Officer Honored For Life-Saving Actions In Berkeley

BERKELEY, NJ — A Berkeley police officer was celebrated for his quick-thinking and actions that saved the life of a fellow officer in a potentially deadly incident two years ago.

In an incident on Aug. 1, 2021, Berkeley resident Stephen Carroccia tried to stab Officer Andrew Picinic with a 16-inch kitchen knife. Police responded to the home after an elderly relative said that Carroccia was acting erractic and had known to escalate to physical violence in the past.

Carroccia, agitated by the presence of the police, lunged at Picinic twice with the kinfe.

But Officer Warren Black, fearing for Picinic's life, quickly drew his gun and fired three shots at Carroccia.

This shooting was deemed justified after an investigation, and Carroccia was charged with attempted murder and weapons offenses. Read more: Non-Fatal Shooting Of Knife-Wielding NJ Man Was Justified: Prosecutor

"There is no doubt that death or serious bodily would have occurred to Officer Picinic and the elderly relative," Mayor Carmen Amato said.

It was also Picinic's first shift on his first day with Berkeley police, Amato said.

Amato also praised Black and Picinic for immediately jumping to give Carroccia first aid after he was shot.

"Officers saved the man's life without any thought of what the man had just done," Amato said. "This brings a credit to the professionalism and dedication to the duty and honor, and we would like to see them both recognized."

"Warren is a fan favorite of the police department," said Chief Kevin Santucci, noting the massive turnout of fellow officers.

"I think any officer here would tell you they would love to have him, whether on- or off-duty, by their side," Santucci said.

Later in the meeting, resident Gerry Morey presented Black with a special edition honor coin that was given to his wife, whose uncle Werner Foerster was killed by a Black Panther 50 years ago this year.

"I'm proud of everything you've done for us," Morey told Black.