Lacey Patrolman Honored With Annual Jason Marles DWI Award

The late Ocean Gate police officer Jason Marles died from the actions of a drunk driver. The father of two was heading home on the Garden State Parkway on Thanksgiving morning in 2010 when his car was hit and pushed off the roadway, where it burst into flames.

And every year for the past seven years, the Ocean County Traffic Safety Officer's Association has honored Ocean County police officers for their efforts to get drunk drivers off the roads.

Lacey Patrolman Michael Verwey was recently presented with the Jason Marles D.W.I. Award by the association on Aug. 19 at First Energy Park in Lakewood, Police Chief Michael C. DiBella said.

"The Jason Marles award recognizes law enforcement officers who go above and beyond in their commitment to getting intoxicated drivers off of our roadways," the chief said. "Additional officers who were nominated for this award received a certificate recognizing their efforts to make our roadways safer for everyone."

Verwey was one of four area police officers nominated for the Marles award.
The other officers included:

• Patrolman Michael DeRosa, Toms River Township Police Department
• Patrolman Michael Guarino, Manchester Township Police Department
• Patrolman Robert Schroeck, Lakehurst Police Department

Photo: Courtesy of Lacey Township Police Department. Patrolman Marles' mother and stepfather are also pictured.