Clarkstown Honors Crime Fighters, Life Savers

The Clarkstown Police Department honored about three dozen of its officers Sunday morning as part of the department's 16^th annual recognition ceremony.

About 120 people, mostly family and friends turned out for the ceremony in front police headquarters on Maple Avenue.

Chief Peter Noonan said he is proud of his department and the work its members do.

"They do an excellent job every day," he said. "(The awards) show the public what we see every day – their dedication and commitment to the community."

 The awards ranged from numerous life-saving events performed by the officers to examples of exemplary police work in apprehending criminals. A handful of awards were given for meritorious service, which is an action deemed to be outstanding, shows exceptional initiative or unusual dedication that "brings public or professional acclaim to themselves and/or the department."

Two civilians also were honored for their role in the arrest of a man who allegedly sexually abused a 7-year-old girl in a bathroom at the Palisades Center mall in West Nyack.

The top award, officer of the year, was bestowed upon Brian Quinn for his various accomplishments with the department, including volunteering to work at the mall, which is known for its heavy workload because of all of the white collar crimes that occur there. He also volunteered to work on the department's accident investigation team, as a field training officer and as a fill-in for the 911 dispatch unit when needed. 

Quinn, who joined the department in 2002, said he was surprised by the honor.

"It's a prestigious award; it means a lot," he said.

 He said his colleagues told him the award was well-deserved and he said the department works well as a team.

 "Everybody here is willing to help out and is dedicated to the community to make it better," he said.

 Quinn now has family bragging rights after winning the award. Both his father, Charles, and uncle, James, are detectives with the department.

 "I hope I've made them proud," he said.

Sgt. Harry Baumann, who coordinated the ceremony, said events like these are important because not everything the department does gets out to the community.

 "It's good to see police officers honored," he said. "We get a bad reputation on the blogs, but they (the officers) do a good job every day and keep the town safe."

The department also gave away scholarships to 14 area students.

It also honored local physician Dr. Richard King, whose father was a member of the department, for his work in helping the department for free, as well as the Hudson Valley Chapter of the Nam Knights of America for their service to the department.

The following are the awards handed out during Sunday's 16th annual Clarkstown Police Department recognition ceremony:

      UNIT CITATION

      The Unit Citation shall be awarded to a unit within the department that best exemplifies devotion to duty, and brings acclaim to the unit and the department.

      Detective Bureau

      Lt. Charles Delo

      Detective Sgt. Bernard Cummings

      Detective Sgt. James Quinn

      Detective Charles Quinn

      Detective Juan Rocha

      Detective Frank Romano

      Detective Michael Novotny

      Detective Lorraine McGrath

      Detective Thomas Sheehy

      Detective William Fritz

      Detective Robert Galyon

      Detective Robert Hoeneveld

      Detective Robert Shine

      Detective Stephen Cole-Hatchard

      Detective Daniel Alvarado

      Detective Earl Lorence

      The detective bureau is tasked with investigating all major crimes in the Town of Clarkstown. Although not on the front lines like patrol, the bureau does play an integral part in keeping our community safe. After a major crime the bureau is tasked with putting the pieces together and developing, not only probable cause for an arrest, but a case beyond a reasonable doubt.

      A detective's life is much different from that of a patrol officer. He or she can't leave the events of the day at work. Each case stays with those detectives until the investigation is complete, and hopefully the suspect is behind bars. Even then he or she must make sure the investigation is solid enough to ensure conviction.

      The men and women in the Clarkstown detective bureau are both highly dedicated and selfless in their pursuit of this goal. Always working as a team, everyone contributes and helps each other to ensure success in their investigations. Their goal and motivation is bringing a sense of justice and closure for the victims of these crimes.

      EDUCATIONAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

      Police Officer George Mendez

      Officer Mendez is receiving this award for attaining a bachelor of arts degree in forensic psychology from John Jay College of Criminal Justice.

      LIFE SAVING MEDAL

      The Life Saving Medal shall be awarded to any member of this department who, in the line of duty, performs an act, which directly results in the saving of a life.

