VALOR AWARD

Presented to New Jersey State Troopers
TROOPER MATTHEW SZUSTOWICZ
TROOPER LUIS TOMLINSON

The New Jersey State Law Enforcement Officers Association selected Matthew Szustowicz and Luis Tomlinson for their most deserving honor because they truly epitomize all the qualities that those in law enforcement hold most sacred. 

On April 19, 2008, at 03:31 hours, Troopers Szutowicz and Tomlinson attempted to stop two vehicles traveling at a high rate of speed on US 40 westbound in Salem County, NJ. The vehicles continued onto state highway 45 southbound. An NCIC look up on the rear vehicle’s registration identified the vehicle as having been stolen from Pennsylvania. The vehicle, a 1996 green, four-door Chevrolet Malibu began to slow down to a stop in front of a farm house located at state junction 45, Mannington Twp., Salem County NJ.

The sole occupant exited the moving vehicle and attempted to elude the troopers on foot. A foot pursuit ensued, with Troopers Szutowicz and Tomlinson giving chase. The suspect entered an open shed on the property. Trooper Tomlinson continued to pursue the suspect while Trooper Szutowicz positioned himself at the rear of the shed. The suspect fired one round from a handgun, striking Trooper Tomlinson on his left cheek and ear. A violent struggle between the armed suspect and Trooper Tomlinson ensued. Upon hearing the gunshot, Trooper Szutowicz came to the aid of the wounded Trooper Tomlinson. In an attempt to subdue the suspect, Trooper Tomlinson fought for his life by maintaining control of the suspect’s gun toting hand. Trooper Tomlinson fired one round from his issued duty weapon, mortally wounding his assailant. During the life and death struggle, Trooper Szutowicz was struck in the right hand by a round. 

Troopers Szutowicz and Tomlinson’s bravery and courage in the face of grave danger has brought great pride and distinction upon themselves and the Division of State Police. Their actions embodied the core values of the New Jersey State Police. Their ability to rise to the occasion during a life or death struggle and be victorious is and example for all troopers to emulate. Their efforts personified the outstanding legacy of dedication and determination upon which the New Jersey State Police has built its outstanding reputation.

VALOR AWARD

New Jersey State Law Enforcement Officers Association has chosen Detective Roman Melenka to receive the Valor Award.  He is recognized risking his life in dangerous situation. 

On April 10, 2008 at approximately 17:10 hours, Detective Melenka, while on duty, entered the P & P Tobacco and Stationary Store.  Immediately upon entering the store he realized that there was an armed robbery in progress and was confronted by an armed suspect.  The two suspects, wearing masks and holding everyone at bay, announced that it was a hold up and for everyone to get on the floor. 

While being ordered to get to his knees, Det. Melenka realized that he was going to be searched.  As Detective Melenka reached for his weapon, the suspect fired at point blank range, shooting Det. Melenka in his left arm.  Det. Melenka drew and fired his weapon twice, shooting the suspect in the abdomen region and killing his assailant.  Although there were several customers inside the store, none of them were hurt.  Det. Melenka exhibited courage, professionalism in the highest traditions of law enforcement. 

Detective Melenka was awarded for his demonstration of bravery during the extreme situation he found himself in.  In his act of determination, he exuded courage and is acknowledged as a hero.  

Detective Melenka is retired after 25 years in law enforcement and receiving numerous awards and citations. 

MERITORIOUS AWARD

Detective Michael Smith, of Piscataway Police Department, received an Outstanding Police Work Award for his courageous efforts during an incident on October 9, 2008. 

On October 9, 2008, the Piscataway Police Department in conjunction with the Middlesex County Persecutors Office Narcotics Task Force worked together on an undercover operation.  The operation called for an undercover MCPO investigator to meet up with suspects at the River Road Quick Check for a cocaine transaction.  Det. Smith was assigned to the arrest/takedown team of the operation along with 2 other detectives.  After the undercover investigator made contact with the suspects and was shown the cocaine, he signaled for the arrest/takedown. 

