Mount Laurel Police - 2008 Awards

Mount Laurel Police Department

2008 Awards Ceremony

The Mount Laurel Police Department held its annual awards ceremony during the Township Council meeting on May 19, 2008 in the municipal meeting room.

During the event several officers and civilians were recognized for their service to the people of Mount Laurel between April 2007 through April 2008. Chief Joseph Lehmann, Jr. is pleased to announce the following awards:

Civilian Awards

Khelli Bryant. In August 2007 Ms. Bryant found a discarded firearm in a storm drain near her residence. Ms. Bryant recognized the potential dangers and did not recover it. Instead, she immediately went home and told her mother, who in turn contacted the Police Department. Her actions avoided any possibility that a future tragedy would occur or that an individual would use it to commit a crime.

Mayor Drinkard, Chief Lehmann, Len Moser, George Rose and Karl Schmid

Karl Schmid, Len Moser, George Rose. They have been members of the Senior Education and Outreach Committee and participants in the Seniors and Mount Laurel program for over 10 years. During this time they have selflessly donated many hours of their own time maintaining and updating the SAM computer system. SAM is a computer-based program that automatically calls participants everyday to make sure they are not in need of assistance.

Jeffrey Mintz. In December 2007 Mr. Mintz observed a subject unlawfully enter parked cars and removing items. Mr. Mintz notified the police and took action by detaining the suspect until police arrived. Mr. Mintz’s actions directly contributed to the arrest of the suspect and return of the victim’s property.

Mayor Drinkard, Chief Lehmann, Ethan Sabo & Stephen Melchiorre

Ethan Sabo and Stephen A. Melchiorre. Mr. Sabo and Mr. Melchiorre observed subjects acting in a suspicious manner in the parking lot of LA Fitness. When they went back outside, they found their vehicles had been broken into and items stolen. They took it upon themselves to begin checking various shopping centers to locate the subjects. Remarkably, Mr. Sabo and Mr. Melchiorre observed the same subjects carrying bags of merchandise from the Cherry Hill Mall and leave the area in a vehicle. They followed the vehicle until it crossed the bridge into Philadelphia. Although police were not able to stop the vehicle that night, the suspect description and vehicle information, which Mr. Sabo and Mr. Melchiorre provided eventually, lead to the arrest of two suspects.

Communication Operators Patrick DeGrazia and Stephanie Smith. In December 2007, the department received numerous calls reporting a large disturbance at the International Sports Center on Hovtech Blvd. Many callers reported multiple persons had either been shot or stabbed. Communications Operator DeGrazia immediately began directing officers to the scene as well as obtaining assistance from surrounding municipalities. Communication Operator Smith, who’s shift ended at 12:30AM, was on her way home when she observed several police vehicles all responding with warning lights and sirens activated all traveling in the same direction. Communications Operator Smith recognized that a large-scale event was in progress and that Communications Operator DeGrazia would need assistance. Communication Operator Smith responded back to headquarters and assisted Communication Operator DeGrazia, which ensured all necessary resources, were contacted in a timely and efficient manner.

Chief's Letter of Commendation

Detective Kirk Russell and Detective Edward Pincus. Detectives Russell and Pincus followed up the information received from Civilian Award recipients Mr. Sabo and Mr. Melchiorre. Detectives Russell and Pincus worked cooperatively with Philadelphia Police Detectives and were able to identify and arrest two suspects. The tenacity, teamwork, and investigative skills displayed by these detectives directly resulted in the clearing of over 50 separate crimes occurring in Mt. Laurel and other jurisdictions.

Mayor Drinkard, Chief Lehmann, Off. Anthony and Off. Horay

Officer Dwayne Anthony and Officer Glen Horay. In May 2007 Officer Anthony and Officer Horay responded to the Centerton Bridge for a possible drowning victim. The officers discovered the distraught and suicidal victim in the Rancocas Creek. The officers boarded a Mt. Laurel EMS boat and aided in the rescue. The victim was intent on drowning, and strongly resisted being pulled into the boat. The officers persisted with their efforts and were able to secure the victim in the boat and thereby preventing his suicide.

Communication Operator Stephanie Smith. In May 2007, Mount Laurel Police took custody of a 1-year-old child due to a reported child abuse case. Communications Operator Smith took it upon herself to care for and comfort the child at headquarters until Family Services arrived to take custody of the child.

Meritorious Service Award

Officer Daniel Baird; In February 2008, Officer Baird investigated a report of a child being chased by an adult male. Officer Baird located the subject and began to develop a rapport with him. Officer Baird’s investigation revealed the 47-year-old suspect developed an Internet based relationship with a 13-year-old girl and he drove from Canada to have an illicit relationship with her. Officer Baird’s persistence prevented the victimization of the child and resulted in the suspect’s arrest.

Officer Christopher O’Prandy. In June 2007. Officer O’Prandy investigated a suspicious vehicle occupied by a female. The female provided a questionable account as to why she was there. Officer O’Prandy suspected she was there for an unlawful purpose, but could not prove any criminal activity, so the female was aloud to leave. Officer O’Prandy remained out of sight in the area and observed a male subject carrying landscaping equipment from Eric’s Lawn Care. Upon seeing Officer O’Prandy, the subject discarded $1,580.00 worth of equipment, and was able to evade patrols. Officer O’Prandy used the information gathered from his initial interview of the female and identified the male subject. Both subjects were arrested and charged with burglary and theft of Eric’s Lawn care.

Officer Mark Colligan. During the month of July 2007, the Larchmont area of the township was experiencing a spree of vehicle vandalism. Individuals were taking hood emblems from expensive vehicles. On his own initiative, Officer Colligan developed a confidential informant and began an investigation. Officer Colligan’s investigation lead to the arrest of four persons and the recovery of 89 vehicle emblems.

Lead Officer Earl Dever. From March through May 2007, various utility company properties were vandalized with graffiti. Lead Officer Dever took the initiative and diligently investigated the offenses. Lead Officer Dever’s investigation led to the arrest and charging of the suspect responsible for 79 acts of criminal mischief.

Distinguished Unit Citation Award

Mayor Drinkard, Chief Lehmann, Det. Russell, Off. Michigan and Off. Haniffy

Lead Officer Leonard Werner, Detective Kirk Russell, and Officer Martin Haniffy. On October 17, 2008, Lead Officer Werner, Officer Haniffy, and Detective Russell responded to Cypress Point Circle for a domestic dispute. Lead Officer Werner and Officer Haniffy were among the first officers to arrive at the scene and were confronted by a male suspect holding a 6-year-old child with a knife to her throat as a hostage. The officers took action to stabilize and de-escalate the situation. Detective Russell arrived at the scene and began an intense negotiation process with the suspect. Detective Russell successfully negotiated not only a safe release of the child, but also the surrender of the suspect.

Police Star Award

Officer Brian Michigan. On October 17, 2007, Officer Michigan responded to Cypress Point Circle for a domestic dispute. Officer Michigan was one of the first responding officers and when he approached the residence, he heard screaming inside. He forced entry and was confronted by a male holding a 6-year-old child hostage with a knife to her throat. Officer Michigan established a dialogue with the suspect in an attempt to de-escalate the volatility of the situation. Officer Michigan’s leadership, prompt action, and calmness while encountering a very dangerous suspect directly influenced the safe release of the child.

Years of Service Awards: