Theft Probe In West Orange Leads To Act Of Kindness From Police

WEST ORANGE, NJ — It wasn’t about a bicycle. It was about fixing the broken heart of a 12-year-old.

A group of West Orange police officers recently pitched in to make a big difference for a local youth after his bicycle was stolen.

Joe Fagan, a public information officer with the township, wrote about the incident on Wednesday:

“West Orange police officers are tasked with keeping our community safe. Preventing crime, enforcing the law, and apprehending criminals are part of their daily routine. A recent strong-arm robbery involving a 12-year old’s bicycle involved more than just a criminal investigation.”

Fagan continued:

“Police officers were called to the scene on June 15 at about 8 p.m., where a West Orange youth had been assaulted. His bicycle was taken by two suspects described as an unknown male and female. After the robbery they fled the scene and police officers had little to go on. Patrols began canvasing the High Street neighborhood and an investigation began but has so far proved unsuccessful. Sgt. Palmere, one of the investigating officers, realized that the suspects might never be caught. He couldn’t initiate a quick resolution to the theft but knew there was a bigger issue he could effectively resolve. The youth was uninjured in the assault but experienced the trauma of having his bicycle taken from under him.”

Here's what happened next, Fagan wrote:

“Palmere instinctively took off his policeman’s hat and put on his decent human being’s hat. Police officers, after all, understand the effects of crime better than anyone. Under their uniforms they are just regular men and woman with feelings too. Palmere stepped forward on his own initiative and asked other officers if they would like to contribute to purchase the juvenile a new bicycle, helmet and bike lock. One by one, fellow officers came forward: Sgt. Jiroux, Officers Verduga, Mauriello, Chrobocinski, Vanderhoof, McClellan, Mango, Grande, Manzella, Orejuela, Herskovits. Det. Funk, Det. Dominguez, and Lt. Barbella all acted without hesitation. Others might have contributed too, but were likely unaware of the situation.”

Fagan concluded:

“Officers realized this wasn’t at all about a bicycle. It was all about sincere kindness and fixing the broken heart of a 12-year-old. They had the collective power to make it right and they ceased the opportunity. A funding initiative that went beyond the call of duty. The contagious generosity deeply imbedded within the ranks of the West Orange Police Department showed why they are considered ‘our finest’ and saved the day.”

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