Det. Mike Smith approached the suspect, Bisrat Asmare.  The suspect raised a handgun to Smith in an attempt to fire.  Smith tackled the suspect and arrested him before the gun had a chance to be fired.  The other detectives arrested the other suspect, Adeel Siddiqui. 

Approximately $1,000 in cash was secured by the MCPO investigators along with 67 grams of cocaine. 

Detective Smith is awarded for his bravery and fast action in securing a dangerous situation.  

POLICE STAR AWARD

Officer Ryan Wilson of Union County received a Police Star Award for his courageous efforts during a life and death situation.  He went beyond the call of duty to help save a man’s life. 

On July 9, 2008, off-duty sheriff’s officer Ryan Wilson was traveling west on Rahway Ave when he observed a silver compact car pass him on the right at a high rate of speed.  He then saw a man, later identified as Amar Waye, crossing the street when he was struck by the silver car.  The car sent Mr. Waye approximately 15 feet into the air turning end over end.  Mr.  Waye came to rest in the center of the highway as the silver car sped off.  Wilson then notified headquarters of the accident and the need for an ambulance.   

After witnessing a man brutally struck by a car in a hit and run, despite his fatigue after a long day of work, Wilson came to the rescue of Amar Waye.  Without hesitation, he performed several acts of first aid in an effort to get Amar to regain consciousness and help keep him alive.  Wilson also tried to control the bleeding and help with Waye’s nearly amputated right arm above his elbow. 

“There is no question, that if Officer Wilson was not there, Amar Waye would have lost his life,” said Union County Sheriff Ralph Froehlich.  Mr. Waye is still in a long process of recovery after almost losing his arm and possibly his life. 

Wilson, 26, had been a sheriff’s officer for five and a half years. He is also trained as an emergency medical technician and went through the Union County Fire Academy in Linden at age eighteen.

Officer Wilson is commended for his quick responsiveness, heroics and life saving actions.  He did an outstanding job and is a true professional. 

OUTSTANDING POLICE WORK AWARD

Presented to Hillside Police Department
OFFICER BRYAN ARRINGTON
OFFICER TERRENCE CLERK

On September 10, 2008, Officer Clerk and Arrington were dispatched on a report of a young female possibly delivering a baby while on the toilet.  When Officer Clerk arrived, the scene was quite chaotic; apparently the family was unaware that the girl was pregnant and there was considerable arguing between family members. 

As Officer Arrington arrived as backup, Patrolman Clerk entered a small bathroom and began to speak with the young girl who was seated on the toilet.  Not seeing the baby anywhere, Clerk instructed the girl to stand up.  When she replied that she lacked the strength, Clerk and Arrington began lifting her up by the arms.  This is when Clerk saw a baby in the toilet. 

The baby’s head was submerged under the water and there was considerable blood.  Since the umbilical cord was still attached to the mother, they could only raise the mother slightly from the toilet.  Without hesitation and without protective gloves, Clerk grabbed the baby from the toilet.  Since the baby was cold to the touch and was unresponsive, Clerk began to tap the baby on the back in an attempt to get the baby to cry.  As he did this the baby would cry when he stopped, the baby appeared unresponsive.  Due to this, he continually tapped the infant.  When it appeared that the infant was breathing on its own, Clerk wrapped the baby in a towel to raise its body temperature. 

During the resuscitation, Officer Arrington had to support the large woman in a very difficult position so Clerk could have access to the child.  The extremely tight quarters of the bathroom made their rescue efforts difficult.  After several minutes, the fire ambulance responded and cut the umbilical cord.  Clerk took the baby into the ambulance where EMTs from Overlook Hospital treated the baby for hypothermia.  Clerk stopped by the scene a week after the incident and relayed that it appears that baby suffered no lasting trauma from the incident.

Due to their alertness, coordination and calm demeanor during highly emotional call, they were able to save the life of a newborn.  Without hesitation or concern over their own safety, Arrington and Clerk clearly averted a tragedy.  Their actions reflect credit upon themselves and the entire police department. 

