Toms River Police Officers Honored For Lifesaving Deeds

TOMS RIVER, NJ — Toms River officials honored several members of the Toms River Police Department recently for their actions in 2019 that saved lives.

The in-person awards were delayed because of the coronavirus pandemic, but the officers were honored at a recent Township Council meeting.

Here are the officers who were honored and the situations where they saved lives:

Detective Louis A. Santora

Class B Award: For displaying a high degree of initiative, professionalism, job of proficiency and/or ability.
On Sept. 16, 2019, Detective Louis Santora, a trained crisis negotiator, responded to the Stanley Tunney Bridge for a man threatening to jump. Santora immediately took over as the primary contact with the suicidal man and was eventually able to convince the man to go to the hospital and get help. As a result, the man was transported to Community Medical Center for a mental health evaluation. Santora is commended for using his training and experience to convince the suicidal person to get the help he needed.

Officer Michael Foy

Life-Saving Award
On March 16, 2019, Officer Michael Foy responded to a call with a 4-month-old child not breathing. Upon arrival at the residence, Foy rendered critical basic life support in the form of cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Lifesaving efforts were continued until the infant was transported to Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus in Lakewood for further treatment. Foy is commended for his immediate response, and for using his training and experience to give the infant the best chance for survival.

Officer John R. Marsicano

Class C Award: For performing an outstanding service to the community and fellow man.
On June 30, 2019, Officer John Marsicano responded to a township residence regarding a woman who just delivered a baby, and the baby was not breathing. Marsicano immediately assessed the baby’s condition, and using his training and experience, cradled the baby and administered life-saving measures. As a result, the baby began breathing on her own and was subsequently transported to Community Medical Center for further treatment. Marsicano is commended for taking immediate action and administering life-saving measures which resulted in the baby survival.

Officer Michael S. MacDonald and Officer Brian Appleby

Class B Award: For displaying a high degree of initiative, professionalism, job of proficiency and/or ability.
On Oct. 5, 2019, officers Brian Appleby and Michael MacDonald responded to the Pier 1 Motel for a man who was overdosing. Upon arrival the officers got into the motel room and found a man inside holding a knife to his throat. The two officers began talking to the man and, utilizing their training and experience, were able to get the man to peacefully comply with officers. The man was taken to Community Medical Center for a mental health evaluation. "Appleby and MacDonald should be commended for their actions during this incident which resulted in a positive outcome for the emotionally disturbed male without the use of force or injury to anyone involved," officials said.

Safety Officer Steven Schwartz

Life-Saving Award
On Dec. 6, 2019, Officer Stephen Schwartz responded to a situation where a man fell from a ladder and lost consciousness. Schwartz rendered critical basic life support, in a concerted effort, performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation and using an automated external defibrillator. He continued lifesaving efforts until the victim regained a pulse and was taken to Community Medical Center for further treatment. Schwartz is commended for his immediate response, and for using his training and experience to save the victim's life.

Officer Darrell Williams

Life-Saving Award
On Feb. 7, 2019, Officer Darrell Williams responded to an elderly man unconscious and not breathing. Upon arriving, Williams rendered critical basic life support in the form of cardiopulmonary resuscitation and the use of an automated external defibrillator. Lifesaving efforts continued until the victim regained a pulse and was then taken to Community Medical Center for further treatment. Williams is commended for his immediate response and for using his training and experience to save a person’s life.

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