By Frank Sinatra, AAP Editor
National Police Week is an annual event that not only honors America’s law enforcement community, but also remembers those that lost their lives in the line of duty for the safety and protection of others. And on May 15, National Police Officers Memorial Day and the 31st anniversary of the slaying of Pennsauken Police Officer William F. Brey, the Pennsauken Police Department held a special awards ceremony at the Pennsauken High School auditorium.
“The Pennsauken Police Awards fall into three broad categories named in honor of our fallen brothers. The Richard Dawson Award for Outstanding Performance is given annually; the George Bowman Award is given for professionalism; and the William Brey Award is given for valor. Each of those men displayed each of those traits,” explains Captain Thomas Connor of the Pennsauken Township Police Department, who addressed the crowd on a rainy Tuesday evening. “We will recognize our Officer of the Year as per usual. Additionally, we’ll recognize civilians and other first responders who help form the team that keeps Pennsauken safe.”
Connor went on to address the officers about the ever changing landscape of law enforcement.
“Your profession is under pressure to evolve. There are video phones, YouTube, instant internet news cycles, dash cams, body cams, civilian review boards, endless opinions about our performance and second guessing, on and on. Each time there has been pressure for us to change, we’ve gotten stronger and better at our profession. We know that we work better under pressure and change is necessary to be effective police in such a dynamic community. That’s our duty and that’s our responsibility.”
2018 Police Award Recipients
The Richard Dawson Award for Meritorious Service annually honors officers that demonstrate exemplary performance of duty. The 2018 recipients are: Sgt. Charles Bevins, Det. Sgt. Phillip Olivo, Sgt. Peter Fabiani, Det. Brian Polaski, Ofc. Terrance Goschler, Ofc. William Hertline, Ofc. Richard Capone, Ofc. Michael Killion, Ofc. Michael Ciaccia, Ofc. Michael Biazzo, Ofc. Michael Delp, Ofc. Gavin Rossner, Ofc. Brian Evans, Ofc. Jesus Soto, Ofc. Craig Adair, Ofc. Louis Belsito, Ofc. Ryan Hurley, Ofc. Ryan Sexton, Ofc. Eric Kuppler, Ofc. Yvette Truitt, Ofc. Linnette Ramos, Ofc. Joseph Kuchmek, Ofc. Daxton Canales, Ofc. Raymond Sippel, Ofc. Timothy Mireles; and Ofc. Ryan Madden.
The George Bowman Memorial Award for Dedication and Professionalism is given annually to the officer who best exemplifies the dedication to police service demonstrated by Officer Bowman; this year’s recipient was Ofc. Linnette Ramos.
The Officer William Brey Award for Valor was presented to Ofc. Michael Biazzo and Ofc. William Hertline.
Several citizens and first responders were recognized for their assistance in helping keep Pennsauken Township safer: Kelly Disanti, Christiana Vilardo, William Marcheski, Donald Nagy, Daniel Lovett, Adrian Newell, Pete Caruso, Joseph Magliari, and Gia Victorina-Medrino
The Chief’s Award for Leadership is awarded annually to the officer who provides an outstanding example to his or her peers in overall performance and community service. This year’s award was presented to Ofc. Ryan Sexton. Chief Coffey also presented a special award to Nick Dipaolo, for his life-saving assistance during a motor vehicle accident.
The last award of the night is the Police Officer of the Year Award, which is given to a Pennsauken Police officer whose performance and dedication to his or her profession and character serves as an example to their fellow officers and brings credit to the agency. Candidates for this award are submitted by police supervisors and then voted on by the Pennsauken Police rank and file. The Police Officer of the Year for 2018 is Det. Matt Henkel.
Towards the end of the awards ceremony, Pennsauken Police Chief John Coffey took a moment to address those in attendance, to thank those who continue to support the police and to thank the officers for their commitment to keeping the Pennsauken community safe.
“I’d like to congratulate all of the officers who received awards tonight. I’d also like to recognize all of the other officers who aren’t here tonight, but every day they go out to do their jobs and they do their jobs well. I’d also like to congratulate all of the officers who put this event together; they do a great job.”
