Keyport police officers Joseph Ruth (from left), Robert McCartin and Steven Dixon accept an official commendation from borough Police Commissioner Joy Michele-Tomczak on Dec. 11. The three officers received the New Jersey State Policemen’s Benevolent Association’s Valor Award in November for their actions during a 2012 home invasion. KEITH HEUMILLER/STAFF KEYPORT — A dramatic police operation in Keyport went largely unnoticed in the wake of superstorm Sandy.
On Nov. 9, 2012, borough police officers responded to a report of an unknown disturbance at a local home, and arrived to find the front door kicked in.
“You could hear screaming from inside,” said Officer Joseph Ruth, who responded to the call with Officer Robert McCartin and Sgt. Steven Dixon. “When we made entry, you could tell that the yelling was coming from the basement door.”
As the officers approached the basement, two suspects — one of them holding a stun gun — ran out. The suspects retreated and ultimately surrendered.
According to Police Chief George Casaletto, the officers had unknowingly responded to a gang-related home invasion, one in which the suspects were torturing the resident of the home.
While the suspects have been charged and an investigation into the incident is still ongoing, the three responding officers have finally been recognized for their heroic actions.
At a Dec. 11 Borough Council meeting, the council officially recognized the officers, who were honored with the New Jersey State Policemen’s Benevolent Association’s Valor Award.
While Casaletto is proud that his officers were among the select few to be honored with the award, he said he is not surprised by their actions.
“I’m always proud of my guys,” he said. “They have always done a good job, especially during that week following the storm when we were so taxed with manpower issues. No matter what, they continue to perform.”
Ruth said he was working an overtime shift when he received the call on Nov. 9, 2012.
Police Commissioner Joy Michele-Tomczak publicly recognized the officers during the council meeting, saying that a commemorative plaque will be installed in the Keyport Police Department offices.
“We are very proud of them,” Tomczak said. “It was a very serious incident where somebody was basically assaulted in their home, and the job that they did was very commendable.”
Ruth said he and his fellow officers have participated in drug raids and other high-risk assignments, but he had never responded to something quite like last November’s incident.
While he said the state recognition is “great,” Ruth was more excited about the department’s apprehension of an alleged car thief on Dec. 11, in a joint operation with Aberdeen.
Casaletto shook his head and smiled.
“We’re short-shifted tonight,” he said. “They are still doing their job, even if there are only two guys on a shift.”