East Hanover Officer Honored as Lifesaver by 200 Club

East Hanover Police Officer Jesse Novalis was one of 34 lifesavers honored by the Morris County 200 Club with Valor and Meritorious Awards last week.

"[Novalis] entered a burning house without protective equipment or breathing apparatus, located a disabled elderly man and dragged him to safety," the club said in a press release.

Novalis and the other honorees–all firefighters, police officers or emergency medical service providers–were honored at the Club’s 41st Annual Valor and Meritorious Awards Dinner on Thursday. Those honored are recognized for going above the call of duty or performing an act of valor. The volunteers and safety professionals have shown an act of courage or put their own lives in danger to save another.

"These individuals truly have put their lives on the line for the people of Morris County,” Jack Van Orden, president of the 200 Club, said. “They put it on the line for us 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. You don’t always think about it, but they make it safer for all of us and we owe a great deal of gratitude to them. This is one small way that we can honor them for putting their lives at risk for us. We are so very happy and honored to be able to recognize these individuals for their dedication and service.”

Novalis was one of four officers in the county to receive the 2013 Valor Award. Honorees were chosen by the club based on nominations submitted by the superintendent of the New Jersey State Police and heads of police, fire and EMS associations.