Brick Life

Police Officers, Civilians Honored by Brick PBA

by
Daniel Nee
February 25, 2015

Ptl. Richard Crimi with his Police Officer of the Year Award.

Brick Township PBA Local 230 honored a number of township police officers and civilian members of the Brick community at their annual awards dinner last weekend.

Each year at the dinner, the PBA honors a number of officers with annual awards noting special accomplishments they’ve earned through their work over the previous year. Civilians are recognized for their contributions to the community.

Two of the police department’s most prestigious awards are Officer of the Year and the Lt. Thomas McNelis Leadership Award.

Patrolman Richard Crimi was named Officer of the Year for his overall performance for the year, said Sgt. Neal Pedersen. Criteria for the award includes the officer’s knowledge of the law, and acts or achievements that have brought acclaim to themselves, the department, the police profession, and the PBA.

Mayor John Ducey presents an award.

The McNelis award was given to Detective Jason Shepherd for his leadership in a specialty division within the Detective Bureau. “Shepherh’s dedication and performance during the past year has brought public acclaim to themselves, the department, the police profession, and the PBA,” said Pederson.

Other police awards included:

Detective Joseph Leskowski, Exceptional Service Award: Awarded for a highly creditable accomplishment bringing public acclaim to themselves, the department or the police profession.
James Bartolucci, Michael Miller, Joshua Jenssen, Sean Flynn, Jay Nye, John Getz and Joseph Pacitti, Life Saving Award: All of the officers receiving the award are credited with saving a life the previous year.
Ptl. Brian Ulman, Ptl. James Albanese and Det. Brian Lash, Meritorious Service Award: The award is given to an officer who is credited with a highly unusual accomplishment under adverse conditions with some degree of hazard to life of the officer, or where death or injury to a third party is prevented.

Detective Jason Shepherd received the Lt. Thomas McNelis Award.

Heather Palmeri, Dana Quigley, Roberta Lynn Demarco and Joy Dalton received Civilian Awards from the PBA. The Civilian Award is given to civilians who, by their actions, has on a continuous basis shown their support to the P.B.A and its members.

The awards were presented by Chief Nils R. Berquist, Mayor John Ducey, the township council and members of the Brick Township Police Department’s Awards Committee.

“The Brick Township Police Department is honored to be supported by such great officers and outstanding members of the community that we proudly serve,” Pedersen said.