One officer prevented a domestic dispute from turning deadly.
One officer's quick action prevented a domestic dispute from turning into something potentially deadly.
Another took some $160,000 worth of drugs off the streets.
Both of the Mansfield Township officers were honored recently with awards for their service. Here are their stories, according to the awards.
His stop uncovers $160K in drugs
Mansfield Township Mayor Shirley Kocher presents the Exceptional Service Award to Patrolman Michael Camerata as Chief Michael Reilly looks on. (Courtesy photo) Patrolman Michael Camerata watched a driver commit several violations the morning of Aug. 1. He followed the car into a parking lot off Port Murray Road and started talking with the driver and two passengers, becoming suspicious of their behavior.
Camerata called in backup, and the ensuring investigation uncovered $160,000 worth of drugs, including more than a kilogram of cocaine, almost 700 grams of heroin and 800 grams of ecstasy. The three people were arrested.
Camerata was given the Exceptional Service Medal.
He stops woman going for gun
Mayor Shirley Kocher presents the Meritorious Service Award to Sgt. Patrick Kirchner as Chief Michael Reilly, center, and Patrolman Michael Camerata look on. (Courtesy photo) Sgt. Patrick Kirchner was dispatched to a domestic violence call at 10 a.m. Oct. 10. An elderly woman said she was having problems with her 56-year-old daughter yelling at her and breaking items in the house. Speaking with the woman, Kirchner and Detective Joseph Matthews learned she was not taking her medication and called in counselors.
When she was told she would be taken to the hospital, the woman reached between the couch cushions. Kirchner grabbed her wrist, and the officers handcuffed her after a brief struggle. When Kirchner looked between the cushions, he found a loaded .38-caliber handgun.
Kirchner was given the Meritorious Service Award for preventing potentially serious injury under adverse conditions.
Steve Novak may be reached at snovak@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @type2supernovak and Facebook. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.