Heroic Actions Earn 'Police Star' For Plumstead Officer

PLUMSTEAD TOWNSHIP, PA — A Plumstead Township police officer has been awarded 'The Police Star' for the heroic actions he took earlier this year to save the life of a suicidal teenager.

Officer Thomas Rutecki accepted the award Wednesday night from Chief David Mettin during a meeting of the board of supervisors.

The Police Star is issued to an officer who has displayed heroic actions above and beyond the call of duty under conditions less than extreme, but with substantial risk to the officer’s safety.

"In many cases, police command staff are not on-scene to witness these heroic actions," said Chief Mettin. "But in this case, Officer Rutecki activated his in-car and body-worn cameras to document the event. I have watched this event several times from Ofc. Rutecki’s recorded video and can attest to the fact that, due to his actions, a tragedy was averted, and a young life was saved."

Officer Rutecki is applauded on receiving the Police Star.

Chief Mettin with Officer Rutecki.

The incident unfolded on Jan. 2 at 12:15 a.m. when Officer Rutecki was called to assist members of the Doylestown Township Police Department search for a 15-year-old suicidal girl.

Police eventually located the girl straddling a guardrail on the Route 313 overpass bridge above the Route 611 Bypass.

"Officer Rutecki exited his patrol car and approached the female," said Chief Mettin. "Officer Rutecki remained calm and attempted to build a bond by talking about school and her school activities. He used exceptional active listening skills while under a great deal of stress."

While speaking with the girl, Chief Mettin said Officer Rutecki had the foresight to request that all traffic be stopped along the 611 Bypass.

At one point, Chief Mettin said the girl swung both legs over the guardrail, now facing the 611 Bypass below.

"Officer Rutecki continued to use his communication skills, showing empathy and remaining calm," said Chief Mettin. "As Officer Rutecki was speaking with the girl for five and a half minutes, he was able to eventually seize an opportunity to physically secure the girl and pull her from the bridge, safely ending this incident."

Officer Rutecki’s actions on January 2, 2024, are commendable, said the chief. "On this night, Officer Rutecki used his training, skills and abilities, along with his years of police experience and demonstrated heroic police work. It is an honor and privilege to have Officer Rutecki work for the
Plumstead Township Police Department."