Job well done WNY police officers awarded at ceremony
8 years ago | 128 views | 0 
| 6 
| 
| 
| 6 | |
"I am a very good believer that a municipality can not move forward unless you have a good police department," said West New York Mayor Albio Sires.
Since Sires has been in office, the department has added more than 50 officers to its department. On May 23, Sires was able to see many of those new officers, and some older members of the squad, receive awards for their work. The ceremony took place in the Town Hall court chambers on 60th Street.
Going on instincts
Police Officers David Hruska and Craig Miskovitz used their knowledge of the town and instincts to arrest a person who committed a stabbing in September of last year. After gathering information at the crime scene, the two officers received a picture of the man. Recognizing the area where the man was located in the picture, officers Hruska and Miskovitz went to that area and arrested the victim.
"It was just common sense," said Hruska, a 15-year veteran to the squad, about using the picture to locate the perpetrator. "I usually just go on my gut feeling, my intuition."
Hruska and Miskovitz received a letter of commendation for their work on the case. Hruska received a total of four awards; two letter on commendation and two exceptional merit awards.
Awarding bravery
Police officers often risk their lives to protect the residents in their towns. In 2000, more than 300 officers in the United States were killed in the line of duty.
"The police officers that protect the citizens in this country make real sacrifices," said Commissioner of Public Safety Sal Vega after a moment of silence for the more than 300 police officers killed in the line of duty. "This calls attention to the danger that police officers have to operate under. There is no medal that can make up for that sacrifice."
West New York awarded five Exceptional Police Service Awards, seven Exceptional Police Merit Awards and 14 Letters of Commendation. Awards were also given to the first three winners in the department's pistol and shotgun competitions.
However, police officers weren't the only people awarded at this ceremony. Stephen Vasquez, a West New York resident, was also given an award at the event.
On Oct. 20, 2000, Vasquez arrived at his house to find that it was being burglarized. Vasquez was able to keep the burglar in his home until officers arrived. Vasquez also assisted the department with the investigation.
"You are very brave," said Sires to the civilian who received an award.
post a comment
comments (0)
no comments yet