Matawan honors police

The Matawan Police Department held its third annual awards ceremony during the Dec. 18  borough council meeting.

Sgt. Jeremiah Hourihan was promoted to the rank of lieutenant and will serve as the Support Services Bureau Commander.

Ptl. Matthew T. O’Boyle was promoted to the rank of sergeant and will serve as a Patrol supervisor on the night shift.

Special Officer Brian Ramcheran was promoted to the rank of patrolman and will be assigned to the Patrol Division.

Retired Lieutenant Benedict Smith III was presented with a plaque by Chief of Police Jason Gallo for his 29 years of service to the borough and the department. Smith retired effective Oct. 1, according to Lt. Thomas Falco.

The New Jersey State Legislature recognized Smith’s career with a proclamation presented by Councilman Mike Caldon on behalf of Assemblyman Robert Clifton.

Sgt. Christopher Stark, Ptl. Paul Ryba of the department’s Advanced Services Unit and Ptl. Christine Heppel were awarded a Unit Citation for their actions in rescuing a subject who was trapped underneath a vehicle.

Ex-Fire Chief Zoltan Varsanyi was awarded a Certificate of Commendation for his assistance in rescue attempt as well.

Nancy Varsanyi, who was not present during the awards ceremony, was awarded the Citizen’s Award for her efforts and assistance in the incident.

Ptl. Eric Andersen, a member of the Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office Shared Services Dive Team/Maritime Emergency Response Team, was awarded the Grand Cordon Citation for his dedication to duty and leadership during a recovery of a boater in Lake Topanemus in Freehold Township.

This award was presented jointly by Chief Jason Gallo and Officer William Fancher of the Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office Maritime Emergency Response Team.

Patrolman Joseph Mason was awarded the 2017 Officer of the Year Award.

For more information, visit www.matawanborough.com/matawan/Your%20GOVERNMENT/Agendas%20%26%20Minutes/.

Contact Vashti Harris at [email protected].