Newtown Township Police Officers Earn Life Saving, Heroism Awards

NEWTOWN TOWNSHIP, PA - Newtown Township Police Department Chief of Police John L. Hearn recognized several of his officers recently with commendations for outstanding police work during the second half of 2022 including a Top Gun DUI award, certificates of achievement, and several officers who have reached milestones in the years of dedicated service to the

communities of Newtown and Wrightstown townships.

"As their Chief, I owe these officers a debt of gratitude for unwavering sacrifice, professionalism, and dedication to keeping us all safe," said Chief Hearn.

Commendations for Heroism

Commendations for Heroism were issued to Lieutenant JJason Harris, Detective Corporal Joseph Camp and Detective Nicholas Moffett for courageous and exceptional actions taken on July 6 in a collective effort that led to the swift de-escalation and arrest of an armed suicidal subject.

The collective effort began when officers were dispatched to a Newtown Township residence
around 3:30 p.m. for the report of an armed suicidal subject who had left the residence in a black Honda Civic. While officers were at the residence speaking to the subject’s wife and gathering information for the investigation, Lieutenant Jason Harris, Detective Corporal Joseph Camp, and Detective Nicholas Moffett were at headquarters and overheard the discharge of a firearm outside of the building. They immediately went outside to investigate and observed a black Honda Civic matching the description of the suicidal subject circling the Municipal Complex parking lot.

Leaping into their vehicles, they followed the Honda Civic as it drove out of the complex and were able to stop the subject’s vehicle in the area of Newtown Grant, remove the firearm, and apprehend the subject without incident. Their heroic actions were without regard to personal safety, effectively prevented the situation from escalating, prevented potential injury, and undoubtedly saved lives.

Commendations for Life Saving

Commendations for life saving were issued to Sgt. Bartle an Corporal Deppi for exceptional actions taken September 24 that undoubtedly saved a man’s life during a medical emergency at the Newtown Athletic Center Sports Complex.

On the evening of Sept. 24, police officers and EMS were dispatched to a medical emergency at the Newtown Athletic Center Sports Complex in Newtown Township. It was reported that a 45-year-old male had collapsed at a concert that was being held at this location.

Sergeant Bartle, Corporal Deppi, and Officer Visalli arrived and observed that the man was possibly in full cardiac arrest. He had no pulse and was not breathing. Sergeant Bartle immediately began taking critical life-saving measures and attached the police department’s AED to the patient. The AED indicated a shock was advised. A proper shock was delivered and life-sustaining efforts were resumed, with Corporal Deppi delivering rescue breathing.

Due to Sergeant Bartle’s and Corporal Deppi’s efforts and the efforts of EMS and the Newtown Fire Association members on scene, EMS personnel were able to successfully maintain the patient’s
life while he was transported to the hospital for emergency care.

Hospital medical staff soon determined that the patient had regained a pulse and a heart rhythm after arrival at the facility, and the patient was admitted to the ICU. The cardiologist later indicated that the patient’s prognosis was good and that the early administration of an AED
was paramount in the patient’s survival.

Letter of Commendation

A Letter of Commendation was issued to Officer Brent Helvig for exemplary actions on March 25 that led to an exceptional arrest.

The investigation began when Officer Helvig responded to a Northampton Township residence for the report of a burglary in progress. Northampton Township Police units were tied up and requested assistance. Dispatch advised that someone was trying to get into the residence through the backdoor.

Upon arrival, Officer Helvig observed three men dressed in dark clothing fleeing from the rear of the residence. He engaged the subjects and advised Bucks County Police Radio that he was involved in an active foot pursuit as he chased one of the males toward a black Honda Civic.

Officer Helvig attempted to apprehend one of the subjects and was assaulted before the subjects got in the car and fled the area at a high rate of speed.

Shortly thereafter, Lower Makefield Police located the vehicle, conducted a traffic stop, and arrested two subjects. Officer Helvig positively identified the subjects and their vehicle, and Northampton Township Police verified that the complainant’s backdoor/window was broken by the subjects attempting to gain entry.

As a result of Officer Helvig's quick actions during a stressful situation and his successful relay of information to dispatch, two of three suspects were apprehended.

Top Gun DUI Award

In 2022, Officer Brent Helvig received the Pennsylvania DUI Association’s 2022 DUI Top Gun Award. This award honors and recognizes officers around the Commonwealth for their
extraordinary efforts in removing impaired drivers from the roadways.

The award was granted to municipal law enforcement officers who excelled in the apprehension of DUI offenders during 2021.

According to the Pennsylvania DUI Association, "Our society expects a great deal from our law enforcement officers. We ask them to be a counselor, teacher, medical technician, social worker, psychologist, mentor, negotiator, and then we expect them to enforce the laws. The removal of offenders who drive under the influence is an integral part of the solution in the elimination of impaired drivers and the harm they can cause. Law enforcement officers in Pennsylvania deserve a thank you for their work in reducing the threat of impaired drivers on our roads. It is with this
intent that the PA DUI Association has developed and offers this award to police officers that have a demonstrated commitment to DUI enforcement."

Commendatory Citations

Commendatory Citations were also issued to Officer Turpyn and professional support staff Amanda Pell for exceptional actions taken in the spring of 2022, in a collective effort that led to the Newtown Township Police Department being awarded $250,000 in Justice Assistance Grant funding for the body-worn and in-car camera system.

The collective effort began in the spring of 2022 when Officer Brandon Turpyn and Professional Support Staff Amanda Pell were recruited to assist in the preparation and development of a police grant opportunity that was announced. Without hesitation, they attended a grant writing seminar to enhance their skills.

While working and maintaining their primary job responsibilities on separate shifts, they formed a working relationship that excelled at all levels, communicating needs, evaluating tasks, and documenting a justification proposal that was exceptional.

On September 30, the Newtown Township Police Department received official notification of the full award.

Years of Service Recognition

Sergeant Lupinetti, Officer Vandermark and Corporal Keegan were recognized for 25 years of service to Newtown Township Police Department.