SCOTCH PLAINS, NJ — Police Chief Ted Conley acknowledged his division’s prime officers for the yr 2020 on the Scotch Plains Council assembly on Tuesday, Could 18, 2021. The chief famous that 2020 was a difficult yr for everybody, together with law enforcement officials.
Father Nelligan Award (Officer of the 12 months Award): Detective Melissa Rivera
This award is introduced to officers who’ve carried out on the highest ranges all through a calendar yr. Det. Rivera is a five-year veteran of the Scotch Plains police division. She is at present assigned to the Detective Bureau, and her duties embrace normal investigation, registering Megan’s Legislation offenders, and performing firearms background investigations.
“Det. Rivera is a rare detective in the way in which she investigates her circumstances, in addition to offers with victims and suspects,” mentioned Chief Ted Conley. “The tenacity she brings to work along with her each day is unprecedented. She may be very effectively revered by her friends and supervisors and for these causes she is the Scotch Plains Police Division’s 2020 Officer of the 12 months.”
Chief’s Achievement Medal: Officer Luis Pereira
This medal acknowledges an accomplishment that brings public acclaim to themselves, the Scotch Plains Police Division and/or the legislation enforcement career.
“Officer Pereira is among the most revered officers on this division and continues to step up for something that’s requested of him,” mentioned Chief Conley. “He’ll volunteer to remain late for calls and is among the many first to assist anybody who wants help. Officer Pereira at all times conducts himself professionally and takes delight in being a Scotch Plains police officer.
The chief mentioned that he has heard solely constructive suggestions on Officer Pereira.
“I’ve had residents and enterprise homeowners clarify how useful and responsive Officer Pereira was to their wants. He brings public acclaim to himself and this division always,” Conley mentioned.
Life Saving Medal: Officers Kyle Savoia, Gerard Rites, Brian Regenthal, Devon Turner, and Andrew Gitto.
1) Officers Rites and Savoia responded to a report of an unconscious male. On the scene, they discovered the sufferer on the ground. After a quick investigation, the officers discovered that the sufferer had a historical past of substance abuse (corroborated by the invention of CDS paraphernalia). Officers Rites and Savoia administered a dose of Narcan and oxygen. After a number of minutes the sufferer remained unconscious, they usually gave him a second dose of Narcan. The sufferer slowly began to point out indicators of life, and medical assist was taken over by EMS and medics.
“I really feel that the swift analysis and lifesaving administration of Narcan and oxygen by Officers Rites and Savoia is deserving of a lifesaving medal,” mentioned Chief Conley.
2) Officers Gitto and Savoia responded to a person in cardiac arrest on Valleyscent Ave. Upon arrival, they found a male sitting on his sofa, blue within the face and with weak breaths. They administered two Narcan photographs and after a couple of minutes, the person awoke and was transported to Overlook Hospital.
“With out the swift motion taken by each officers, the male would have handed away,” Chief Conley mentioned.
3) Officers Savoia and Regenthal responded to a report of an unresponsive male. Upon arrival the officers discovered the unconscious sufferer on the 2nd ground of the residence. The officers decided that the sufferer seemingly suffered an overdose and administered a dose of Narcan and supplied oxygen. These efforts had been unsuccessful, and a second dose of Narcan was administered. The sufferer slowly turned responsive and commenced taking stronger breaths. EMS then took over the scene. A brief time later the sufferer turned absolutely responsive and refused any additional medical help.
“I really feel that the swift analysis and lifesaving administration of Narcan and oxygen by Officers Savoia and Regenthal is deserving of a lifesaving medal,” Chief Conley mentioned.
4) Officer Turner responded to a report of a 45-year-old man who was in cardiac arrest. Upon arrival, Officer Turner instantly started CPR. He continued till the arrival of the Fireplace Division. In the course of the course of life-saving efforts, the affected person was shocked twice by the AED. By the point the affected person was transported, he was respiratory with a pulse.
“With out direct intervention from Officer Turner in such a well timed matter, I don’t imagine this particular person would have survived,” Chief Conley mentioned.
MADD Award (Moms In opposition to Drunk Driving Award): Officer Michael Baltazar
Officer Baltazar led the division in driving beneath the affect (DUI) arrests with a complete of 9, which accounted for greater than half of the division’s whole. “His dedication on this area is past reproach, and he’s to be counseled for a job effectively performed,” Chief Conley mentioned.
Letters of Commendation: Sgt. Bradley Belford, Sgt. Mark Lynch, Off. Scott Leyden, Off. Ryan Cruz, Off. Stephanie Roggina, Off. Michael Smolinski, Off. Edward Budzinski
Letters of Appreciation: Off. Ryan Cruz, Off. Valerie Aguirre, Off. Scott Leyden, Off. Richard Sopko
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