Life-Saving Acts Draw Commendations For Toms River Police

TOMS RIVER, NJ — The Toms River Police Department honored several of its officers recently for actions that saved the lives of people in emergency situations earlier this year.

The police department provided the following descriptions of the situations and the actions by the officers who were honored:

Officer Kevin Oliver — Life-Saving Award

On March 20, Officer Kevin Oliver and others responded to a structure fire on Mount Everest Lane in the Holiday City community. First, Oliver and Officer John Carolan rescued a man from the home at the front door, and Officer Brendan Hirtes performed CPR on him. Then Silverton Fire Company firefighters entered the burning home and rescued the woman as well, and Oliver performed CPR on her. Both residents were flown out and treated at St. Barnabas Burn Center. The woman survived but the man succumbed to his injuries.

"All officers involved should be commended for their bravery, quick actions, and life-saving measures," Police Chief Mitchell Little said.

Sgt. Vincent Pedalino, Cpl. Greig Errion, and Officer Kris Kowalczyk — Class C Award: For performing an outstanding service to the community and fellow man.

On March 10, police responded to Motel 6 for a report of a suicidal man. After officers attempted multiple times to reason with the man, he began slicing his throat with a box cutter, prompting police to break down the door. Cpl. Greig Errion, Officer Kris Kowalczyk, and Sgt. Vincent Pedalino went into the room, where the man was still cutting himself while running to the bathroom after less lethal options were attempted. The officers then forced their way into the bathroom and used a taser to subdue the man and take the box cutter away, then get the man the medical assistance needed to save his life.

"All officers involved are commended for their fast action, restraint, and appropriate tactical response," Little said.

Sgt. Chris McDowell, Officer Brian Appleby and Seaside Heights Police Officer Robert Wasilick — Class C Award: For performing an outstanding service to the community and fellow man.

On May 17 police responded to Bachelor Street and Route 37 where Sgt. Chris McDowell saw a man standing in the middle of the road wielding a large machete and screaming at passing vehicles. A passing off-duty Seaside Heights Police officer, Robert Wasilick, stopped to assist when he saw the man with the knife. The man began advancing toward McDowell, who moved back while drawing his firearm. McDowell, while attempting to de-escalate the situation, gave commands to shut down the road as a safety precaution, while waiting for additional officers to respond for assistance. The man eventually began walking back to a wooded area, away from the officers who had responded, but still had the machete in his hand. At one point, it appeared the machete slipped out of the man's hand, and Officer Brian Appleby made a quick decision to move in and take control of man, ending what could have become a lethal force situation.

"All officers involved are commended for their professionalism, tactics, and de-escalation skills," Little said.