      Police Officer Sean Suarez

      Police Officer Brian Callanan

      On May 31, 2009 Officers Suarez and Callanan were dispatched to a medical emergency in New City where a 45 year old female was not breathing and in cardiac arrest. The officers immediately administered oxygen and began CPR and continued this until the ambulance and paramedics arrived. The paramedics reported the victim had regained a pulse and was breathing at which time she was stabilized and brought to Nyack Hospital ER where she was admitted.

      Officers Suarez and Callanan quick actions are directly responsible for saving the victim's life.

      LIFE SAVING MEDAL

      Police Officer Charles Owens

      Police Officer William Sherwood

      On Jan. 1, 2010 officers Owens & Sherwood responded to a medical emergency where they discovered a 65 year old female not breathing. Upon arrival they immediately began CPR, administered rescue breathing, and initiated the use of the AED diffibulator. The officers continued to perform life saving aid to the victim until paramedics and ambulance crews arrived. The victim was rushed to Nyack ER where treating personnel were able to stabilize the victim who, regained full consciousness two days later.

      The quick actions of the officers are directly responsible for saving the victim's life.

      LIFE SAVING MEDAL

      Police Officer Joseph Donnary

      Police Officer Alice Laschet

      On Sept. 25, 2009 Officers Donnary and Laschet were dispatched to a medical emergency where they discovered a 73 year old male no breathing and in cardiac arrest. When they arrived they immediately began CPR and administered rescue breathing. The officers continued to perform life saving aid to the victim until paramedics and the ambulance crew arrived. The victim was rushed to the Nyack hospital emergency room, where treating personnel indicated the he had regained a pulse, was breathing and had been stabilized.

      The quick actions of the officers are directly responsible for saving the victim's life.

LIFE SAVING MEDAL

Police Officer Nicholas Veltri

Police Officer Thomas Ronan

On March 21, 2010 Officers Veltri and Ronan were dispatched to a medical emergency where they discovered an 84 year old female not breathing and in cardiac arrest. The officers immediately began CPR, and administered rescue breathing. They continued to perform life saving aid until Officer Veltri, a trained paramedic determined that the victim had regained a pulse and resumed breathing. Paramedics and the ambulance arrived and transported her to Nyack ER.

The quick actions of the officers are directly responsible for saving the victim's life.

LIFE SAVING MEDAL

Police Officer John Hanchar

Mr. Christopher Clark- Civilian Award

On Jan. 8, 2010 Officer Hanchar was dispatched to the Palisades Center mall on a report of a male being struck on the head by a heavy box. Upon arrival he found a 78 year old male on the floor in cardiac arrest and in a large pool blood which was caused by him striking the floor with his head. Officer Hanchar immediately administered CPR and rescue breathing. A bystander Mr. Clarke immediately assisted the Officer by attending to the victim's wounds. The paramedics and ambulance responded and transported the victim the Nyack hospital emergency room where he was stabilized.

Officer Hancar and Mr. Clarke's quick action were directly responsible for saving the victim's life.

EXCELLENT POLICE SERVICE

The Excellent Police Service award shall be awarded to any member of the department who, in the line of duty, performs an act, which brings acclaim to themselves and/or the department.

Police Officer Joseph Knarich

On October 7, 2009 Officer Knarich and his K9 partner Oz where dispatched to assist the Spring Valley Police Department in tracking 2 suspects who fled the scene of an armed robbery. Oz was able to pick up the scent of one of the suspects. They then tracked him through three yards and over four fences to a basement on Bethune Blvd. Officer Knarich instructed the suspect to surrender or OZ would be released. The suspect immediately  surrendered.

Officer Knarick and Oz's tracking and apprehension of one of the robbery suspects led directly to the arrest of the second suspect in a nearby residence. The arrest recovered a supply of firearms that were bound for sale on the street.

EXCELLENT POLICE SERVICE

Police Officer Kevin Ryan

Police Officer Keith Teneyck

Police Officer Patrick Kivlehan

Police Officer David Trois

On Oct. 23, 2009The Clarkstown Police Anti-Crime Unit consisting of Officers Ryan, Teneyck, Kivlehan and Trois were investigating illegal drug trafficking. They stopped a vehicle with a suspected drug dealer who was in possession of illegal prescription medicine. Through the arrest they were able to identify the suspect's drug supplier. Upon receiving this information the officers conducted an extensive investigation and the supplier was identified and arrested. The suspect is also cooperating in the investigation of a doctor who may be involved in Medicaid fraud.

