Newark Police Honored for Bravery

They rushed into burning buildings to save entire families, chased down armed robbers and rescued several from the floods of last year’s Hurricane Sandy.

They are some of the dozens of police officers honored Thursday for actions above the normal call of duty during 2012.

“I am enormously honored to be here to recognize my colleagues on the police department that is one of the most important partners with my office,” said US Attorney for New Jersey Paul Fishman, one of the keynote speakers at Thursday’s city hall ceremony.

Fishman spoke for many when he referred to the sacrifices both great and small law enforcement officers are called upon to make every day, from a child’s missed softball game to “the ultimate sacrifice.” Fishman also spoke of the everyday dangers of policing the state’s largest city, from traffic stops that may turn deadly to hair-raising pursuits of suspects along narrow Newark streets.

“While what I do is challenging and rewarding and intellectually stimulating, it is not remotely dangerous,” Fishman said.

“There’s probably not a cop in this room who does not know someone who was hurt in the line of duty.”

Mayor Cory Booker recounted an incident near his Hawthorne Avenue home a few years ago that dramatically illustrates the risks Newark police routinely face.

A woman shot her boyfriend in the midst of a hostage situation as Booker was on the phone with Samuel DeMaio, now the director of the department. Suddenly, Booker recalled, he heard police on scene shout to storm the residence.

"My officers, who have families and parents and children, when they heard gunfire they ran into the building, towards the gunfire," he said.

Twenty-one officers on the 1,000-member department received the Medal of Honor Thursday, the department’s highest award. Police Officer Jose Sosa received the Medal of Merit, while 35 officers earned the Medal for Excellent Police Duty.

Also recognized was Capt. Eugene Venable, who received the Chief’s Award; Lt. Lorenzo Maldonado, who earned the director’s award; Kayla Crager, who received the civilian employee recognition award; Sgt. Robert Sarappa of the motorcycle unit, who earned the teamwork award; and Candido Arroyo and Sandra West, who earned the citizen community service awards.

The Newark Police Department’s SWAT Team received the department unit award.

Also during the ceremony, members of Newark's Police Explorer's unit -- consisting of high school students, many of whom plan on making careers in law enforcement -- were promoted.

Officers applauded as the young Explorers graduated to the following ranks: Mekale Knight, captain; Aaron Boswell, lieutenant; Amanda Rodriguez, lieutenant; and Rasheen Anabui, Sarita Garcia, George Johnson and Yamil Rosa, who all attained the rank of sergeant.