Atlantic City Police Officer Honored For Life Saving Efforts

ATLANTIC CITY, NJ — Atlantic City police officer Joseph Bereheiko received an honorable mention award from the National Association of Police Organizations at the 28th Annual Top Cops Awards Dinner.

Bereheiko, a 14-year veteran of the police department and trained emergency medical technician, was recognized for his life saving efforts in treating a woman who suffered stab wounds that severed her brachial artery on Dec. 18, 2020.

Bereheiko, recognizing that the woman had lost a substantial amount of blood, applied bi-lateral tourniquets to both of the woman’s arms to stop the bleeding.

He stayed with the woman, including on her way to the medical center, where she was treated, and ultimately recovered from her injuries.

“Officer Joseph Bereheiko’s dedication to duty is unmatched in law enforcement,” said Interim Officer in Charge James A. Sarkos in a statement.

“Officer Bereheiko embodies what we expect from our law enforcement personnel. He recognized the significance of the injuries sustained by the woman, quickly rendered live saving aid, and then stayed with the woman as long as possible to keep her calm and ensure that she knew she was not alone. I want to thank the National Association of Police Organizations for recognizing all of the law enforcement officers throughout the country that were awarded for their commitment to protecting and serving their respective community.”

The National Association of Police Organizations (NAPO) is a coalition of police unions and associations from across the United States and was organized for the purpose of advancing the interests of America’s law enforcement officers through legislative advocacy, political action and education.

Founded in 1978, NAPO represents more than 1,000 police units and associations, and more than 241,000 sworn law enforcement officers who share a common dedication to vigorous and effective representation on behalf of our nation’s law enforcement officers.

Since NAPO launched the awards program in 1994, the Top Cops Awards have paid tribute to outstanding law enforcement officers across the country for actions above and beyond the call of duty.

Top Cops awardees are nominated by their fellow officers for outstanding service during the preceding calendar year.

The Top Cops are selected by an Awards Selection Committee comprised of national law enforcement representatives who choose one Top Cops case from each state and U.S. territory. The cases are then ranked, and the top ten case winners are flown to Washington, DC for the awards ceremony.

Keep up to date with what's happening in your community by subscribing to your local Patch newsletter here.