EGG HARBOR TOWNSHIP – The Police Department honored the best from within its ranks and the community at its annual Awards Ceremony Friday evening, April 18.

Photos by Jackie Hanusey

Civilian Service Awards  
Robert Cocola was honored for his dedicated service to the youth of Egg Harbor Township in developing future leaders through Scouting as Cub Master of EHT Pack 94 from August 2006 – March 2008.
On July 12, 2007, civilian John Stratten witnessed a possible vehicle burglary in progress.  He immediately reported the incident to police and Officers Pahang and Hires responded to the scene. The suspect vehicle was stopped as it attempted to flee the area. Three subjects were taken into custody, and a large amount of stolen property was recovered during the stop. A follow-up investigation led to the clearance of over 20 vehicle burglaries in several jurisdictions. He received a civilian award.
Jay Essington, John DeFazio Sr. and Ken Blankenbueler were given civilian service awards for their dedication and commitment to the Volunteers in Policing Program.
 
Certificates of Appreciation
In grateful appreciation for their determined efforts to develop the youth of Egg Harbor Township and shaping tomorrows leaders Explorer Post No. 94 was given a certificate of appreciation.
In grateful appreciation for their continued support of the Egg Harbor Township Police Department, and service to the citizens of Egg Harbor Township the Township Public Works Department and Egg Harbor Township Volunteer Fire Departments were given certificates of appreciation for the tireless efforts of their staff which epitomize the spirit of cooperation and are a crucial component of police operations.

Good Conduct Award (five years)    
Officer Christopher Ives
Detective John Heim
Officer James Donaldson
Officer David Heritage
Officer Jeffery Lancaster
MPO I Robert Moran
Officer Kenneth Marchelle
Officer Alekhine Pahang

Good Conduct Award (10 years) 
Sgt. Joseph Monroe
MPO I Jody London

Good Conduct Award (15 years)
Sgt. Joseph Bonsall
Sgt. Michael Hughes
MPO II John DeFazio

Good Conduct Award (20 years)
Chief Blaze Catania
Capt. Michael Morris
Lt. Hector Tavarez
Lt. William Fair
Lt. Jay Woods
Sgt. Robert Gray
Detective Sgt. Raymond Davis
Detective Sgt. Thomas Chambers
SMPO Michael Bardello
SMPO Daniel Littlefield
SMPO Richard Cavanaugh
Officer James Macpherson
Detective Tony Merendino

Good Conduct Award (25 years)
Capt. Ted Kammer
Sgt. John Townsend

Education Award   
Sgt. John Townsend for completing a masters degree in administrative science at Fairleigh Dickinson University.

Physical Fitness Award
(Officers who received a score of 80 percent or higher on the 2007 Fitness Indication Test.)
Lt. James Druding
Sgt. John Townsend
Sgt. Joseph Monroe
Sgt. Steve Slusarski
MPO II Kevin Devlin
Detective Sidney Terrell
MPO II John DeFazio
MPO II Steve Swankoski
Detective Fred Spano
K-9 MPO Michael Bordonaro
MPO I Jody London
Detective Gary Rzemyk
MPO I Curt Ware
Detective Michael Palmentieri
Officer Gary Johnson
Officer Christopher Ives
Detective John Heim
Officer James Donaldson
Officer Jeffrey Lancaster
MPO I Robert Moran
Officer Johnathan D’Augustine
Officer Christopher Leary
SRO Edward Bertino
Officer Michael Finnerty
Officer Shawn Owen
Officer Robert O’Donoghue
Officer Richard Henderson
Officer Christopher Berry
Officer Ronald Hires
Officer Michael Niceta
Officer Richard Vogt
Officer Patrick Daly
Officer Lawrence Graham
Officer Louis Poletis
Officer Brian Keane
Officer Ryan Hutton

2007 FTO Recognition  
Officer Robert O’Donoghue                
Officer Joseph Coady

2007 MPO Recognition  
MPO II Steve Swankoski                
MPO I Curt Ware
MPO I Timothy Colella
MPO I Gary Johnson
MPO I Anthony Venuto

Unit Citation   
During 2007, members of the Traffic Safety Unit engaged in aggressive traffic enforcement and community service programs. Eight fatal accidents were investigated resulting in five arrests. There were 950 summonses issued. A total of $139,000 in grants was obtained to fund initiatives designed to reduce traffic accidents. Numerous public speaking engagements were conducted on DWI and other traffic-related topics.  The unit includes Sgt. Charles Super, SMPO Al Maiorano, MPO II Kevin Devlin, MPO II Steve Swankoski and SRO Cherie Burgan.

