Toms River Officers Honored For Valor, Saving Lives

TOMS RIVER, NJ — Toms River police officers were honored for their valor and for saving lives during a recent Toms River Township Council meeting.

The police department awards are yearly honors, and were for actions by the officers in 2021 that displayed bravery and quick thinking.

The following officers were honored:

Detective Anthony Berke received the Valor Award for displaying extraordinary courage in an extremely hazardous situation.

Berke, while assigned to the DEA, initiated an investigation into a Mexican-based drug trafficking organization that was responsible for the importation and distribution of large quantities of fentanyl and heroin throughout the United States.

On March 24, 2021, Berke, the team leader, was able to negotiate the purchase of a kilogram of fentanyl. Team members subsequently observed the suspect vehicle and were able to confirm the presence of a large quantity of narcotics. Berke gave the command to move in and make the arrest but as members of the DEA approached the vehicle and identified themselves, the suspect quickly put the vehicle in reverse. The vehicle raced toward them at a high rate of speed as the suspect attempted to flee and hit Berke, who fired at the suspect multiple times, stopping the threat.

The target of the investigation and his accomplice were ultimately arrested and charged with multiple federal drug trafficking offenses, Toms River police said.

"Detective Berke is to commended for his display of courage, resiliency and bravery, during the course of this extremely hazardous and dangerous situation," officials said.

Officer Eric Scamporino received the Life-Saving Award. On Dec. 12, Scamporino responded to the Shop Rite on Fischer Boulevard for a first aid call and found a store employee with a severe cut to his forearm. The man was stocking shelves in the cleaning product aisle and was cutting boxes. The box slipped and he sliced his forearm with a box cutter.

Scamporino replaced the belt tourniquet applied by other employees with his department-issued tourniquet to stop the bleeding.

Officer Dominick Pollio received the Life-Saving Award. On July 19, Pollio responded to Cayman Avenue for a first aid call and found the homeowner with a severe cut to his lower leg caused by a sawzall. The man had cut an artery in his leg. Pollio was able to apply a tourniquet to stop the bleeding. The victim later said he believed he would have bled out if it was not for Pollio’s actions.

Officer Rebecca Sayegh received the Class B Award, for displaying a high degree of initiative, professionalism, job proficiency and/or ability. On Jan. 28, 2021, Sayegh responded to Loxley Drive about a possible structure fire and found the home was fully involved. Sayegh, who was the first to arrive, learned the homeowner was unaccounted for and likely still inside. She went to the front door and entered the house and found the homeowner and her pets. Sayegh was able to escort the woman and her pets across the street to safety. "Officer Sayegh is commended for her swift action, bravery, and lifesaving actions," officials said.

Officer Bridgette Badalis received the Life-Saving Award. On June 16, 2021, Badalis responded to a serious crash at Route 70 and Whitesville Road. A motorcyclist had his leg amputated in the crash, directly above the knee. A good Samaritan had placed a belt on the leg to slow down the bleeding. Badalis added her department-issued tourniquet to the victim's leg, but when she saw the wound was still bleeding, she added another tourniquet, which fully stopped the bleeding.

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