Officer Michael John Gramlich will be recognized by MADD, and Sgt. Robert Brown will receive the Traffic Safety Achievement Award.
By: Linda Seida
LAMBERTVILLE Two of Lambertville’s finest are being recognized this month for their exceptional police work.
Mothers Against Drunk Driving will recognize Officer Michael John Gramlich for his "outstanding work in ending drunk driving during 2005" in a ceremony Friday at the Hunterdon County complex on Route 12 in Raritan Township.
The Traffic Officers Association of Central-West Jersey and the Hunterdon County Chiefs of Police Association have chosen Sgt. Robert Brown to receive the organization’s Traffic Safety Achievement Award during a luncheon May 25 at Mia Sorella Ristorante in Manville.
Over the last three years, Sgt. Brown has issued more than 1,100 tickets for moving violations, which include DUIs and speeding as well as unregistered vehicles and driving with a suspended license.
Officer Gramlich wrote 14 of the Police Department’s 70-plus DUI summonses in 2005.
Police Director Bruce Cocuzza said he is "very proud" of his men, whom he characterized as "two outstanding officers."
MADD and the Traffic Officers Association "are two very important organizations, and it’s a great reflection on Lambertville that our guys were recognized," Mr. Cocuzza said. "We’re one of the most proactive agencies in the county in regard to motor vehicle enforcement. These guys exhibit that commitment."
Mr. Cocuzza had high praise for both his younger officer and his veteran.
Officer Gramlich "is developing into an excellent young officer," he said. "Bob Brown has been a steady performer, an excellent supervisor and training officer. He also is our anti-terrorism coordinator."
Officer Gramlich said he is "definitely shocked and surprised" as well as "honored" by the MADD recognition.
He’s been with the Lambertville Police Department less then three years. He started as a part-time officer in December 2003 and proceeded to full time in February 2004. The 27-year-old officer previously was employed by the Hunterdon County Sheriff’s Department.
He offered some advice for drivers to think about before they get behind the wheel.
"Think before you act," he said. "If you don’t think before you act, there can be negative consequences. That’s a good rule of thumb for everything."
Sgt. Brown is out of town and could not be reached for comment.