Certificate of Appreciation
In the summer of 2007, Sgt. Marc Romantino was tasked with setting up and training personnel in the Undercarriage Vehicle Inspection System.  The system was purchased with Homeland Security funds and was the first of its kind at a U.S. airport.  The system is used at the Atlantic City International Airport.  This project led to EHTPD being recognized by the South Jersey Transportation Authority, several news outlets and various other Law Enforcement Agencies. 

Exceptional Service
In the summer of 2007, Detectives Gary Merendino, Reynold Theriault and Gary Rzemyk assisted the New Jersey State Police and the New Jersey Division of Criminal Justice with “Operation High Roller,” a multimillion-dollar sports gambling ring that operated from inside the Borgata Casino. The results of this operation included the arrest of 23 suspects from several states and the dismantling of a sports gambling ring that took in more than $22 million in bets since March 2006.  

Honorable Service
On Jan. 28, 2007, Sgt. Robert Gray, Sgt. Joseph Bonsall, Officer Brian Dickson, Officer Charles Davenport and K-9 MPO Michael Bordonaro responded to the Rex Motel for the report of shots fired.  During the investigation they learned that it was not a shooting but an aggravated assault that occurred in an adjoining room where two victims were injured with a baseball bat. The suspect was subsequently arrested without incident bringing the case to a close.

Meritorious Service         
On Feb. 11, 2007, Detective Heath Per stopped a possible DWI violator.  As the vehicle came to a stop, the driver and front-seat passenger switched positions. With backup from Officers Robert Harte and Robert Moran this stop lead to the recovery of two stolen handguns (one of which was concealed in the suspect’s waistband), a quantity of crack cocaine and $440 in cash.

Exceptional Service
On March 8, 2007, Officer Scott Nell stopped a vehicle for a minor motor vehicle infraction during an Aggressive Driver Detail. After observing an extremely nervous driver, he looked beyond the ticket and requested K-9 MPO Michael Bordonaro and his partner, K-9 Mojo, to respond to the scene.  K-9 Mojo gave a positive indication on the vehicle during an exterior sniff which lead to the recovery of over 50 grams of marijuana and the arrest of the driver.  

Certificate of Appreciation      
On March 15, 2008, Officer Thomas Rocco and K-9 MPO William Reed responded to a residential burglary.  During the investigation a suspect was developed and located next door. When they attempted to make contact with the suspect, he attempted to flee on foot.  The suspect was quickly apprehended. A Consent Search of the suspect’s home resulted in the recovery of the stolen property.

Exceptional Service and Unit Citation    
Detective Gary Rzemyk investigated possible marijuana growing in a home over the course of three years.  During that time he conducted multiple hours of surveillance, flyovers, thermal scans and served two search warrants with assistance from the NJSP Marijuana Eradication Unit and ACERT District No. 1.  The results of this investigation was the seizure of 540 marijuana plants, 15 pounds of marijuana, over $21,000 in cash, and four vehicles valued at approximately $50,000, plus the dismantling of a large-scale marijuana growing operation. Rzemyk received an exceptional service award and the Eradication Unit and ACERT received Unit citations.

Honorable Service   
On April 8, 2007, Officer Joseph Coady arrested a pedestrian who had two outstanding warrants.  Once the arrest was made he learned that this subject was waiting for another person to deliver heroin to him.  Coady set up surveillance in the area and arrested two additional suspects after a brief investigation. Twenty-five bags of heroin were seized and a quantity of marijuana.

Exceptional Service
On June 29, 2007, patrol received a call that a woman had been sexually assaulted. Officers Christopher Berry and Alekhine Pahang arrived on location and conducted an investigation.  Officer Berry and Detective Heather Stumpf went to the hospital where SANE/SART was activated, evidence collected and a preliminary interview was done.  The evidence was later sent to the lab for DNA processing. Detective Mark Wagner processed the vehicle where the assault took place and secured additional evidence.  On March 12, 2008, a CODIS hit on DNA evidence was confirmed. As a result, the suspect was arrested and later pled guilty to sexual assault.

