MEDAL OF HONOR

This award is posthumously awarded to Fred V. Morrone, Director of Police for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. Director Morrone was a retired New Jersey State Police Lieutenant Colonel. He served as Director of the Port Authority of NY and NJ Police for the past five years. We honor his memory with this medal as one who has made the ultimate sacrifice for his nation, state, and family.

The date of September 11th, 2001 will live forever in the hearts and minds of Americans as one, which changed the history of this nation. On that date, Director Morrone was at work in Jersey City when the first of two airplanes hit the North Tower. At that point, he rushed into a car and drove quickly through the Holland Tunnel to the World Trade Center. Colleagues on the 50th floor of the North Tower last saw him alive. At the time of his death, he was attempting to calm the building’s occupants and guide them towards safety.

Throughout his life including the final hours, he lived the life of a hero. We honor him, and take solace in the fact that he inspired all that knew him. His law enforcement career was exemplary, but even more importantly; he was that rare individual who knew that family takes priority over all. Therefore, with the presentation of this honor, we look to the future, to Fred’s wonderful family and to all the good that the achieved in his life with great pride. We are honored to have his wife Linda, his daughter, Alyssa Morrone and sons, Fred Morrone, Jr., and Gregory Morrone accept this medal on his behalf.

Our organization is proud to commemorate the heroic life of one of our own with this medal. We are privileged to have known him, and we will never forget his contributions to the field of law enforcement. Ms. Phyllis Deroian, Senior Staff Assistant to Congressman Michael Ferguson presented a flag that was flown at half-staff over our nation’s capitol in honor of the victims of September 11th to Linda, Alyssa, and Gregory Morrone.

PURPLE HEART

VALOR

On the morning of December 21st, 2000, Chief Wesley Bomba and Lieutenant John Bouthillette were responding to a domestic violence call at 2 June Street, South River. Unknown to them at the time, Edward Abrams, the son of the homeowner, was then in the process of firing his shotgun at homes and passing cars in the neighborhood immediately following an altercation with his mother. Two innocent bystanders had already been hit.

As the officers exited the patrol car, they were fired upon. Both the Chief and the Lieutenant were shot. Despite his wounds, Chief Bomba managed to release three rounds from his service revolver. However, Abrams had escaped injury and was still at large.

Arriving moments after the first patrol car, Detective Eric Gartner, accompanied by Patrolman John McKenna, was forced to fire a fatal shot in order to stop the violent rampage. Together, these officers, with assistance, finally secured the suspect.

If it were not for the heroic actions of these four officers, undoubtedly, many more lives would have been lost. This tragic incident is representative of the threat of deadly violence law enforcement officers’ face on a daily basis. Thankfully for the citizens of South River, well trained officers of the highest caliber were on duty in the community and were able to respond quickly thereby preventing an even greater tragedy from occurring.

We are privileged to honor these fine officers. Moreover, we are grateful they are here with us this evening and that they continue to serve their community in the proud tradition of the "best of the blue".

VALOR AWARD

SPECIAL AGENT TIMOTHY LATTERNER
DETECTIVE EDWARD T. MURRAY
US MARSHALL JOHN DUNCAN

On May 11, 2001, members of the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area-Fugitive Task Force consisting of Special Agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Deputies of the United States Marshall Service and New York City Police Department Detectives apprehended one of the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted Fugitives, Maghfoor Mansoor.

Mansoor was wanted for a cross-country crime spree, which led him to New York City. The Las Vegas FBI wanted him for Unlawful Flight to Avoid Prosecution for kidnapping and sexually assaulting a seventeen- year-old girl. Mansoor was also being sought for a carjacking in New Orleans, Louisiana, in which he killed a flagman while fleeing the scene and for the armed robbery of a jewelry store inside the Taj Mahal Casino in Atlantic City on May 10, 2001.

Through a series of cross-references and investigative checks, an individual who could provide information on the suspect was identified. Once debriefed, this individual provided a cellular telephone number, which placed the suspect at the Hampshire Hotel and Suites, New York City. A very thorough investigation of hotel personnel ensued led by FBI Special Agents.

The results of the investigation led the team of SA Latterner, Deputy US Marshall John Duncan, and NYCPD Det. Edward Murray to re-establish surveillance outside of the hotel. When an individual matching Mansoor’s description entered the hotel lobby, Special Agent Latterner, Deputy Duncan, and Detective Murray followed this individual into the hotel and towards the elevators. When they attempted to speak to the individual, identifying themselves as police, Mansoor lowered his hands to his waist. This precipitated a violent struggle. During the struggle, Special Agent Latterner observed a handgun in Mansoor’s right hand. Fearing for their lives, and those of innocent bystanders in the lobby, Special Agent Latterner drew his pistol and at close range, fired three shots.

Mansoor fell to the floor and dropped the handgun. Despite his wounds, Mansoor continued to struggle until he was restrained and handcuffed by the three HIDTA FTF members.

