Latest news with #LettersofCommendation
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Yahoo
Hampden County Sheriff's Office celebrates National Correctional Officers Week
LUDLOW, Mass. (WWLP)—The Hampden County Sheriff's Office is using National Correctional Officers Week to thank the men and women who work in the correctional facility. This nationwide celebration began when President Ronald Reagan signed a proclamation in 1985. Each year, the first week of May is set aside to recognize the dedication of correctional officers and staff working in jails, prisons, and community corrections nationwide. 'Oftentimes, a lot of their work goes unnoticed, because what happens behind the fences and behind facility walls isn't first-hand seen by the public,' said Sheriff Nick Cocchi, Hampden County Sheriff's Office. To thank the officers, the Hampden County Sheriff's Office held appreciation meals, celebrations, and award ceremonies all week, leading up to the main ceremony on Thursday. 9 officers were awarded Letters of Commendation to recognize their response to life-threatening emergencies. The ceremony also featured scholarships and 6 award presentations of officers and supervisors who embody what it means to be a hard-working professional correctional officer, leader, and team player who exemplifies respect and trust while always incorporating safety and security. A captain was also promoted to a Major. 'In the last 33 years of working for the department, I have tried to emulate Chief Curly, and I hope that I have made the same impact on many of you as your safety as my number one priority,' said Major David Alvarado, Hampden County Sheriff's Office. WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
08-05-2025
- Yahoo
Lower Paxton Township honors first responders
DAUPHIN COUNTY, Pa. (WHTM)– Lower Paxton Township honored first responders at the annual Police, Fire & EMS Awards Ceremony on Wednesday evening. The event, which took place at the Dauphin County Heroes Grove, featured honors for individual and team heroism, lifesaving interventions, and contributions from the community, according to Lower Paxton Township. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Multiple teams of emergency service members, police officers, and firefighters received honors during the event. EMS members' awards included six lifesaving teams. Lower Paxton Township said Battalion Chief Stephen Handford, Paramedic Geoffrey Cooper, and EMT David Scalzo received an award for resuscitating a critically ill patient, Paramedic Bryce Pruna and EMT Stephanie Warner were awarded for bringing a patient back from the brink of death, and Battalion Chief Steve Schlegel, Captain Danielle Felty, and EMT Catherine Rush were awarded for saving a patient during a high-stress emergency. Lower Paxton Township said that three firefighters were named firefighter of the year. Lieutenant Nick Nepa (Station 33), Braden Benedict (Station 34), and Lieutenant Tyler Stover (Station 35) were awarded for their leadership, dedication, and response. Additionally, Kaden Hine (33), Raymond Broaddus (34), and Tyler Stover (35) received the Most Fire Training Hours awards. Various police officers and teams received awards for their work. According to Lower Paxton Township, awards include: Mission Barbeque received the 2024 Outstanding Partnership Award for ongoing community support. Letters of Commendation were awarded to Officer Michael Elezovic (two awards) for outstanding investigative work leading to multiple arrests and case closures, and Detective James Glucksman for a homicide investigation resulting in charges. Life Saving Awards were presented to Corporal Melinda Welcomer, Officer Bryan Ryder, and Officer John Balint for reviving a cardiac arrest patient; and to Corporal Zachary Fehrenbach and Officer Benjamin Feidt for a similar life-saving response. The Award of Merit went to Officer Neal O'Malley, who courageously pursued and apprehended an armed suspect following an officer-in-distress call in Harrisburg. Officers Rachapak Suwanrut and Tyler Mardis were recognized for safely rescuing three individuals from a structure fire. Platoon C received the 2024 Unit/Platoon Citation for outstanding team performance, and Officer Neal O'Malley was named 2024 Officer of the Year for his consistent professionalism, dedication, and performance. The Steven Wertz Beyond the Badge Memorial Award was presented in memory of Detective Steven Wertz, who passed away in 2024. Officer Phillip Minter received the inaugural honor for his investigative excellence and interagency collaboration. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
