Manchester honors police and civilian bravery and support

Active and retired police officers and several special civilians in Manchester are recognized for courage and compassion that contributed to the township's quality of life during 2015.

The annual Manchester Police Departmental Awards Ceremony in the Municipal Complex December 9 highlighted notable individual and collective actions that typfiy the force.

"There were many commendable and courageous acts that occurred during 2015, but only the awards presented today fit the criteria for the high standards set by the awards general order," said Chief Lisa Parker in prepared remarks.

Mayor Kenneth Palmer also commended the group."As a resident, and as the Mayor, it's really a great feeling knowing that when a situation arises, we know that you guys can handle it professionally and effectively, and on behalf of the Township Council and residents, thank you very much," Mayor Palmer said.

Ceremonies concluded with a video, compiled by Patrolman Kenneth Craig, memorializing Corporal Scott Thompson, whose sudden death during an exercise session left a deep impact on the force and on the many residents who had become acquaintances during his career. A commemorative photo album was also exhibited.

The honorees:

Patrolmen Christopher Walaszek and Christopher Cerullo - Chief's Award
Walaszek took charge of installing a shoot house at the police firing range and in securing funding for a diesel generator through the Law Enforcement Support Office. Cerullo, the township's School Resource Officer, organized the "Bully vs. Badge charity wrestling match, and also initiated the township's first Youth Police Academy.

Patrolmen Charles Gatnarek, Michael O'Hara, Patrick Mabie - Meritorious Service Award
The three prevented a knife-brandishing man from taking his own life. O'Hara was awarded the Croix de Negotiators Laurel for convincing the subject to drop the knife.

Patrolmen Ryan Saul, Joseph Fastige, Adam Carey, John Decker and Steve Hankins - Lifesaving Award
Mrs. Ann Scott - Civilian Service Award
Decker and Hankins performed CPR on an unresponsive 78-year-old woman until paramedics could whisk her to hospitalization.
Saul, Fastige and Carey prevented the choking death of a 61-year-old township woman. Mrs. Scott, 91, the victim's mother and a retired nurse, applied CPR until officers arrived.

Lt. Col William Malast (Retired, New Jersey State Police) - Plaque of Appreciation
Detective Sergeant Joseph Howell (Retired, Manchester Police) - Plaque of Appreciation
Malast took a lead role in the funeral detail surrounding services for Manchester PD Corporal Scott Thompson, directing state, county and local law enforcement during a two-day span.
Howell coordinated the donation and installation of an Automatic External Defibrillator in the police gym, in Cpl. Thompson's memory.

John McGuire - Letter of Appreciation
McGuire's tireless voluntarism that have benefited residents, students and officers for several decades include the Police Unity Tour, Dinner with Santa, the annual PBA golf outing, and many other events.

Distinguished Firearms Expert - Patrolman Matthew Walaszek

Unit Citations:

Ocean County Regional SWAT- Patrolmen Joseph Reilly, Matthew Walaszek, Michael Steffen

Narcotics Enforcement Team - Sergeant James Komsa, Patrolmen Peter Manco, Steven Wendruff, Christian Nazario

Investigations Bureau - Detectives David Fusaro, Robert Maccaquano

Traffic Safety - Patrolman Michael Anderson

K9 - Patrolmen Marc Micciulla, Steven Wendruff

Field Training Officer - Patrolmen Jason Wiener, Joseph Fastige