LAWRENCE — Tales of bravery, sharp investigative skills, determination and smart thinking under pressure unfolded at Tuesday night’s meeting of the Township Council, when nine township police officers received awards for outstanding service and seven civilians were honored for important assistance they rendered to the police.
“I can think of no better ceremony than one that honors both our police and civilians who have assisted them,” Mayor Cathleen Lewis said to the crowd of family and friends that filled the meeting hall.
Each honoree was given a commemorative plaque by Chief Mark Ubry after the mayor read aloud the inscription on the plaque. Each inscription recounted the incident or incidents for which the award was given.
Named Officer of the Year was Detective David DellePazze, an 18-year veteran of the Lawrence police.
“David is the epitome of a team player,” Chief Ubry said. “Whether it’s controlling evidence, processing a crime scene, working on special details or serving as field training officer, he’s always there. He has a great work ethic and strong investigative skills. He definitely makes Lawrence a safer place.”
Accepting the award, Detective DellePazze, who will be honored by the Knights of Columbus with its Shield Award soon, said: “Thanks to the chief and the nominating committee that gave me this award. I appreciate it very much. I couldn’t have done it without the support of my fellow officers and my family.”
The first award given Tuesday night went to civilian Adam Roman, who reported the burglary of a liquor store and identified the burglar’s car to the police. He followed the car and updated a police dispatcher on its direction. As a result, two suspects were apprehended.
Civilian Steve Cargen was then honored for calling 9-1-1 to report a fire in a residence, making forcible entry to the house to make sure no one was inside and waiting at the house until police, firefighters and first aid units arrived.
Civilians Piotr Bystrek and David Bystrek were honored for coming to the aid of an officer who was involved in a physical altercation with a Peeping Tom suspect.
“They were driving by at the time, saw what was happening, and got out of their car to help,” Mayor Lewis said. “They took the suspect to the ground, which allowed the officer to handcuff him and take him into custody.”
Civilian Michael Oakley and Officer Shawn Carroll were honored for their roles in apprehending a shoplifter who was wanted on a total $12,963 in warrants from other jurisdictions.
Mr. Oakley observed the shoplifter stealing items from a CVS drugstore and tried to restrain him outside the store. The suspect broke away. After Mr. Oakley called the police, Officer Carroll pursued the suspect on foot, going through several yards and climbing several fences before apprehending him.
Civilian Tyler Smith, Detective DellePazze and officer Kelly Longo were honored for saving the life of Etienne Perold. Mr. Smith found Mr. Perold slumped over and not breathing. He called 9-1-1 and administered CPR to Mr. Perold. When the officers arrived, they used employed defibrillators and Mr. Perold regained consciousness.
“He’s made a full recovery,” Mayor Lewis said. Asked if he would like to say anything, Mr. Perold smiled and said: “A huge thank you. This is the most sincere and heartfelt thanks I can think of.” Asked if he would like to say anything, Mr. Smith smiled, pointed to Mr. Perold at his side and said: “I’m glad he’s still here.”
Officers Matthew Grossi and Kelly Longo were honored for their lifesaving efforts when they were called to a residence where a 22-year-old man was not breathing. Believing from his symptoms that he was the victim of a drug overdose, they administered Narcan.
“In one minute, the victim regained consciousness and sat up,” Mayor Lewis said.
Sgt. Christopher Longo and Officer Shaun Sexton were honored for apprehending two suspects who were attempting to break into a closed deli. One of the suspects was driving a stolen car.
Officer Sexton also was honored for apprehending a suspect who allegedly had burglarized a Mercedes Benz parked at the Howard Johnson hotel. Officer Sexton was also honored for his role in apprehending two other men. While off duty, he called in a burglary of a Quick Chek, for which two men were subsequently arrested. One of them was driving a stolen car. Officer Sexton recognized one of the men as having been involved in the alleged theft of $1,000 worth of cigarettes from a Shop-Rite on a previous occasion.
Officer Joseph Radlinsky was honored for the arrest of a prostitute, wanted in six other jurisdictions, at the Howard Johnson hotel.
“Prostitution is not a victim-less crime,” Chief Urby said. “Theft, assault and other crimes are often involved with it.”
Officer Ryan Dunn was honored for the arrest of a suspect who illegally had a .45-caliber handgun and hollow-point bullets in his car, which the officer found during a motor vehicle stop. In other cases involving the recovery of illegally-possessed weapons, Detective DellePazze and Detective David Burns were also honored for arresting suspects who allegedly had guns illegally in their possession.
