East Hampton Hero Cops Recognized for Outstanding Performances

EAST HAMPTON, NY - Thanks to the heroic efforts of 20 East Hampton Town police officers, seven lives were saved last year and scores of cases handled.

Last night, East Hampton Town Police Chief Michael Sarlo presented department award commendations to the 20 officers for outstanding performance during the 2015 calendar year.

“We are extremely proud of the accomplishments of our awardees this year. Given all of the attention being paid to Montauk and the quality of life issues, it’s important to recognize how much excellent police work is being done, and the level of professionalism and service our officers provide to the entire community. We are busier than ever, and taking time to acknowledge these acts and efforts, and realize how much our ongoing training pays off is essential. We thank these officers for their continued dedication,” Sarlo said.

The list of courageous acts is long — two CPR saves, two overdose victims saved by Narcan, a suicidal subject pulled from a vehicle filling with carbon monoxide, a subject, who was rescued after being mauled by two dogs, and an off duty sergeant helping a choking victim.

In addition, accomplishments included handling numerous felony narcotics cases, burglary investigations resulting in illegal handguns being taken off the streets, leading the department in calls for service, overseeing the implementation and training for the in car video system, Sarlo said. And those “are just some of the excellent and dedicated service for which the officers of the EHTPD were honored,” he said. “Our department’s commitment to training, focus on professionalism, and dedication to serving the community are on full display with the excellence exhibited by these fine officers.”

The following officers were honored with Awards for their outstanding and dedicated service to the Town of East Hampton and the Department for the year 2015:

Police Officer of the Year: Police Officer Luke McNamara

Department Recognition Award: Police Officers McNamara, Joseph Izzo, Katie Izzo, Frank Sokolowski, Lisa Weitz, Arthur Scalzo, Brett Herlihy, Nathan Osborn and Raymond Rau, and Police Sergeant Barry Johnson

Excellent Police Service Award: Police officers Brett Herlihy, Michael Coleman, and Luke McNamara and Detectives Ryan Hogan, Daniel Toia and John Anderson, Jr.

Meritorious Police Service Award: Lieutenant Robert Gurney and Public Safety Dispatcher Stephen Blanchard

Chief’s Recognition Award: Police officers Luke McNamara, Michael Rodriguez and Vincent Rantinella

DWI Award: Police officers Vincent Rantinella and Luke McNamara

Professionalization Award: Police officer Jessie Stavola

Field Training Officer Award: Police officer Ryan Balnis