The actions of these extraordinary men in subduing one of the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted Fugitives are merit worthy and deserving of the Valor Award for their selfless dedication to duty. We are proud to honor them for exemplary work above and beyond the call of duty.

VALOR AWARD

On August 12, 2001, Trooper II Quinlan arrived at the scene of a two-car motor vehicle accident on the Garden State Parkway in Sayerville. As he approached, he observed that one of the vehicles was completely engulfed in flames and yet still occupied.

Despite the fact that the vehicle could have exploded at any second, Trooper Quinlan, without hesitation, ran to the burning vehicle and broke out the left rear passenger window with his flashlight. Although the intensity of the heat was extremely high, he managed to pull an adult female out of the vehicle via the window and away from the accident.

He, then, returned to the vehicle and extricated a critically injured ten-year-old boy who was pinned in the vehicle. Once more, he attempted to rescue more occupants from the vehicle but was pushed back by flames. While waiting for medical assistance, he attempted to give first aid to the victims. He labored relentlessly with no regard for his personal safety until he had done everything within his power to assist the injured.

Unfortunately, despite Trooper II Quinlan’s, valiant efforts, this story did not have a happy ending for the victims. The heroic actions of Trooper II Quinlan do, however, offer a shining example of the best of the blue. He never wavered in his commitment to exhaust all available option in order to attempt to save lives.

The dramatic details of the attempted rescue epitomize the reason individuals enter the field of law enforcement. Trooper II Quinlan is truly an officer deserving of the highest praise and commendation. We are extremely proud to present him with the Valor Award.

VALOR AWARD

On February 9, 2001, when Patrolman Steven Walrond arrived on the scene of an early morning motor vehicle accident on Raymond Road in South Brunswick, he observed a badly damaged vehicle on fire recently struck by two motor vehicles. He immediately proceeded to check on its occupants.

Upon learning from a bystander that the driver was still in the vehicle, he knew time was of the essence. He checked the interior of the vehicle and found the driver semi-conscious and unable to move.

With the help of the bystander, Patrolman Walrond braved the flames and billowing smoke in order to free the driver from his seatbelt. It was, then, possible to drag the driver from the vehicle to safety. The accident victim was later transported to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick. Patrolman Walrond’s quick-thinking and decisive action with no regard for his own personal safety saved the accident victim’s life.

We are proud to count Patrolman Steven Walrond among the "best of the blue". His actions in this dangerous situation are appropriately characterized as above and beyond the call of duty. We are privileged to present Patrolman Walrond with the Valor Award for his meritorious dedication to duty.

OUTSTANDING POLICE WORK

On September 25, 2001, a one car motor vehicle accident occurred on So. Randolphville Road in Piscataway. After crossing the bridge over Ambrose brook and entering a left curve, the vehicle went out of control. The vehicle swerved to the right, struck a tree and entered the brook. The vehicle came to rest perpendicular to the banks of the brook on the passenger side, with the top of the vehicle facing upstream. The position of the vehicle created a dam. The water on the upstream side of the vehicle began rising rapidly while the soft bed of the brook began eroding. The vehicle was in danger of rolling onto its roof. The driver, the only occupant of the vehicle, was trapped in the vehicle suspended by her seatbelt over the rising water.

Sergeant Vakulchik was the first on the scene arriving within seconds after being notified by a passing motorist. Realizing the gravity of the situation, he called for additional units then entered the water to assist the motorist. Officer Laughlin arrived moments later and entered the water. While supporting the driver and trying to calm her fear that she was about to drown, the vehicle began shifting and rocking. The officers pushed on the vehicle to prevent it from rolling over onto themselves and further injuring the driver.

Officer Mosier also had responded to the Sergeant’s call for assistance. When he arrived and saw Sergeant Vakulchik and Officer Laughlin trying to prevent the vehicle from rolling over. His quick thinking action of using a rope from his patrol car, and securing it to the chassis of the vehicle and a nearby tree lessened the risk to the other officers and further injury to the driver.

Throughout the incident the Sgt. Vakulchik and Officer Laughlin remained in the water assisting the New Market Fire Department and the Rural/Metro Squad with removing the driver to an ambulance. Despite the difficult nature of the rescue and the exposure to danger, these officers never wavered in their commitment to rescue the driver.

It is our privilege to convey these awards to these fine officers. Their actions are representative of the "best of the blue".

Appreciation Award

An Appreciation Award was made to Robert Criss, State Trustee, of NJSLEOA for his outstanding loyalty and dedication to the association.

For the program finale, Ms. Phyllis Deroian made a special presentation to State President James Leavy. The paper read:

This is to certify that that accompanying flag was flown over the United States Capitol on October 12, 2001, at the request of the Honorable Mike Ferguson, Member of Congress.

This flag is presented to James G. Leavy, State President of the NJSLEOA, in recognition of his outstanding dedication and service to the profession of law enforcement.