South Brunswick Police, Residents Honored For Life-Saving Incidents

SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ — South Brunswick police officers, dispatchers and regular residents who all saved people's lives in 2016 were honored at the department's annual awards luncheon last week.

“What do a 3-year-old, an 18-year-old, a 58-year-old, and a 60-year-old all share in common? They all were saved in 2016 by South Brunswick officers," said Chief Raymond Hayducka. "Officers use defibrillators, CPR, and now Narcan in those critical first few minutes. Each of the officers awarded today faced frantic relatives and friends looking for help. They distinguished themselves in their rapid response and quick actions that led to lives saved.”

Life Saving Medal - Officer George Morgan, Officer Jarrid Harpster, Dispatcher Christine McCarthy, Dispatcher John Muccioli and Jessica Vanliew

On June 18, 2016, police received multiple 911 calls reporting a 3-year-old boy had fallen into a swimming pool and was unresponsive. The callers were unsure of their location. The dispatchers provided instructions to the callers on how to perform CPR, and utilized a mapping program to determine the exact location of the drowning. The officers arrived within minutes and performed live-saving CPR. The child regained a pulse and made a full recovery. Their prompt and alert collective actions and team effort saved the child’s life.

Citizen’s Appreciation Award - Brian Keith

On August 16, 2016, Brian Keith was working as a member of the South Brunswick Township Department of Public Works. At 11:10 a.m. he observed a 60-year-old man collapsed in the rear parking lot of Public Works. He quickly alerted police dispatch and began CPR on the man who was in cardiac arrest. Mr. Keith continued to assist officers after their arrival with life-saving efforts and the man regained a pulse. Keith's life-saving efforts are recognized with this award.

Life-Saving Medal - PFC Joseph Rausch, Officer Ryan Bartunek, Officer Martin Halmi, Officer Dale Hubner

These officers responded to the same unconscious man in the parking lot of Public Works. They used an automated external defibrillator (AED) and performed CPR. Their efforts led the man to regain a pulse and make a full recovery.

Life-Saving Medal - Officer Salvatore Fama, Officer Brian Luck

On October 28, 2016, the officers responded to the call of a 58-year-old unconscious man who was not breathing at a local warehouse. The officers’ quick response and prompt action allowed them to administer CPR and an automated external defibrillator (AED). The man regained a pulse and made a full recovery. Their actions saved his life.

Medal of Valor - Officer George Morgan, Officer Peter Santa, Officer Jarrid Harpster

On June 18, 2016, these officers confronted an armed wanted suspect. The suspect threatened to harm himself during the encounter. The officers, working as a team, were able to disarm the suspect and take him into custody without injury. The officers’ demonstrated outstanding personal bravery and disregard for their own personal safety in taking the suspect into custody.

Exceptional Service Medal - Officer Ray McCarthy

On March 3, 2016, Officer McCarthy received information about possible drug activity in the Township. He showed initiative and accomplishment by pursuing the information and developing probable cause. Officer McCarthy’s investigation led to a search warrant which uncovered narcotics. The search warrant resulted in the arrest of the suspect for possession of CDS with intent to distribute, bringing acclaim to himself, the department and the police profession.

Exceptional Service Medal - Officer Sean Roberts

On December 9, 2016, while off-duty Officer Roberts observed an individual that matched the description of a suspect wanted in a series of car burglaries. He notified dispatch and responding officers stopped the suspect on Route 522. The suspect’s clothing and items found on him were linked to the crimes. Officer Roberts alert observations and initiative stopped a one man car burglary spree.

Community Service Award - Sergeant Michael Kuchma, Sergeant Kenneth Herman, Officer John Niper, Officer Dominick Delucia, Officer Gagan Chopra, Officer William Merkler, Officer Bryan Garrison, Officer William Bonura, Officer Aaron Parks

In August of 2016, these officers took a report of a stolen bicycle from a juvenile in Monmouth Junction. The officers learned that one of the juvenile’s family members was in the hospital and there was little means to replace the bike. The officers decided to pool their own money and partnered with Target to get the juvenile a new bike.

Letter of Commendation, Officer Brady Shelcusky

As a member of the department’s crime scene evidence technician program, Officer Shelcusky was assigned to process a burglary to the Monmouth Walk Clubhouse on June 4, 2015. The suspects had broken in and did over $15,000 in damage to the building. Officer Shelcusky’s detailed crime scene processing led to the recovery of several latent fingerprints and physical evidence. In March of 2016 the New Jersey State Police lab linked evidence recovered to a suspect who was later arrested.

Letter of Commendation Sergeant Kenneth Herman, Officer Dominick Delucia, Officer William Bonura Jr., Officer Bryan Garrison

On July 23, 2016 officers were sent to a building where a male was threatening to jump off the roof. The team of officers worked to negotiate with the suicidal male to come down without injury to himself or others. After convincing the man to come down officers were able to have him transported to an area hospital for evaluation.