Police Officer, Firefighter Honored By Bensalem Rotary

BENSALEM TOWNSHIP, PA —The Bensalem Rotary Club has recognized a township police officer and firefighter for their service over the past year and a Civilian of the Year for the first time.

The Rotary Club held its annual event on Jan. 25, honoring Lt. Mike Schum of the Bensalem Police Department, Lt. Nick Altomare of Bensalem Fire Rescue, and Tracey Buechner as its first civilian award recipient.

"These honorees have shown tremendous courage, dedication, and excellence in their respective roles," the club said. "We are proud to recognize their contributions to our community and grateful for their continued service."

The ceremony was attended by Mayor Joseph DiGirolamo and Public Safety Director William McVey.

Schum heads the police department's K-9 unit, coordinates internal affairs, and oversees the police budget, and civil staff, McVey said.

"He has a large footprint in the community," McVey said of the officer, who has served 17 years on the police force and is in his second year as a lieutenant.

Schum is involved in the Building a Better Bensalem organization and the Bensalem Lions Club annual basket drive.

Altomare, a volunteer with the Nottingham Fire Department, sustained injuries after falling off a roof while battling a blaze at a Bridgewater Road industrial building in December 2022. He received a hero's welcome after he was released from the hospital and returned home.

"He's battled back," McVey said.

McVey said that Buechner does a lot of the work behind the scenes for the township's Police Athletic League program, which is the only one in Bucks County. She is a secretary for the police department's criminal divisions commission.

Rotary treasurer Marc Cohen said that this was the third year the club honored a firefighter and that the organization has recognized a police officer yearly for about two decades.

He said the club is considering honoring an emergency services member in the future.

"It's a very important honor," Cohen said. "These people are so important to our community."

Cohen said that commanders in the township's fire and police departments come up with several candidates before votes are taken to choose one each.

The Rotary Club also thanked 1675 Spirits and A & G Pizzeria Locale for their hospitality and support.