South Brunswick Cops Recognized For Service In Annual Awards

SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ – The South Brunswick Police Department held its annual awards ceremony on Tuesday at St. Cecilia Church.

The awards ceremony recognized the efforts of officers who dedicated their lives to serving the community with valor.

The ceremony was followed by a Blue Mass where congregants paid tribute to all in law enforcement during National Police Week.

“It is important to take time to recognize the outstanding work done by members of our department and community,” Police Chief Raymond Hayducka said.

“This year we recognize 51 officers and citizens who saved lives and went above and beyond to help others.”

Here are some of the awards presented:

Life-Saving Award

• Patrolman First Class Jesse Blake, Patrol Officer Robert Marrese, and Patrol Officer Jason Stonkus: On Sept. 14, 2023, Patrolman First Class Jesse Blake, Patrol Officer Robert Marrese, and Patrol Officer Jason Stonkus responded to a call of an unresponsive male in a parking lot. The officers worked as a team to administer CPR, and delivered two shocks via an AED. The patient regained a pulse and was transported to the hospital for further evaluation where he made a full recovery. The Officers’ swift and decisive actions saved the patient’s life.

Citizen Appreciation Award

• Chengyu “Rob” Lee, Raj Vora, Mark Dooley, and Freddy Shenk: On Aug. 09, 2023, a group of men played basketball in an over 40 men’s league and one of the players collapsed. Four of the other players immediately worked as a team and ensured that 911 was called, an AED was obtained, the player who was having the medical emergency was rolled over, CPR was initiated and a shock was delivered from the AED. They worked feverishly to try to get a pulse until Officer Nally arrived and took over CPR. The combined efforts of the men saved his life.

Life-Saving Award

• Patrol Officer Sean Nally: On Aug. 09, 2023, Officer Nally responded to the high school for a report of a male collapsing and becoming unresponsive. Officer Nally arrived on scene as bystanders were applying an AED to the victim. Officer Nally performed CPR on the victim and upon the arrival of the first aid squad, he continued to assist with life saving measures. The victim regained a pulse, was transported to the hospital and has recovered from this incident. Officer Nally’s actions saved the man’s life.

Exceptional Service Award

• Patrol Officer First Class Bryan Sites: On Feb.25, 2023, PFC. Sites investigated a fatal motor crash that occurred at Route 130 and Route 32 and the actor had fled the scene. Through a thorough investigation that included numerous witness interviews, video footage review, and subpoenas, Sites determined the identity of the actor. The actor was arrested, charged, and indicted for 2nd degree Vehicular Homicide, 2nd degree Leaving the Scene of a Fatal Crash, 3rd degree Witness Tampering, 2nd and 3rd degree Hindering Apprehension, 3rd degree Causing Death While Driving with a Suspended License, and 4th degree Obstruction of Justice.

Exceptional Service Award

• Lieutenant Roger Tuohy, Detective Sergeant Timothy Hoover, and Detective Brian Luck: On June 1, 2023, Detectives investigated the robbery of a township pharmacy where the perpetrators bound the victim employee with duct tape and stole various prescription medications. The Detectives’ investigation led them to East Orange, NJ where they located and arrested one of the actors within hours of the incident. A search warrant on the person’s seized vehicle yielded proceeds from the burglary and various other items of evidence. The actor was charged with Conspiracy to Commit 2nd degree Robbery, 3rd degree Criminal Restraint, and 3rd degree theft.

Exceptional Service Award

• Patrol Officer Tyler Harpster: On June 29, 2023, Patrol Officer Tyler Harpster responded to Route 1 and Whispering Woods Boulevard for reports of a male intentionally entering the highway and nearly being struck by multiple vehicles. Patrol Officer Harpster located the male, who was suffering a mental health crisis and enticing officers to use lethal force against him. Despite the male’s actions, Patrol Officer Harpster successfully gained control of the subject with minimal force and no injuries to any involved parties. The male was safely transported to the hospital for a mental health evaluation.

Exceptional Service Award

• Detective Sergeant Timothy Hoover, Detective Sergeant Brady Shelcusky, Detective Domenick DeLucia, Detective Jamal Benbow, Detective Bryan Garrison, Detective Brooke LaBell, and Detective Brian Luck: In September 2023, it was reported that a male was illegally selling firearms out of his residence. Through a five-month, joint investigation with the ATF, Detectives developed confidential informants, conducted undercover purchases of handguns, and obtained and executed a search warrant on the actor’s residence. A search yielded 7 handguns, hundreds of rounds of ammunition, and several prohibited weapons. The actor was arrested on various charges related to the illegal transport and sale of firearms.

Life-Saving Award

• Patrolman First Class Jesse Blake, Patrol Officer Robert Marrese, and Patrol Officer Jason Stonkus: On Sept. 14, 2023, Patrolman First Class Jesse Blake, Patrol Officer Robert Marrese, and Patrol Officer Jason Stonkus responded to a call of an unresponsive male in a parking lot. The Officers responded quickly, worked as a team to administer CPR, and delivered 2 shocks via an AED. The patient regained a pulse and was transported to the hospital for further evaluation where he made a full recovery. The Officers’ swift and decisive actions saved the patient’s life.

Citizen Appreciation Award

• Magdalena Morales: On Feb. 10, 2023, Magyar Bank manager, Magdalena Morales, contacted headquarters out of concern for an 88-year-old customer attempting to withdraw $127,000 in cash. Recognizing the upset tone in the victim’s voice, over the phone, Morales notified police and a subsequent investigation showed that the victim was being scammed. Morales’ actions prevented scammers from obtaining a large sum of money from a vulnerable person.

Chiefs Safety Award

• Deputy Fire Marshal Josh Kamen: During an investigation of a suspicious fire, Deputy Fire Marshal Josh Kamen made extensive efforts to locate a vin number from a vehicle that was destroyed during an Arson. The vin number came back to a stolen vehicle that was utilized in a Homicide of a police officer in Philadelphia. The identification of the vehicle assisted the Philadelphia Police Department in their Homicide investigation.

Civilian Staff Recognition

• Alessandra Villano: In 2023, Records Supervisor Sandra Villano successfully received a certification from the New Jersey State Treasury Department allowing the use of the department’s current CAD program to archive criminal records. The certification was gained as a result of several years of hard work. Her efforts will make records easier to access and allow them to be digitally archived on a yearly basis.

Civilian Staff Recognition

• Amber Weingart: As a member and leader of the 2023 National Night Out Committee, Amber Weingart was heavily involved in planning, organizing, and assisting the Community Policing Bureau to prepare and run the event. Her dedication and effort were vital to South Brunswick earning First Place from the National Town Watch Committee.

Lifetime Achievement Award

Dr. Paula Sjolund was given a lifetime chief award for her 19 years as a police department doctor.

Have a correction or a news tip? Email sarah.salvadore@patch.com