Stafford Police Officers Awarded For Service

STAFFORD, NJ — Three Stafford Township Police Department detectives were awarded Wednesday at the 67th Annual M.O.C.I.B. (Monmouth & Ocean County Intelligence Bureau) Valor Awards Luncheon.

The three officers received the "Honorable Service Award," which recognizes "an officer’s credible act, unusual in nature, showing initiative and a great accomplishment," Stafford police announced.

Detective Sergeant Jason Costello and Detective Michael Wade were awarded for their actions in March 2021 in taking down a large-scale drug distributor. With the help of other jurisdictions, the two investigated and dismantled an operation distributing heroin, cocaine and MDMA, police said.

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This led to the arrest of Cory Winston, who was charged with several first and second degree crimes. Detectives also seized a large sum of cash and recovered handguns, police said.

Also awarded was Detective Erik Smithman for his work in investigation into motor vehicle thefts, burglaries and a case of carjacking in July 2021. Stafford police said Smithman worked "tirelessly" with other jurisdictions. This led to five suspects being positively identified and charged with over 91 combined charges. As a result, more than 15 cases were closed.

Stafford Police expressed their pride for the officers.

"Way to represent the kind of excellence the Stafford Township Police Department prides itself on!!" Police wrote in a Facebook post. "Congratulations Gentlemen on a job well done!!"

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