Exceptional Service  
On July 12, 2007, civilian John Stratten witnessed a possible vehicle burglary in progress.  He immediately reported the incident to police and Officers Alekhine Pahang and Ronald Hires responded to the scene.  The suspect vehicle was stopped as it attempted to flee the area.  Three subjects were taken into custody, and a large amount of stolen property was recovered during the stop.  A follow-up investigation lead to the clearance of over 20 vehicle burglaries in several jurisdictions.

Meritorious and Honorable Service  
On July 18, 2007, officers responded to King Pin Lanes for the report of a fight involving a handgun.  The suspects fled and were observed throwing a handgun from the vehicle by SMPO Richard Cavanaugh.  The suspects led SMPO Cavanaugh and Officer Melvin Laramore on a high-speed pursuit, which ended in Blackwood, where one suspect was taken into custody.  Detectives Mark Wagner and Frederick Spano followed up on information supplied by Officer James Naylor which led to the arrest of a second suspect and the recovery of a handgun.
Cavanaugh and Laramore received Meritorious Service and Naylor, Wagner and Spano Honorable Service.

Exceptional Service 
On July 17, 2007, Officer Scott Hiltner observed two subjects run across the Black Horse Pike and get into a vehicle which fled the area.  He stopped the vehicle, conducted a brief investigation and arrested the passenger on an outstanding warrant.  The investigation continued and he found several stolen credit and gift cards in the vehicle.  The passenger ended up being charged with burglary, receiving stolen property as well as credit card fraud.  

Meritorious and Exceptional Service
On July 22, 2007, officers responded to the Clarion Hotel for the report of a dispute involving a man with a gun.  While en route, Officer Christopher Leary observed a subject run across the Black Horse Pike and throw an unknown item into a wooded area.  Sgt. Joseph Bonsall and MPO Robert Moran located the suspect and arrested him without incident. K-9 Ptl. Millard from Pleasantville was requested at the scene for an article search. During this search an imitation firearm was located by Millard’s K-9 partner Meritorious Service awards went to Bonsall, Leary and Moran and Exceptional Service to Millard.

Gallantry Star and other awards
On July 25, 2007, officers responded to King Pin Lanes for the report of a shooting and a man down. They used good tactics and set up a perimeter.  The suspect’s weapon was recovered at the scene with assistance from the public.  The suspect was arrested without incident when he attempted to get a ride from off-duty Officer Herbert Simons of the Pleasantville Police Department who was familiar with what had occurred at the bowling alley.  Suspect was also found with a large quantity of marijuana packaged for distribution. Simons received the Gallantry Star. Unit Citations were given to the Northfield, Pleasantville ad Hamilton Township police departments. Officers James Naylor and Ronald Hires received Meritorious Service awards.  Honorable Service went to Officer Katherine Miller and Detective Sidney Terrell. Certificates of appreciation went to Officer Melvin Laramore, Officer Christopher Ives, Officer Michael Finnerty, Officer James MacPherson, K-9 Officer Mark Mensch and Sgt. Michael Hughes.

Exceptional Service
On Aug. 8, 2007, MPO Paul Weldon conducted a random plate check on a vehicle which led to the arrest of a subject who was wanted in four states for fraud and forgery charges.  A follow-up investigation was conducted by Detective Reynold Theriault which resulted in over 80 criminal complaints being signed against the suspect for defrauding several area banks for over $100,000. This case has also lead to several other jurisdictions having lodged charges against the suspect.

Exceptional and Honorable Service
On Aug. 10, 2007 Sgt. Michael Hughes conducted a random plate check on a vehicle which came back as being a stolen vehicle.  A high-risk car stop was conducted and the driver was arrested without incident.  Further investigation revealed that there were several stolen items in the vehicle including a stolen volunteer fire company portable radio.  Hughes received Exceptional Service and Honorable Service went to Officer Michael Finnerty, Officer James Naylor, Officer Christopher Ives, Officer Scott Nell and MPO I Paul Weldon.

