Branchburg honors police officers for going beyond call of duty
BRANCHBURG - There's good news about the township police department after years of turmoil and lawsuits.
On Monday the township committee honored the police officers who showed courage and went beyond the call of duty to serve township residents.
"I believe Branchburg Township has the finest police department in the county, if not the state," Mayor James Schworn said. "Your dedication, your loyalty to our residents is what makes Branchburg a wonderful place to live."
Patrolman Michael Lester was named 2021 Officer of the Year, a recognition selected by his peers for representing the values, morals, ethics and integrity of the department.
Patrolman Corey Neiper was recognized as 2021 Top Cop for exceptional performance during the year.
Three Lifesaving Awards were also given.
On Sept. 4, 2021 Officer Nicholas Ottaviano and Sgt. Kate Proscia responded to Kenbury Road on a reported structure fire. The officers were able to enter the residence, crawl to the victim and pull her to safety.
Three days later, on Sept. 7, 2021, Neiper and Patrolman Brian Russionello responded to the Fox Hollow Apartments on Route 22 for a report of a structure fire. Both officers used their fire extinguishers to contain the fire until the North Branch Fire Department arrived on the scene. Their actions resulted in preventing the blaze from from spreading to occupied apartments.
Sgt. Steven Cronce, Cpl. Robert Stober, Det. Laurence Martin, and Patrolmen Christopher Santangelo and Amit Oberoi were honored for saving the life of an Arrowhead Drive resident who attempted suicide on Oct. 1, 2021.
When police arrived at the home on a report of an attempted suicide, the officers made entry into the residence and searched the home, finding the resident in an upstairs bathroom. The individual sustained two serious self-inflicted wounds, one to the arm and to the throat. While attempting to administer lifesaving measures, the individual ultimately dropped the knife but fought with the officers. They were able to render aide and save the individual's life.
Commendations were awarded to officers who displayed of a high degree of courage, initiative, professionalism, expertise and ability in the performance of their duties.
Sgt. Thomas Meola, Cpl. James Kennedy, Det. Jeremy Weniger, Patrolman Kevin Conforti and Michael Lester were commended for their actions during a Route 202 traffic stop on Feb. 28, 2021.
According to the commendation, Lester responded to a report of a reckless driver on the highway. Somerset County Communications advised that the occupants had brandished a weapon during a road rage incident.
Lester was able to locate the vehicle and conduct a stop with the assistance of Meola, Kennedy and Conforti. The motor vehicle stop yielded an assault rifle with a fully loaded high-capacity magazine resulting in the arrest of the vehicle's three occupants. At police headquarters Weniger interviewed the victim, defendants, and assisted in referring the matter to prosecutors for criminal charges.
More:Branchburg single-family homes plan includes open space
On July 6, 2021 Stober responded to Horizon Way for a reported structure fire. Upon arrival Stober and Cronce contacted the homeowner who said their dog was still inside the house. Stober and Cronce were able to enter the house, which was on fire, searched it, found the dog in an upstairs smoke-filled bedroom and brought it to safety.
On Dec. 14, 2021 Neiper stopped a motor vehicle for a traffic violation on Route 202. During his roadside investigation the driver provided a false information about his identity. Neiper was able to successfully identify the driver and determine the vehicle contained a significant amount of illegal drugs which were seized by authorities.
Also during Monday's meeting, Fred Ghanim was promoted from from corporal to sergeant. Robert Caravala was promoted from patrolman to corporal.
Two new patrol officers were sworn in, Daniella Hernandez and Kristen Amato.
Local news:Youth baseball coach broke Branchburg umpire’s jaw, charged with assault, police say
During the the three years the department has been under the supervision of the Somerset County Prosecutor's Office, the department has seen a lot of turnover and retirements, Township Committeeman Tom Young said.
"We're bringing in a younger crowd," he said.
The township committee is working to improve lines of communication with the PBA and the rank-and-file officers, he said.
Young added that the changing demographics of the township may change the protocols of the department.
He also said in the next round of negotiations with the PBA, the township committee will examine reviewing the lower end of the pay scale to stay competitive with other law enforcement agencies.
Email: mdeak@mycentraljersey.com
Mike Deak is a reporter for mycentraljersey.com. To get unlimited access to his articles on Somerset and Hunterdon counties, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.
This article originally appeared on MyCentralJersey.com: Branchburg honors police officers for going beyond the call of duty