These officers showed exceptional initiative in developing the information that led to the success of the investigation.

EXCELLENT POLICE SERVICE

Police Officer Kevin Ryan

Police Officer Keith Teneyck

Police Officer Patrick Kivlehan

Police Officer David Trois

On Nov. 23, 2009 The Clarkstown Police Department received information from the US Postal Service that there were three large boxes scheduled to be delivered to a vacant residence on Heritage Drive, New City. Based on the sources of the boxes it was believed that they contained marihuana. In coordination with the US Postal Service, a surveillance was maintained over a period of time. Eventually two suspects approached and picked up the boxes, with a third acting as lookout. When the officers approached the suspects, they attempted to flee but were pursued and apprehended.

The quick actions of these officers resulted in taking several major drugs dealers off the street.

EXCELLENT POLICE SERVICE

Police Officer Thomas Holstine

On Sept. 13, 2009 while on routine patrol Officer Holstine observed a vehicle on Saw Mill Rd, New City occupied by two males. He also observed a third male exiting from a wooded area adjacent to the vehicle. Officer Holstine was very aware of past burglaries occurring in this area. With that in mind he stopped the vehicle and observed suspicious items in the vehicle. He conducted an investigation and it was determined that the occupants of the vehicle had in their possession items that were taken from a residence that had been burglarized.

Due to Officer Holstine's keen observation and investigation the suspects were arrested for this burglary and they were implicated in a couple others within the town over the past month.

EXCELLENT POLICE SERVICE

Detective Robert Shine

Detective Daniel Alvarado

Police Officer Daniel Burke

Police Officer Orlando Cruz

On Feb. 19, 2010 dispatch received a 911 call from a homeowner on Foxcroft Drive, Nanuet, reporting a home invasion by three males who fled the scene. Officers immediately secured the scene and begin to canvass the area. Officer Burke observed a taxi leaving the area which appeared to be suspicious. He stopped the vehicle due to the investigation conducted by these officers; they were able to identify the three burglary suspects and recovered the stolen merchandise.

Through the hard work, dedication and persistence of these officers and detectives, they were able to apprehend and indict the three burglary defendants.

EXCELLENT POLICE SERVICE

Police Officer John Hanchar

On March 21, 2010 Officer Hanchar was dispatched to a past burglary on Strawtown Road, West Nyack, and immediately conducted an investigation. He canvassed the area and developed several witnesses. He also located an auto repair shop that appeared to have video surveillance cameras. He had the owner respond and they reviewed the video which resulted in identifying one of the suspects who possibly lived in Nyack. Officer Hanchar then contacted Orangetown police and one of their detectives reviewed the video and they were able to identify all three suspects.

The information Officer Hanchar developed in this case will hopefully lead to the arrest of other potential burglary suspects.

EXCELLENT POLICE SERVICE

Detective John Fredericks

Detective Robert McDonald

On Jan. 14, 2010 Detective Fredrick and McDonald were detailed to follow up on a complaint of sexual abuse of an 11-year-old female in Central Nyack. The abuse occurred in December 2009 and came to light when a video was found inadvertently on a camera being used to take pictures at a church in Nyack. The only identification of the suspect was a birthmark on his hand. The Detectives conducted an extensive investigation and were able to identify the suspect and make an arrest for first-degree sexual abuse.

The determination and training of these detectives were evident during this case and as a result they were able to arrest a sexual predator.

EXCELLENT POLICE SERVICE

Police Officer Mitchell Schroeder

Police Officer William Sherwood

On Feb. 12, 2010 dispatch received a call that there were three individual stealing copper piping from a residence in Hyenga Lake. Upon the officers arrival they observed that the piping that was taken was from an active natural gas line. They immediately evacuated the area of other residents and while doing this they continued their investigation of the theft. Due to the thorough investigation by these officers, they were able to apprehend three suspects who subsequently were identified as the individuals who had stolen the pipe.

