Police Honor Life Saving Efforts, Exceptional Work

South Brunswick Police officers were recognized for outstanding work throughout 2012 at a ceremony Thursday morning at the municipal building.

“Today we recognize those officers who went above and beyond in 2012 with acts of bravery and dedication," said Chief Raymond Hayducka. "Each and every day, our officers are called to be selfless and dedicated. These awards recognize those who symbolized that commitment."

Five officers were recognized for their live saving efforts, while another five officers were the recipients of medals for exceptional service.

Last year, the South Brunswick Police Department handled more than 62,000 calls for service.

LIFE SAVING MEDALS

• Officer Michael Leung and Officer Jesse Blake

April 28, 2012

South Brunswick First Responders Save Choking Woman

The 58-year-old victim was eating dinner with her husband when she began to choke on a piece of food. The victim's husband attempted to help her, but soon realized she was unable to breath so he dialed 911.

Within three minutes of the call, Officer Leung arrived to find the woman unconscious and turning blue on the floor, police said. Leung began using the Heimlich Maneuver to try and dislodge the food from the victim's airway.

Leung was soon joined by Officer Blake, Sgt. Frank Lombardo, and EMT Christine Kelly, whose combined efforts resulted in dislodging the food from the woman's airway.

• Officer Donald Whicker

May 20, 2012

Fire Devastates Monmouth Junction Condo

Whicker responded to a working structure fire in the Whispering Woods Condominium complex in the early morning hours. As one of the first officers on scene, his efforts to alert sleeping residents and assist in evacuation was instrumental in preventing the loss of lives, police said. In total, residents from 21 townhouses were evacuated.

• Officer Peter Santa and Officer Michael Urstadt

December 27, 2012

Police Save Despondent Monmouth Junction Man Who Drove Car into Pond

The officers' initiated rescue efforts to save an emotionally disturbed township man whose car was found in a retention pond in front of the Red Roof Inn on Route 1. A Monmouth Junction male in his 40's drove into the pond near the intersection of Route 1 and New Road for unknown reasons. Police said the man was found unconscious, but did not believe the man lost consciousness as a result of the accident. Officers waded through cold, waist-high water in the pond to rescue the individual.

EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE AWARD

• Detective Ronald Seaman

January 30, 2012

California Man Charged with Sending Explicit Photos to South Brunswick Teen

Det. Seaman began an investigation into a child exploitation case that stretched to California. Police said Seaman's knowledge and experience were vital in connecting the cyber clues that led to the suspect. His investigation led to a former middle school teacher in California being charged on suspicion of child pornography after he allegedly exchanged sexually explicit photographs online with a 13-year-old South Brunswick girl.

Eugene Ballantyne, 29, of Running Springs, Ca., was charged with receipt and distribution of child pornography. Ballantyne's arrest by FBI agents was the result of a cross-country investigation. The investigation began after a South Brunswick parent observed sexually explicit images on her 13-year-old daughter’s cell phone.

According to the complaint, Ballantyne allegedly met the victim in an Internet chat room, where the two exchanged contact information. Ballantyne and the teen allegedly continued corresponding through online messaging services downloaded by the victim at Ballantyne’s direction, according to police.

• Officer Michael Kuchma and Officer Eric Tighelaar

July 23, 2012

The officers initiated rescue efforts for a local resident who was suffering from cardiac arrest. Their efforts were recognized as exceptional local EMS.

• Sergeant Dale Owens

January 25, 2012

Owens was honored for defusing a domestic dispute where he was barred entry from a residence. He forced open the door and disarmed the actor, who possessed a sword, police said.

LETTERS OF COMMENDATION

• Patrol Officer Joseph Marrero and Patrol Officer Jamal Benbow

Fire Devastates Monmouth Junction Condo

In May of 2012, Officers Marrero and Benbow responded to a fire at the Whispering Woods Condominium complex. They entered the burning building to assist Officer Whicker and their efforts in the evacuation of residents was instrumental in preventing the loss of lives, police said.

• Patrol Officer Joseph Rausch, Patrol Officer Donald Whicker, Patrol Officer Eric Tighelaar, and Patrol Officer Michael Hallman

In September of 2012, the officers responded to a fire at a townhouse on Jill Court, where the rear deck of the residence was fully engulfed, while the right corner of the building was beginning to catch fire.

The residence was evacuated immediately, as were adjacent units of the complex. Officers were able to minimize fire spreading through the structure using fire extinguishers until the fire department arrived. Their efforts reduced damage to property and the potential for loss of life, police said.

Citizen Appreciation Award

Jessica Keith

On July 4, 2012, South Brunswick resident Jessica Keith was driving on Route 522 when she saw a teenage boy in the roadway. Keith recognized him as an autistic boy who frequented Jerzy Jump, her place of employment. Concerned for his safety, Keith was able to get the teen out of the roadway and took him to police headquarters. She then helped police obtain information that allowed for the boy’s mother to be located.

"I also want to recognize Jessica Keith, who embodies what makes our community great," Chief Hayducka said. "She took action and helped an autistic child find safety by bringing him to police. Her help and partnership is what makes our efforts so rewarding."