Manchester Police Honor Officers' Heroism, Good Works

MANCHESTER, NJ -- Manchester Township counts on its police officers in many ways every day.

Last week, the department honored its officers for their many good works throughout the year at its annual Departmental Awards Ceremony.

“There were many commendable and courageous acts that occurred during 2015,” Chief Lisa Parker said. “The awards presented today fit the criteria for the high standards set by the awards general order.”

The Chief’s Award was given to Patrolman Christopher Walaszek and Patrolman Christopher Cerullo. Walaszek has been instrumental in coordinating the installation of a shoot house for the Police Firing Range, as well as procuring a diesel generator for the project through the Law Enforcement Support Office at no cost to the township. Cerullo, serving as the township’s School Resource Officer, has formed strong bonds with students and school administrators, in addition to organizing the successful “Bully vs. The Badge” charity wrestling match and the inaugural Manchester Township Youth Police Academy.

Patrolmen Charles Gatnarek, Michael O’Hara and Patrick Mabie were honored with the Meritorious Service Award for peacefully resolving a dangerous situation with a knife-wielding suicidal male. O’Hara was also given the Croix De Negotiators Laurel Award for the same incident, for utilizing his communications skills to convince the armed subject to drop his weapon.

A Life Saving Award was given to Patrolmen John Decker and Steve Hankins for their successful save of a 78-year-old unresponsive woman by performing CPR measures until she could be transported to the hospital by paramedics.

Patrolmen Ryan Saul, Joseph Fastige, and Adam Carey also received the award for saving the life of a 61-year-old choking victim. Ann Scott, the victim’s 91-year-old mother and a retired nurse, received the Civilian Service Award for performing CPR until officers arrived. In both incidents, the victims went on to make full recoveries.

“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 Kenneth Palmer said.

Also in attendance were the officers’ families, Councilmen James Vaccaro, Samuel Fusaro, Craig Wallis, Charles Frattini, and Business Administrator Donna Markulic. Police Chaplain James Davis gave the invocation, and Palmer offered closing remarks.

Lt. Col. William Malast, a retired member of the New Jersey State Police, was awarded a Plaque of Appreciation for his invaluable assistance in developing, implementing and coordinating the funeral detail for Cpl. Scott Thompson. Malast directed state, county, and local law enforcement agencies over a two-day period, allowing the Manchester Township Police and the Thompson family the opportunity to honor and grieve their fallen brother officer.

A second Plaque of Appreciation was awarded to retired Detective Sgt. Joseph Howell for coordinating the donation of an automated external defibrillator for the police gym in Thompson’s memory.

Resident John McGuire was awarded a Letter of Appreciation for his decades of volunteer service to Manchester Township’s residents, students and police officers. McGuire assists with the Police Unity Tour, Dinner with Santa, and PBA Golf Outing, among other events.

The ceremony closed with Ptl. Keith Craig’s memorial video montage dedicated to Thompson, whose service to the Manchester Township Police was also memorialized in a commemorative photo book distributed at the event.

“Like the Tobias family, who remains active with the department 30 years after Ptl. Robert Tobias’ on duty death, Cpl. Thompson and his family will always be remembered,” Parker said.

Also Honored:

• Distinguished Firearms Expert: Ptl. Matthew Walaszek

Unit Citations

• Ocean County Regional SWAT: Ptl. Joseph Reilly, Ptl. Matthew Walaszek, Ptl. Michael Steffen
• Narcotics Enforcement Team: Sgt. James Komsa, Ptl. Peter Manco, Ptl. Steven Wendruff, Ptl.
• Christian Nazario
• Investigations Bureau: Det. David Fusaro, Det. Robert Maccaquano
• Traffic Safety: Ptl. Michael Anderson
• K-9: Ptl. Marc Micciulla, Ptl. Steven Wendruff
• Field Training Officer: Ptl. Jason Wiener, Ptl. Joseph Fastige

PHOTOS (courtesy of Manchester Township Police Department)

Photo 1: Patrolman Patrick Mabie, Patrolman Michael O’Hara, and Patrolman Charles Gatnarek receive the Meritorious Service Award from Capt. Todd Malland.

Photo 2: Patrolman Christopher Cerullo, Chief’s Award recipient, is introduced by Chief Lisa Parker.

Photo 3: Patrolman Christopher Walaszek receives his Chief’s Award from Chief Lisa Parker.

Photo 4: Retired Lt. Col. William Malast receives a Plaque of Appreciation from Chief Lisa Parker.

Photo 5: Retired Detective Sgt. Joseph Howell receives a Plaque of Appreciation from Chief Lisa Parker.

Photo 6: John McGuire, joined by granddaughter Tess, receives a Letter of Appreciation from Chief Lisa Parker.

Photo 7: Mayor Kenneth Palmer offers remarks at the 2015 Manchester Township Police Departmental Awards Ceremony.

Photo 8: Chief Lisa Parker addresses attendees, including Palmer and members of the Township Council (front row), at the 2015 Manchester Township Police Departmental Awards Ceremony.