Westwood Officials Honor Community Members

The Westwood mayor and council recognized community members for their service to the borough during the council meeting Tuesday night.

Two police officers were the first to receive recognition from the governing body. Officer Christopher Horst was honored for his actions during the in Washington Township. According to the proclamation, Horst was dispatched to the scene to assist officers. He stood behind a Hillsdale officer who engaged with the actor prepared to provide cover fire if necessary.

"Officer Horst, with less than three years on the job, displayed great restraint, excellent judgement and outstanding bravery in the midst of a highly dangerous, stressful and fast-paced situation," read the proclamation.

Officer Scott McNiff also received recognition for his work on the job. while at a party in Westwood April 16.

The proclamation for him read, in part, that he used "not only his training and experience, but an inner strength and determination to remain calm and focused in the face of a potentially tragic situation."

Two new auxilliary police officers, Elena Pietrocco and Michael Gil, were also sworn in Tuesday.

Government officials recognized the fifth grade girls championship basketball team for their accomplishments, handing out certificates to each player and coach.

Then the focus turned to the 2011 Community Service Awards. Mayor John Birkner Jr. explained that the yearly May presentation is an honor.

"It is with great pleasure that we bring this to you each May," Birkner said. "We recognize individuals in our community that go above and beyond to serve their organizations in a way that truly makes Westwood what Westwood is. They are the heart and soul."

Below are the Community Service Award recipients with their respective organizations:

• Jim Gines, Westwood Heritage Society chairman
• Steven Dritschel, Westwood Flag Football coach
• Victoria Quigley, Brookside PTO vice president
• Susan Swietkowski, Westwood Regional Middle School PSO president
• David Stewart, St. Thomas More Knights of Columbus
• Audrey Lydon, Friends of the Westwood Library secretary and president
• Cheryl Grob, Westwood Cheerleading coach
• Mike Fitzsimmons, Westwood Chamber of Commerce president
• Anthony Catalano, Boy Scout Troop 350