Lansdale, Montgomery Twp Officers Given Special Commendation From District Attorney

NORRISTOWN, PA -- Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin R. Steele honored 29 law enforcement officers and civilians with commendations at the Montgomery County Courthouse recently for their exemplary work in protecting and serving the residents of Montgomery County, the DA's office announced.

The ceremony took place on May 12 at noon.

The members of law enforcement and civilians who received commendations, and a brief description of their service, are listed below.

Law Enforcement Commendations:

• Detective Richard Beaghley, Abington Township Police Department

For dedication in protecting children from Internet sexual predators, leading to the arrest of 36 individuals in the last three years. Detective Michael Henricks, East Norriton Township Police Department For the investigation and successful prosecution in federal court of longtime child sexual predator Kurt Krumpholz in January 201.

• Officer Warren M. Young, Lower Merion Township Police Department

For rescuing an injured man trapped in a vehicle following an accident on Oct. 27, 2015, at Liberty Gas Station in Lower Merion.

• Officer James McCue, Lower Pottsgrove Township Police Department

Was intentionally struck by a car driven by Dennis Lee Neulin on April 16, 2015, after what began as a routine traffic stop for erratic driving.

• Probation Officer Jennifer Hall, Montgomery County Adult Probation
• Probation Officer Michael Poust, Montgomery County Adult Probation

• Officer Timothy Roeder, West Pottsgrove Township Police Department

For quick thinking during a probation visit that led to the defendant giving up crucial evidence in the murder of Lori Marie Sheridan on Dec. 1, 2015.

• Sergeant Mark A. Stead, Lower Providence Township Police Department

Overall commendation for great work throughout his career.

• Officer Daniel Rose, Montgomery Township Police Department

For rescuing a female victim with a gunshot wound to the head from her apartment at Karen’s Court on April 30, 2015.

• Detective Brooke Fisher, Pottstown Borough Police Department
• Detective Mark Wickersham, Pottstown Borough Police Department

For the long-term investigation that connected two Pottstown shootings in November 2014 with an obliterated serial number handgun and Skyler Vollmuth.

• Officer Tobias Fisher, Upper Merion Township Police Department
• Officer Glenn Muntzer, Upper Merion Township Police Department

For resuscitating an electrocuted construction worker using an alternate CPR technique on April 13, 2015, at The Court at King of Prussia site.

• Detective Sergeant Raymond D. Bechtel, III, Upper Providence Township Police Department

For investigating two predators who were using the Internet to lure and sexually assault children.

Sergeant Dean A. Miller, Lansdale Borough Police Department Officer Joel Greco, Lansdale Borough Police Department Officer James Hanrahan, Towamencin Township Police Department Officer Michael Seider, Towamencin Township Police Department

• Sergeant Stephen T. Gillen, Upper Gwynedd Township Police Department

For the successful resolution of a hostage situation on July 23, 2015, involving Andrew Cooper, who took his parents hostage in a plan to harm them and police.

• Officer Richard Hough, Philadelphia Police Department—25th District
• Officer William Lynch, Philadelphia Police Department—25th District

For a traffic stop that resulted in arrests of Khaleef Jones and Daquan Hamilton for the Dec. 27, 2013, shooting of Steven Burns and the murder of George Hashimbey in Pottstown.

• Officer James Burke, Philadelphia Police Department—26th District

• Officer Matthew McCarthy, Philadelphia Police Department—26th District

For locating and arresting wanted suspect Richard Collins for the March 20, 2015, murder of Artie Bradley in Pottstown.

• Chief Michael Beaty, Whitemarsh Township Police Department

For 30 years of service and leadership to the law enforcement community and the citizens of Whitemarsh Township.

• Lieutenant Francis X. Wheatley, Whitemarsh Township Police Department

For admirably serving the citizens of Whitemarsh Township during his 30-year career.

Civilian Commendations:

• Marissa Wadsworth

For dedication to the NOPE Program and sharing the story of her son T.J.’s overdose death in the hopes of preventing it from happening to other families.

• Stacy Sweinhart, Laurel House Domestic Abuse Response Team
• Ashley Thompson, Laurel House Domestic Abuse Response Team
• Tara Willis, Laurel House Domestic Abuse Response Team

For supporting victims of violence and for working to end domestic violence in our community