The officer's quick action prevented a situation that could have turned deadly and also the quick apprehension of the thieves.

EXCELLENT POLICE SERVICE

Police Officer Thomas Flanagan

Police Officer Ryan Davan

On Feb. 20, 2010 dispatch received a report of two females passing possible counterfeit $100 bills in the American Eagle store at the Palisades Center mall. The females had already left the scene and a description was broadcasted over the police radio. Officers Flanagan and Davan immediately responded and through their alert observation were able to apprehend one female in the store and another in the near vicinity of the store. Through an extensive investigation it was determined that the two females had passed these counterfeit bills in at least 21 different stores.

Due to the officer's quick response they were able to apprehend the two individuals who had passed a number of counterfeit bills and in doing so they had saved numerous stores the loss of several thousand dollars.

EXCELLENT POLICE SERVICE

Sgt. Gerald O'Connor

Police Officer Robert Fortune

Police Officer Timothy Hodges

Police Officer Joseph Caivano

Police Officer Michael Ruskowski

On March 15, 2010 dispatch received a call that there was a male at a residential address in Congers that was threatening suicide. Upon their arrival, they questioned the suspect and complainant separately. Through their investigation and quick action the suspect was transported to the hospital. They were able to obtain a signed consent form to search the residence and vehicles and due to the search, handguns, illegal prescription drugs and over $12,000 in cash were seized.

The officer's quick action and thorough search prevented a possible suicide and also resulted in recovering illegal guns, drugs and possible illegal cash.

EXCELLENT POLICE SERVICE

Police Officer Robert Reilly

Police Officer John Mullins

Police Officer Jay Vejnoska

On Jan. 4, 2010 Officer Reilly, Mullins, and Vejnoska responded to a medical emergency involving a female in labor. When the Officer's arrived they found a female nine month pregnant and in active labor. The Officer's assisted the female in giving birth, ensuring the baby's airway was clear and providing immediate medical care. They kept a watchful eye on the baby and mother until the arrival of the paramedics and ambulance.  Mother and baby were both taken in good condition to the hospital because of the Officer's quick response and medical help on delivering the baby.

EXCELLENT POLICE SERVICE

Police Officer Dawn Fantini

On July 13, 2009 Officer Fantini observed a vehicle whose occupant was wanted for a past menacing with a gun incident two days prior. The vehicle was parked and after a period of time of observation Officer Fantini observed a male enter the vehicle that fit the description of the suspect. She made a car stop and recovered a starter pistol that was used in the prior menacing.

Officer Fantini's keen observation and recall were instrumental in the arrest of the suspect.

EXCELLENT POLICE SERVICE

Sgt. Brian Gorsky

Detective John Fredericks

On Oct. 22, 2009 the Clarkstown Police received a call from a New City resident stating that her daughter had been on the internet with a individual who stated he was on the beach in Florida contemplating suicide. The only information she had was his name and cell phone number. Desk Sergeant Gorsky researched the subject's cell phone number through MySpace and determined he came from Oregon and was traveling to the East Coast and that he received a ride to Florida from Colorado.  Detective Fredericks contacted the subject and it was determined he was in West Palm Beach, Florida. Through the conversation he was able to determine where the subject was in West Palm Beach and he contacted the local police department who were able to take the subject into custody. Through Sergeant Gorsky's expert knowledge of the computer and Detective Fredericks who is a experienced hostage negotiator, they ended this situation in a timely fashion (approximately one hour) This ended a situation that could have had a fatal outcome.

MERITORIOUS POLICE SERVICE SECOND AWARD

The Meritorious Police Service Second award shall be awarded to any member of the department who, in the line of duty, performs an outstanding act, which demonstrates exceptional initiative or unusual dedication and brings public or professional acclaim to themselves and/or the department.

