Bernards Twp. Police Sgt. Honored For Heroic Actions During Shootout

BASKING RIDGE, NJ — Bernards Township Police Sergeant Jon Burger was honored for risking his life to save the life of a Warren officer during an active shooter situation in 2015.

The Bernards Township Committee passed a resolution at the Dec. 13 meeting commending Burger for his heroic actions.

On Aug. 16, 2015, Sergeant Burger responded to Mount Horeb Road to help the Warren Township Police in an active shooter incident.

Burger was one of the first backup officers to arrive and saw the immediate need to rescue a Warren Sergeant pinned down in the danger zone under cover in the driveway.

"Burger selflessly drove a police vehicle in the direction of the active shooter threat putting himself in potential harm’s way in order to safely extricate the Warren Sergeant and another Warren Officer. The heroic and courageous actions of Sergeant Burger were directly responsible for the safe and successful recovery of the Warren Sergeant and Officer in a life threatening situation," the resolution stated.

The Bernards Township Police and Bernards Township Committee awarded Sergeant Burger the Meritorious Service award on Dec. 15, 2015 “for a highly unusual accomplishment under adverse conditions with some degree of hazard to life and limb;” and in recognition of his heroic actions, Burger was also awarded the Somerset County 200 Club Valor Award on May 16, 2016, the New Jersey Police Chiefs Foundation of the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police Valor Award on June 22, 2016, and the New Jersey State Policemen’s Benevolent Association Bronze Medal of Honor on Nov. 19, 2016.

"The Township Committee of the Township of Bernards that we do hereby express our sincere appreciation and congratulations by acknowledging his outstanding contributions to the Township of Bernards community which enhances the public welfare and quality of life for not only the citizens of the Township of Bernards but also the State of New Jersey," the resolution stated.

(Image via Shutterstock)

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