Exceptional and Honorable Service  
On Sept. 25, 2007, Sgt. Stephen Slusarski conducted a property check in an area that was experiencing several daytime residential burglaries.  At the same time a citizen flagged him down and reported a suspicious person running through his back yard.  Several units responded to the area and a large-scale search was conducted resulting in the arrest of the suspect.  Detective Heath Per followed up on the case which cleared several of the open burglary cases. Per, Slusarski and K-9 MPO I Michael Bordonaro were cited for exceptional service. 
Capt. Laurence Szapor, Detective Sgt. Raymond Davis, Detective Anthony Merendino,
Detective John Heim, and MPO I Curtis Ware given honorable service.
ACERT District No. 1 was given a unit citation.

Exceptional Service
On Sept. 28, 2007, Officers Patrick Daly and Thomas Rocco conducted a random plate check on a vehicle. The check revealed that the vehicle was stolen.  The officers attempted to stop this vehicle but the driver failed to yield and lead them on a high-speed pursuit which was eventually terminated.  The officers conducted a follow-up investigation which led to the arrest of the suspect, the recovery of the stolen car and 77 bags of heroin.

Exceptional Service and K9 Award
On Oct. 4, 2007, officers responded to a burglary in progress. Utilizing sound tactic’s entry was made, and a suspect was located inside the residence. Follow-up investigation resulted in the clearing of four residential burglaries and the recovery all the stolen jewelry for pawn shops in Atlantic City. K-9 Officer Mark Mensch received a K9 award and exceptional service was given to Officer Larry Graham, Officer Joseph Coady, K-9 MPO I William Reed, Detective Heath Per, Detective John Heim and Detective Fred Spano.

Exceptional Service and unit citation               
On Oct. 18, 2007, a search warrant was conducted at 1 Canterbury Drive which resulted in the arrest of Michael Mora. Located in the residence were two marijuana growth areas.  Numerous marijuana plants and growing paraphernalia were recovered along with several ounces packaged for distribution. Also recovered was a 400,000 volt taser gun. Detective Gary Rzemyk was given Exceptional Service and NJSP Marijuana Eradication Team a Unit Citation.
 
Several awards
On Oct. 18, 2007, officers responded to a domestic dispute on School House Drive. The dispute evolved into a barricaded situation when the female armed with a knife locked herself in a room and threatened to harm herself. The quick action and calming conversations by Detective Patricia DiMarco and Officer Richard Henderson allowed members of ACERT District No. 1 to take her into custody without harming herself or others.
Henderson received honorable service and DiMarco meritorious.  ACERT and the Township Crisis Negotiation team were given citations.

Meritorious and exceptional service      
On Oct. 21, 2007, Officers Christopher Ives and Michelle Fromal conducted a random plate check on a vehicle. The vehicle information came back as stolen during a carjacking in Camden where the suspects were armed with a gun. Along with Officer Brian Dickson, a high-risk motor vehicle stop was executed. Three individuals were arrested along with the recovery of a loaded handgun, cocaine and heroin.  Ives and Fromal were honored with meritorious service and Dickson was given exceptional service.

Honorable and exceptional service
On Oct. 24, 2007, Officers Timothy Colella and Patrick Daly were checking a suspicious person behind Bayport One in West Atlantic City. The suspect fled throwing an unknown item. After 300 yards, the suspect Ed Wieh was arrested. ACPD K-9 Officer Joseph Rodriguez and his partner responded to the scene. Conducting a track, Officer Rodriguez partner located a quantity of marijuana that was thrown during the chase.  Rodriguez was given exceptional service, while Colella and Daly were given honorable service for their work.

Exceptional and Honorable Service
On Oct. 28, 2007, Officer Thomas Rocco developed information on an individual committing thefts from commercial businesses. Using this information, Officer Ronald Hires located the suspect Taru Franklin driving. He executed a motor vehicle stop and arrested the suspect. With the assistance of Detective Mark Wagner, the suspect confessed to these thefts and it was discovered the Cadillac Escalade he was driving was stolen.  Wagner received exceptional service and Hires and Rocco honorable service for their work on this matter.