Police Officer Kevin Ryan

Police Officer Keith Teneyck

Police Officer Patrick Kivlehan

Police Officer David Trois

Police Officer Tara Purcell

Based on a complaint of considerable drug dealing in Congers, Officer Purcell was detailed to interview the complainant and she completed a detailed report relative to these drug incidents. The police departments Anti-Crime Unit consisting of Officer Ryan, Teneyck, Kivlehan, and Trois were then detailed to conduct surveillance on the residence. After a period of time, a search warrant was obtained and executed on the residence which resulted in two subjects being arrested. Due to the execution of the warrant drugs, drug paraphernalia, prescription drugs, and a considerable amount of cash were seized.

This arrest removed a significant supplier of marihuana from a residential neighborhood.

MERITORIOUS POLICE SERVICE FIRST AWARD

The Meritorious Police Service First Award shall be awarded to any member of this department who, in the line of duty, performs an outstanding act, which demonstrates exceptional initiative or unusual dedication and brings public or professional acclaim to themselves and/or the department.

Police Officer Gordon Miller

Police Officer Daniel Burke

On March 5, 2010 at about 4:10 a.m., dispatch received a cell 911 call of a car fire on Loren Court, New City. Officer Miller and Burke responded and advised that the car was fully engulfed in flames. As the Officers approached the vehicle they observed it was occupied by an unresponsive male in the driver's seat. Without regard for their own safety, the officers entered the vehicle and carried the driver to safety. They then returned to the vehicle and through the flames and heavy smoke searched for any other occupants.

Through these officers' quick action they were able extract the individual who surely would have perished in the fire.

MERITORIOUS POLICE SERVICE FIRST AWARD

Police Officer Ryan Davan

Police Officer Tara Purcell

On Dec. 21, 2009 at about 4 p.m., a Clarkstown Police Detective sergeant was questioning a suspect involving a credit card fraud case at a business in Congers. When the Sergeant attempted to place the suspect under arrest, the suspect resisted and fled the scene in his private vehicle. A description was immediately broadcasted over the police radio and both officers positioned their vehicles at strategic locations. After a short period of time, the suspect's vehicle was spotted and both officers pursued the vehicle. Both officers made every reasonable effort, at the expense of their own safety, to ensure the protection of pedestrians and other vehicles. Approximately 4 miles from the suspects starting point, the officers tactically stopped the vehicle and arrested the subject without further incident.

The officer's quick action resulted in the arrest of a dangerous suspect without any injuries.

CIVILIAN AWARD

Ms. Mary Novotny

Ms. Jeanne Lawler

On Jan. 1, 2010, a 7-year-old girl was sexually abused in a ladies room of the movie theater at the Palisades Center mall. The case received extensive media coverage throughout the New York metropolitan area.

A week later, detectives with the Clarkstown Police Department received a call from Ms. Lawler and Ms. Novotny stating that they were engaged in a conversation about the case. The discussion evolved to a recent case in New Jersey where a Hispanic male was arrested for attempting to lure a 10-year-old girl into his car in a town in New Jersey. They both agreed the description of the male in both cases were very similar.

With this information the Clarkstown detectives and the Berkley Heights Police conducted a joint investigation that led to the arrest of Elio Pintado for the Jan. 1 incident at the Palisades Center Mall.

Without Ms. Lawler and Novotny's information, Mr. Pintado might not have been arrested.

2009 CLARKSTOWN POLICE OFFICER OF THE YEAR

Police Officer Brian Quinn

Officer Quinn has been a member of the Clarkstown Police Department since 2002. He came to us from the Walkill Police Department in Orange County where he served as a Sergeant. Currently he is assigned to the patrol division and throughout this time he had an unblemished record. In 2010, Officer Quinn volunteered to work the Palisades Center mall detail when the department was in need of filling this position. The workload of this assignment can be quite busy with the volume of arrests that can be attributed to white collar crime that occurs there.

Officer Quinn has an extremely positive attitude and performs his duties with minimal supervision. He is conscientious and his performance has always been rated above average by his superiors.

In addition he has volunteered to be a member of the department's Accident Investigation Team, Honor Guard Motorcycle Division and a Field Training Officer. He also fills in as a police department 911 dispatcher when needed.

While police work is almost always a team effort, Officer Quinn's work over the past year has earned him the recognition as Officer of the Year. This recognition is a great credit upon himself, his family, the Clarkstown Police Department and the Town of Clarkstown .