Detective Kenneth V. Schwarz

On December 1, 2001, Detective Kenneth V. Schwarz conducted an exceptional investigation with regards to a car burglary in progress that led to a lengthy vehicle pursuit.

Detective Schwarz’s investigation and interviews led to the suspects confession to this crime as well as other car related burglary and thefts that had been plaguing Franklin Township.

Detective Schwarz’s swift and sure actions resulted in the resolution of numerous property crimes within Franklin Township.

 

Meritorious Service Award

Presented to

Sergeant Gary Hartgrove

Sergeant Maurice Guglielmo

Officer James McDonnell

Officer Mark Rossman

On May 10, 2001, Officers responded to a Cedar Brook Dr. residence for a report of an individual holding a 7" stiletto type knife to his throat, who was threatening to kill himself.

The Officers arrived on scene and began negotiations with the suspect. Officers convinced the suspect that suicide was not the answer to his problems and the suspect agreed to drop the weapon. He was placed into protective custody and transported to the hospital for medical evaluation.

 

Drug Enforcement Award

Presented to

Officer Michael Price

During the winter of 2001 Officer Michael Price seized 1 kilo of cocaine in a drug investigation at 920 Hamilton Street. Officer Price also seized 28lbs of marijuana in another case.

Officer Price is to be commended for his proactive efforts in the area of drug enforcement and successful prosecutions.

 

Letter of Commendation

Presented to

Officer Daniel J. McNamara

Officer Daniel J. McNamara is being commended for his indispensable contribution to the prosecution of Herman Gaines.

On December 10, 2001, Herman Gaines was convicted of aggravated manslaughter for killing Kevin Hill. Officer McNamara’s response to the scene of the shooting in August of 1998 as well as his discovery of the murder weapon in March of 2000 were essential to the conviction of the defendant.

Officer McNamara is to be commended for his courtroom testimony and professional actions throughout the investigation.

 

Letter of Commendation

Presented to

Detective Brian J. Gilmurray

Detective Brian J. Gilmurray displayed exceptional professional conduct in the investigation and prosecution of the case State vs. Herman Gaines. Detective Gilmurray’s knowledge and efforts contributed significantly to the conviction of the defendant.

Detective Gilmurray is to be commended for his courtroom testimony and professional actions throughout the investigation.

 

Letter of Commendation

Presented to

Officer Emma Bascom

On January 31, 2002, Officer Emma Bascom responded to a squad call for a laceration on Pierce St.

Upon arrival, Officer Bascom found a victim bleeding profusely from the face as a result of a stab wound. Officer Bascom recovered a large kitchen knife used in the attack and located an individual wearing bloody clothing. This individual was identified as the perpetrator of the stabbing and subsequently arrested.

 

Letter of Commendation

Presented to

Officer Daniel J. McNamara

On December 29, 2001, Officer Daniel J. McNamara responded to an activated burglary alarm on Canal Rd. and found a construction trailer broken into. The same night Officer McNamara responded to a report of a suspicious vehicle in the area of Sunset Ave.

Upon arrival, Officer McNamara met with one individual sitting in the suspicious vehicle and two others walking towards him. Officer McNamara separated the individuals and conducted field interviews. Due to conflicting stories and evidence in the suspicious vehicle, all of the individuals were arrested. They later confessed to other burglaries to construction trailers in the area.

 

Letter of Commendation

Presented to

Robert R. Scheer

Deputy Emergency Management Coordinator

On Tuesday, January 22, 2002, DEMC Robert Scheer, and other officers responded to a working structure fire at an Elizabeth Avenue residence where several individuals were trapped inside. As the officers arrived, several bystanders were yelling and pointing at the residence that children were trapped inside. Despite the fact that heavy smoke was emanating from the two-story residence, the officers immediately entered the residence to search for the trapped occupants.

DEMC Scheer demonstrated gallant bravery in the face of imminent personal danger. He unselfishly entered the burning residence without the aid of protective clothing or breathing apparatus to effectuate the life rescue of trapped fire victims, the majority of which were young children.

 

Letter of Commendation

Presented to

Officer Gregory Price

On May 10, 2001, Officer Gregory Price and officers responded to a Cedar Brook Dr. residence for a report of an individual holding a 7" stiletto type knife to his throat, who was threatening to kill himself.

Officer Price secured the scene while other officers began negotiations with the suspect. Officer Price was instrumental in maintaining calm at the scene. The suspect agreed to drop the weapon and was placed into protective custody and transported to the hospital for medical evaluation.

 

Letter of Commendation

Presented to

Officer James J. McDonnell

On January 14, 2001, Officers responded to an attempted armed robbery at the Amoco Gas Station. Officers relayed information pertaining to suspect and weapon description. Officer James J. McDonnell began checking the area where a suspect had been located and found the weapon in a snow bank near the roadside.

Officer McDonnell’s swift and sure actions resulted in the resolution of a potentially dangerous situation without serious injury.

 

Letter of Commendation

Presented to

Officer Daniel J. McNamara

On January 14, 2001, Officer Daniel J. McNamara was patrolling the area of Hamilton St. and Franklin Blvd and observed an individual that closely matched the description of the suspect that attempted to rob the Amoco gas station at gunpoint.

Officer McNamara stopped the suspect near Annapolis St. and Hamilton St. The suspect was detained and transported to Headquarters for further investigation.

 

Letter of Commendation

Presented to

Sergeant Maurice Guglielmo

Officer Carlos Torrelio

Officer James Holzheimer

Officer Mark Rossman

Officer David M. Spakowski

On October 1, 2001, Officers responded to a Hamilton St. business for a report of a burglary in progress.

Officers arrived and found an individual attempting to gain entry to a box truck with a crow bar. The box truck contained $25,000 of merchandise. The Officers investigation and teamwork led to the arrest of a suspected burglar.

Their swift and sure actions resulted in the protection of a business’ property and prevention of possible future property loss in the community.

 

 

Letter of Commendation

Presented to

Officer Carlos Torrelio

Officer Gregory Price

On June 16, 2001, Officer Carlos Torrelio and Officer Gregory Price were the first to arrive at a structure fire at a Hempstead Drive residence. They attempted to gain entry into the apartment to check for occupants. Officer Torrelio and Officer Price were overcome by thick, hot smoke. They were subsequently treated at Robert Wood Johnson Medical Center for smoke inhalation.

 

Letter of Commendation

Presented to

Sergeant Darrin J. Russo

Detective Brian Gilmurray

Detective Kenneth Schwarz

On November 27, 2001, Officers responded to an armed robbery call at the Footlocker on Hamilton St. and Franklin Blvd.

Upon arrival, Detectives conducted the follow up investigation. The Detectives then interviewed the suspects and were able to obtain a confession to the crime.

 

Honorable Service Awards

20 Years of Service

Sergeant Lance Eisen

Officer Kevin Burns

15 Years of Service

Sergeant Robert G. Vornlocker

Sergeant Kenneth R. Williams

Sergeant Gary Hartgrove

Officer James J. McDonnell

Officer Robert J. Nemes

35 Years of Service

Murray I. Rothblatt

Deputy Chief Special Class II