LaPenta, Plymouth Police, Honored by Council

When Joseph LaPenta was named Plymouth Police Officer of the Year last month, the honor was something like 61 years in the making.

It was certainly in recognition of LaPenta's 14 commendable years on the police force, during which time he has become one of the veteran patrol officers and an obvious favorite around the station. But the history runs even deeper, as LaPenta is the third in his family to serve as a Plymouth Police Officer, and part of a chain that runs unbroken to the department's formation in 1951.

"His grandfather, Salvatore Carbo, was one of the original three police officers hired in 1951, and retired in 1974" said councilman Dean Eisenberger while recognizing LaPenta in May. "His father, Joseph LaPenta, Sr., served on the department from 1974, retiring in 1998."

Eisenberger, who said he has known LaPenta since his birth, commended him on becoming an outstanding officer in his own right.

"His roots in the community and respect of his peers have produced a fine example of what a police officer in Plymouth Township represents-- pride, respect, honor, and integrity," Eisenberger said.

Eisenberger then read an official resolution honoring LaPenta into the record. A crowd of about 60 people honored the officer with a standing ovation.

"I am humbled and honored that the police administration and supervisors nominated me as officer of the year," LaPenta, also a husband and father of two, told Patch. "It is a privilege to serve the residents of Plymouth Township and help protect the community where I was born and raised."

LaPenta wasn't the only officer to be recognized by Council. Vince Gillen, district 3 councilman, presented a commendation to officers Kyle Wilhelm and Eric Ponzec, along with police dog Canine Major, for their action in a November burglary attempt.

"Ponzec and Canine Major initiated a track of a suspect while officer Wilhelm provided cover in the darkness of evening hours," Gillen said. "They were able to track the suspect as he discarded articles of clothing and was ultimately found hiding behind a tree. They are hereby commended for an exceptional arrest, beyond the requirements of duty."

Finally, council vice chair Lenore Bruno offered recognition to the entire department as part of Police Week 2012.

"Everybody appreciates the good work our police department does,” Bruno said. “They are second to none in the state. They work hard and put their lives on the line everyday, not knowing what they are going to find when they go out to work."

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