Exceptional Service and Unit citation
During Oct. 2007, Sgt. Michael Hughes and Officer Robert Harte were able to obtain information on a possible marijuana grow taking place at 349 Heathercroft Condominiums. Based upon this information along with assistance from K-9 Officer Michael Bordonaro and his partner, Mojo, Detective Gary Rzemyk and members from the NJSP Marijuana Eradication Unit conducted a “knock and talk.” A search was conducted and Matthew Price was arrested after marijuana was located in the residence. All of the officers were given exceptional service and the eradication unit was earned citation.

Honorable and exceptional service
On Oct. 29, 2007, Officers Richard Vogt, Joseph Coady and Richard Cavanaugh responded to the Economy Inn reference to a violent domestic. They located Sean Appley who had assaulted a female. During the arrest, he violently struggled kicking out a police vehicle window. During a follow-up investigation by Detective Anthony Merendino, Appley was charged with second degree sexual assault. Honorable service went to Vogt, Coady and Cavanaugh.  Merendino received an exceptional service award.

Life Saving    
On Nov. 1, 2007, dispatcher Krystal Tilley received a telephone call reporting a person was unconscious and unresponsive. While patrol responded, dispatcher Tilley provided the caller with instructions in CPR. Upon the officer’s arrival, they alternated in performing CPR.  The victim was transported to the hospital and survived.  Honored also were Sgt. Robert Gray, Officer Charles Davenport, Officer Brian Dickson, Officer Ryan Hutton and MPO I Paul Weldon.

Meritorious and exceptional service
On Nov. 9, 2007, the owner of a commercial business reported a burglary in progress where the suspect fled in a vehicle. Utilizing excellent observation skills, Officer Brian Dickson observed the suspect vehicle and with the assistance of back up officers executed a “high risk” car stop. Two individuals were arrested along with the recovery of all stolen property and a quantity of heroin. Dickson received meritorious service. 
Exceptional service went to Sgt. Robert Gray, MPO I Paul Weldon, K-9 Officer Mark Mensch, Officer  Charles Davenport, Officer  Shawn Owen and Officer  Ryan Hutton. 
Sgt. Michael Hughes was given a certificate of appreciation.

K9 Award and Meritorious Service
On Nov. 9, 2007, Officer Scott Nell observed a NJ Forest Fire truck pass him which he knew was reported stolen.  Officer Nell pursued the truck until it stopped at a residence.  While attempting to arrest the driver, Christopher Doyle with the assistance of Officer MichaelFinnerty, a struggle ensued which resulted in Officer Michael Bordonaro deploying his K-9 Mojo to assist in the apprehension. Mojo and Bordonaro received a K9 award and Nell and Finnerty meritorious service awards.

Unit Citation and Exceptional Service
On Nov. 15, 2007, a “High Risk” Search Warrant was served at a known Outlaw Motorcycle Gang member’s home after a lengthy investigation due to an aggravated assault which occurred at a bar in Mullica Township.  Once the home was secured Law Enforcement seized several weapons, including an assault rifle, large capacity magazines, Outlaw Motorcycle Gang paraphernalia and key evidence linking the suspect to the crime scene. Detective Michael Palmentieri received exceptional service. The Prosecutor’s Office and Mullica Township Police received unit citations.

Exceptional and honorable service
On Nov. 21, 2007, officers served an NCIC warrant.  During the arrest of Ray Stacy, an odor of marijuana was detected in the residence.  The officers obtained a Consent to Search.  During the search, a half pound of marijuana was located.  MPO I Richard Cavanaugh received exceptional service, MPO I Timothy Colella, Officer Thomas Rocco and Officer Lawrence Graham honorable service.

Life Saving       
On Nov. 22, 2007, officers Sgt. Robert Gray, Officer Melvin Laramore, Officer Michelle Fromal, Officer Brian Dickson, Officer Ronald Hires and Officer Ryan Hutton responded to a call of a person unconscious and unresponsive.  Upon the officer’s arrival, they alternated in performing CPR. The victim was transported to the hospital and survived.

Exceptional Service  
Detective John Heim coordinated a county-wide effort in reference to a string of “smash and grab” burglaries.  Through a joint investigation with multiple agencies, a suspect was identified and charged with multiple counts of burglary and theft with stolen property valued over $10,000.

