South Brunswick Cops Recognized For Saving Lives In 2021 Awards

SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ — Around 15 officers from South Brunswick Police Department were recipients of the 2021 Police Awards. The officers were awarded for their efforts in saving lives, defusing armed confrontation, and nabbing attempted murder suspects.

“Every year we examine the excellence of our officers and award them for outstanding actions they perform. This year there were numerous officers who went above and beyond to save lives and capture suspects,” Chief Raymond Hayducka said.

“I see the daily work of our officers, but in giving out this recognition, everyone can see the bravery, perseverance, and dedication. The men and women of our department are some of the best in the State and their actions reflect that.”

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The names were submitted to a committee of officers for a determination of merits. A final report was then presented to Hayducka who authorized the awards.

Here are the awards:

Life-Saving Medal -Officer Marcus Leysath, Officer Dale Hubner, and Officer Tyler Harpster

• On June 14, 2020, the officers responded to a report of a man who had collapsed in the front yard of his home and was unresponsive. The three officers began CPR and applied an automated external defibrillator (AED) which shocked the man. The man regained a pulse and made a full recovery.

Exceptional Service Award -Patrolman First Class (PFC) George Vit

• On May 7, 2020, PFC Vit ended a dangerous situation where a man suffering a manic episode was endangering other motorists. Several motorists called 911 to report a vehicle was swerving back and forth on Route 1 southbound during morning rush hour and almost struck other vehicles. The man refused to stop his vehicle when police arrived on the scene. PFC Vit then used his patrol vehicle to prevent the suspect from striking any civilian vehicles. The suspect struck PFC Vit’s vehicle and both cars came to a stop without injury. The suspect was arrested and transported to an area hospital for a mental health evaluation. Vit’s actions prevented serious injury to the public.

Exceptional Service -Officer Brian Luck

• On Oct. 4, 2020, officers arrived at the scene of a stabbing at White Oak Court and Bard Drive North. Officer Luck was first to arrive and found two victims with stab wounds, one to the chest and one to the arm. Luck immediately rendered first aid to the victim who had been stabbed in the chest and applied a seal to the chest wound preventing the victim’s lung from collapsing. he also developed information that identified one of the suspects in the attack.

Exceptional Service Award -Detective Rick DeLucia

• On Oct. 4, 2020, Det. DeLucia investigated an attempted murder stabbing incident on Bard Drive. The suspects had chased the victims, rammed the victim’s vehicle, and stabbed the victim. DeLucia was able to piece together ring doorbell video and witness statements to identify the three suspects. DeLucia’s persistence and tenacity led to 13 search warrants and arrest of all three. The three men were charged with weapons possession, aggravated assault, and attempted murder.

Exceptional Service Award -Sergeant First Class (SFC) Richard Hutchison

• On Dec. 31, 2020, SFC Hutchison responded to a report of an emotionally disturbed man who was suffering from a mental crisis. The man had swung scissors at individuals and was barricaded in a room. Hutchison’s initial efforts to deescalate were unsuccessful. Officers arrived and Hutchison was able to disarm the man without injury.

Exceptional Service Award -Lieutenant Roger Tuohy, Sergeant Anthony Pisano, PFC Michael Leung, Officer Ryan Bartunek, Detective Rick DeLucia, and Officer Kent English

• On Oct. 15, 2020, officers were called to an area motel where a man brandished a during a dispute. Officers evacuated nearby motel rooms and set up a perimeter. Lieutenant Tuohy assembled a team of officers - Sgt. Pisano, PFC Leung, Officer Bartunek, Detective DeLucia and Officer English to attempt to make contact with the suspect. Officers approached the room and began to negotiate with the man who was highly agitated. At one point, the man stood in the doorway and officers quickly grabbed him and pulled him out of the room. They recovered a loaded firearm and drugs from the room.

Exceptional Service Award -PFC Michael Leung, Officer Ryan Bartunek, and Officer Jason Stonkus

• On Nov. 10, 2020, officers responded to a residence to assist counselors with a mental health screening. Counselors told officers a man initially agreed to go to the hospital for a mental health evaluation but then left the ambulance and re-entered his house. Officers attempted to calm the man and de-escalate the situation, but he ran into the kitchen and grabbed a knife. The officers were able to wrestle the knife away, preventing the man from harming himself or others.

Exceptional Service Award -Detective Timothy Hoover

• On July 11, 2020 Detective Timothy Hoover responded to an apartment complex where the victim was shot multiple times. Hoover interviewed over a dozen potential witnesses to identify the suspects. He worked with the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office and the United States Marshal’s Service to track down one suspect who fled to Delaware. Hoover obtained and executed seven search warrants which led to the suspect being charged with weapons possession, aggravated assault and attempted murder charges

Several other officers were also recognized for excellence in physical fitness, firearms proficiency, crime scene processing, and educational accomplishment. “It is the great work that the men and women of the South Brunswick Police due daily that makes a difference. These awards highlight the best of who we are,” Hayducka said.

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