Mercer County Sheriff's Office Names Officer Of The Year

Carmen Gloria Cruz, of Trenton, has been honored as the Mercer County Sheriff’s Officer of the Year, Sheriff Jack Kemler announced on Friday.

Cruz has been a sheriff’s officer for five years, and is assigned to the Courts Division. She also administers and processes, the movement, and the securing of inmates and those awaiting trial. Her chief role is to maintain a safe and secure courthouse environment, with no major incidents under her watch.

Cruz graduated from the Mercer County Police Academy in 2014. She has completed extensive coursework in physical training for law enforcement and first responder training. She was selected by her peers for this prominent award.

“Despite her short time in law enforcement, Officer Cruz has quickly become a seasoned Sheriff’s Officer with an impressive dedication to duty and a commendable record,” Kemler said.

This award is given annually to a well-rounded officer who has exceeded the duty requirements expected of their position and has demonstrated a distinct and positive pattern of service and professional achievement.

The Mercer County Sheriff’s Office also announced Medal of Honor awards and Meritorious Service awards winners.

Three Medals of Honor were awarded to Detectives William Perez, Joseph Tuccillo, and Steven Niederer for their bravery and valor while under imminent danger.

All three men were met with gunfire when they attempted to serve an arrest warrant related to a Megan s Law offense in Trenton on May 10. Each officer was shot, and a deadly standoff ensued. All three detectives currently work out of the Mercer County Sheriff's Office Fugitive Unit and are assigned to the United States Marshals Service NY/NJ Regional Fugitive Task Force.

“Each detective displayed bravery and heroism in the face of deadly gunfire,” Kemler said. “Thankfully, all three returned home to their families that night.”

Meritorious Service Awards were given to four Sheriff’s officers for distinguishing themselves with courageous acts and rapid response in the line of duty.

Officers George Dzurkoc III and John Lyle of the Sheriff's Patrol Unit seized a loaded 9 mm handgun, multiple ammunition clips, and a tactical device from a 16 year-old in August 2017.

Officers Joseph DiLissio and Joel Adams of the Sheriff’s Courts Unit were honored for their quick action to quell a vicious act in the Mercer County Courthouse, in which a defendant suddenly and violently struck their attorney in June 2017.

A committee of peers nominated and selected the award recipients. The awards presentation took place on Friday, June 8, at the Mercer County Civil Courthouse under Kemler’s direction.

At the presentation, Years of Service Awards were also presented to officers with 5, 10, 15, and 20 years of departmental service and those who served in the United States military. Kemler thanked each individual officer for his or her dedication to the people of Mercer County.

The attached image was provided: Left to right: Mercer County Sheriff Jack Kemler and Sheriff’s Officer of the Year Carmen Cruz