South Brunswick Police Get Awards For Saving Lives, Investigative Work

A detective began investigating a package of drugs sent to a South Brunswick home, and eight-months later, his investigation had uncovered a nationwide drug ring, and led to the the arrests of 25 people and the seizure of $150,000, authorities said.

Two other South Brunswick officers recovered a gun and arrested defendants who authorities say were involved in a shooting in North Brunswick.

And another officer’s investigation led to the arrest of defendants who authorities say were invovled in a series of car bruglaries.

For their work, the four officers on Wednesday received excpetional service medals at the South Brunswick Police Department Awards Ceremony.

Awards were also given to township officers who saved three lives last year.

And a man who police say helped stop a robbery at a local restaurant received the citizen appreciation award.

According to a news release from acting Captain James Ryan:

Citizen Appreciation Award

In August, John Kozuha was eating lunch at the Kapadoyka Grill on Route 1 when a man with a knife walked in and demanded money from the cashier. Kozuha used his motorcycle helmet to fend off the man, who ran away empty-handed. That man was later arrested.

Exceptional Service Medals

Detective Roger Tuohy

His eight month-investigation into a drug delivery led to the arrest of 25 people nationwide. His investigative work led police to partner with state and federal law enforcement and resulted in the execution of 19 search warrants and the seizure of $150,000.

Officer Bafti Salihi

Around 3 a.m. Aug. 29, Salihi was sent to investigate a suspicious person near Route 27. When he arrived, three people who had been standing near a vehicle, ran away. He chased them and caught one about two blocks away. The defendants were later linked to a half dozen car burglaries in South Brunswick and Franklin and a vehicle theft in Perth Amboy.

Officers Jason Gassman and Bryan Sites

On Nov. 1 on Route 1, Gassman and Sites chased two people who were involved in a shooting in North Brunswick. The officers stopped the vehicle and recovered a Ruger handgun.

Life Saving Medal

Officers Jason Gassman and Bryan Sites

On Nov. 9, the officers used CPR and a defibrillator to revive a 61-year-old man who went into cardiac arrest.

Officers John Niper and Rick Delucia

On Sept. 11, the officers used CPR and a defibrillator to revive a 61-year-old warehouse worker who had been shocked, went into cardiac arrest and was not breathing.

Officers Joe Rausch and Scott Bucca

On April 10, 2014 officers used CPR to revive a 24-year-old woman who had overdosed.

Letters of Commendations

Detective Dennis Yuhasz, and Officers Robert Jairdullo, Rick Delucia, and Sal Fama

On May, 22, 2014, the officers went to a home after getting a report about a suicidal male. He had barricaded himself inside the home, and they tried to negotiate with him, but eventually had to force their way inside. “Officers displayed sound judgment and great restraint during the incident, taking the male into custody for a psychiatric evaluation.”

Sgt. Ken Herman, Detective Dennis Yuhasz

While investigating a strong armed robbery, they questioned someone who confessed to several crimes, and was charged with robbery, possession of a firearm, and theft. The officers also recovered a loaded, stolen handgun.

Sgt. Ken Herman

He handled an aggravated arson investigation that led to the arrests of five adults and one juvenile. Police also seized two cars for forfeiture. “As a result of Sergeant Herman’s hard work the victims’ were able to receive closure.”

“The everyday actions of these officers make our community a better place,’’ Chief Raymond Hayducka said in a prepared statement. “These officers answer the call twenty-four hours a day seven days a week looking to protect and serve our community. The awards that are bestowed on them today recognize the sacrifice and dedication of the men and woman who make up the South Brunswick Police Department.”

Photo via Twitter, @SoBrunswickPD, courtesy South Brunswick police