Maplewood Police Officers Awarded for Valor, Distinguished Service

Maplewood residents have good reason to feel secure.

Numerous times in the last 16 months, Maplewood police officers have demonstrated extreme valor and professionalism in dealing with extraordinary emergencies.

Maplewood Police Chief Robert Cimino took the time to acknowledge officers' work with some special awards at the May 17, 2011 Maplewood Townshp Committee meeting.

First, Cimino awarded several officers for their work in response to a . Cimino recounted that officers responded to a call and found that not only was a burglary in process but a female resident was bound by tape. The burglars were armed, with police recovering two handguns and an assault rifle at the scene. One suspect was apprehended at the residence and two others who fled the scene were apprehended soon after. Cimino reminded the Township Committee that this incident involved a lockdown of Seth Boyden School as officers pursued the fleeing suspects.

Cimino said the officers' work constituted "an act of incredible bravery."

For their work at the scene, officers Officers Henry Wasielewski, Thomas DiMaggio, Thomas DeFazio and Rodney Tannenbaum were recognized with Valor Awards. For their work in the pursuit and apprehension of the fleeing suspects, Det. Lt. James Wavra, Lt. John Perna, Sgt. Joshua Cummis, Officer Josue Tirado, Officer Albert Sally, and Officer Richard Wright were recognized with Distinguished Service Awards.

Also receiving Valor Awards were Sergeant Joseph Guglielmo, Officer Robert Smith and Officer Kevin Graham for their bravery in on February 18, 2010. The men entered the building without equipment and before firefighters were able to respond, saving the woman's life by carrying her out in the firefighters' hold.

Finally, Distinguished Service was awarded to Officer Janette Lareau, Officer Thomas DeFazio, Officer Scott Reeves and Officer Brian Weagley for their exceptional work in . Officers implemented life-saving measures by utilizing a defribrillator and performing CPR. The Maplewood FD then transported the patient to the hospital, where he began his full recovery.