Exceptional Service and Certificates of Appreciation
On Dec. 1, 2007 at 3:40 a.m., a 61-year-old schizophrenic female left her residence.  As a search perimeter was established with the assistance of members from the Cardiff Volunteer Fire Company, Officer Michael Bordonaro and his K-9 partner Mojo began a track.  After one hour, the victim was found by Mojo lying under a wood deck. Bordonaro received exceptional service while the Cardiff Volunteer Fire Company received a unit citation. Sgt. Robert Gray received a certificate of appreciation, as did
Officers Alekhine Pahang, Charles Davenport, Louis Poletis, Melvin Laramore, Patrick Daly, Brian Dickson and Brian Keane.

Distinguished Volunteer Service Cross     
(During 2007, the following volunteered their time to improve the quality of life and services to the children and citizens of Egg Harbor Township.)

Chief Blaze Catania
Capt. Larry Szapor
Lt. Hector Tavarez
Lt. Jay Woods
Detective Sgt. Thomas Chambers
Detective Sgt. Raymond Davis
Sgt. Steve Slusarski
Sgt. David Algeri
Sgt. Michael Hughes
MPO I Paul Weldon
MPO I Robert Moran
Detective Reynold Theriault
SMPO Al Maiorano
Officer Robert O=Donoghue
Officer Joseph Coady
Detective Michael Palmentieri
Officer Christopher Berry
SRO Cherie Burgan
SRO Edward Bertino
Detective Tony Merendino
SMPO Michael Bardello

 

Honorable Discharge   

Chief John Coyle                            
For years of honorable service from May 16, 1977 to Feb. 1, 2007.  During that time he served in the capacity from patrolman through Chief of Police faithfully, dedicated to the public and to this department.

Capt. John Pope
For years of honorable service from June 18, 1979 to Feb. 1, 2007.  During that time he served in the capacity from patrolman through captain of operations faithfully, dedicating himself to the public and to this department.

Officer Paul Roden
For years of honorable service from April 7, 1995 to Nov. 1, 2007.  During this time he served in the capacity of patrolman faithfully, dedicating himself to the public and to this department.

Officer Robert Gleisberg
For years of honorable service from Dec. 30, 1985 to July 1, 2007.  During that this he served in the capacity of patrolman faithfully, dedicating himself to the public and to this department.

Legion of Honor/Honorable Discharge 
On July 13, 2006, Officer Clear Costantino was engaged in personal combat with Christopher Blank.  During the violent struggle, he was shot three times sustaining life-threatening injuries.  She demonstrated tremendous courage and an undaunted will to survive.  As a result of these permanent injuries, she retired from the Police Department in July 2008.

Special Award from 177th Fighter Wing     
Officer Brian Keane

The Military Service Award 
(For dedication for the defense and protection of the United States flag while actively serving in a branch of the United States military both past and present.)

Army
Lt. James Druding
Sgt. Marc Romantino
MPO John Dowd
Officer Shawn Owen
Officer Robert Sheppard

Air Force
Sgt. Charles Super
MPO I John Dowd
MPO I Ernest Dunson
MPO I Christopher Mozitis
Officer David Heritage
Officer Brian Dickson
Officer Scott Nell
Officer Katherine Miller

Coast Guard
Lt. Robert Fisher
Officer Shawn Owen
Officer Christopher Ives

Marines
MPO II Steve Swankoski
Detective Reynold Theriault
Officer Louis Poletis
Officer Ryan Hutton
 

Expeditionary Force Foreign Mission Award  
(For special recognition for serving in a foreign mission in El Salvador, Grenada, Lebanon, Panama, Desert Storm, Afghanistan or Iraq in behalf of the United States government.)
MPO II Steve Swankoski
MPO I Christopher Mozitis
Officer Louis Poletis
Officer David Heritage
Detective Reynold Theriault
Officer Robert Sheppard
Officer Ryan Hutton
Officer Brian Dickson
Officer Scott Nell

First Assistant Prosecutor Murray A. Talasnik was honored in appreciation for his dedicated service in the preparation and presentation of the State v. Christopher Blank. Through his efforts, Blank was prosecuted for the attempted homicide of three Egg Harbor Township police officers. In March of 2008 Blank was sentenced to over 80 years in state prison for his crimes. The Egg Harbor Township Police Department will forever be grateful.