Stafford Police Department Honors Officers With Annual Awards

STAFFORD TOWNSHIP - Patrolman Adam Sherer was off-duty and surfing off Long Beach Township last Sept. 7 when he spotted a surfer who fell off his surfboard and was in distress.

"He observed the surfer go under several times and heard him call out for help," according to a police department release. "Patrolman Sherer immediately paddled over to the surfer, reached down into the water and pulled the surfer back to the surface and subsequently brought him to shore. The surfer advised that but for Patrolman Sherer's swift response to his call for assistance, he most certainly would have drowned."

Sherer was given a lifesaving medal for his efforts..

Captain Herman Pharo was the recipient of the medal of Police Excellence for his completion of the FBI National Academy. The National Academy is a professional development course for law enforcement leaders. Less than onepercent of law enforcement officers worldwide are invited to attend this prestigious program. Captain Pharo is a graduate of the 269th Session.

Patrolman Mark Povlosky was selected by his fellow officers as the recipient of the 2017 Police Officer of the Year award. The award is presented to the officer who demonstrates a quality work ethic, a high degree of professionalism, motivation, dedication and integrity, thus enhancing the police image and distinguishing themselves within the law enforcement community. This is the second time Patrolman Povlosky has been selected as the recipient of the Police Officer of the Year award.

Patrolman Joseph Luna was chosen by the members of the Stafford Township Police Department as the recipient of the Rick Drappi award. The Drappi award is presented to the police officer who demonstrates the unselfish dedication, pride and concern for others that Rick Drappi lived every day. The award is named in honor Patrolman Rick Drappi, who was killed in a freak motor vehicle accident in 1978. Patrolman Luna is a two-time recipient of the Drappi Award.

Photos: Courtesy of the Stafford Township Police Department (Captain Herman Pharo, Patrolman Mark Povlosky, Patrolman Adam Sherer and Patrolman Joseph Luna)