OUTSTANDING POLICE WORK

Presented to Union County Prosecutor's Office

Union County Prosecutor's Office Intelligence Unit
Union County Prosecutor's Office Gang Task Force
Union County Prosecutor's Office Narcotic Strike Force

LIEUTENANT KEVIN FOLEY
LIEUTENANT LESTER SWICK
LIEUTENANT MICHAEL BURNS

Union County Prosecutor’s Office Intelligence Unit

In January 2003, the Union County Prosecutor’s Office established an Intelligence Unit whose mission was to create a Union County criminal intelligence-sharing network to produce tactical and strategic assessments on the existence, identities and capabilities of criminal suspects and criminal enterprises, and to further the prevention of crime and law enforcement objectives identified by the UCPO.  The Unit under the command of Lieutenant Kevin Foley was also tasked with mapping criminal activity and identifying criminal modus operandi. 

The collection of intelligence data is the foundation of any Intelligence Unit.  The Intelligence Unit inputs every arrest report and field interview report generated in Union County.  Detectives assigned to the Intelligence Unit liaison with high schools, middle schools and community leaders in Union County to identify gang problems and trends.  This intelligence information is then assessed and disseminated back into the law enforcement community.

Prosecutors and top staff members from other Prosecutors’ Offices’ in the State have come to visit and observe the day-to-day operations of the UCPO’s Intelligence Unit after which they have established intelligence units in their respective counties modeled after the UCPO’s Intelligence Unit.  Our organization is proud to honor Lt. Foley with the Outstanding Police Work Award for his exemplary leadership and dedication.

Union County Prosecutor’s Office Gang Task Force

Since the inception of this Unit, traditional methods of criminal investigations were utilized in its effort to address criminal street gang activities.  Law enforcement authorities in Union County did not observe a decrease in criminal street gang enterprises, and, in fact, saw a yearly escalation. 

In January 2007, the Gang Unit was placed under the command of Lieutenant Lester Swick with Unit’s mission to identify and attack specifically identified gang enterprises involved in violent criminal activities.  Since that time, a dramatic change has been documented.

With a progressive approach in attacking criminal street gang enterprises through the use of wiretaps, law enforcement personnel are able to identify and arrest the leaders, enforcers, gun suppliers and shooters of each individual criminal street gang enterprise.

We are honored to recognize the superb efforts of Lt. Swick with the Outstanding Police Work Award

Union County Narcotic Strike Force

The Narcotic Strike Force, under the command of Lieutenant Michael Burns, is the largest field unit within the Prosecutor’s Office.  The NSF mission revolves around a multitude of efforts, which include a patrol drug response, municipal search warrant preparation, speaking engagements to civic and government groups regarding drug enforcement, technical and surveillance assistance to local, state and federal law enforcement agencies and maintaining of a extensive inventory of sophisticated equipment utilized for the operation of the NSF. 

The enforcement effort of the NSF is two-phased.  The first phase is to assist local municipal police departments with the eradication of low-level, open air drug distributors in the 21 municipalities that make up Union County.  The second phase, which is the priority phase of the NSF, is to identify and arrest mid-level and upper-level drug dealers operating within Union County.  This second phase is accomplished by utilizing a full spectrum of law enforcement techniques, including surveillance operations, undercover operations, search warrant executions, and electronic surveillance. 

We honor Lt. Burns with the Outstanding Police Work Award for his excellent work in commanding this exemplary strike force. 

DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD

For nearly 30 years, Former Assistant Director Joseph Billy, Jr., has served the United States with exemplary service to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Department of Justice.  He holds a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from the University of South Carolina.  During his career in the FBI, he also has served as Special Agent in Charge of the Newark and New York field offices.  In connection with these assignments, Mr. Billy has received the Presidential Rank of Meritorious Executive Award, the United States Attorney General’s Award and the FBI Director’s Award for pioneering several initiatives to help fight against international terrorism.

The bulk of Mr. Billy’s service has been in National Security matters, where he has distinguished himself in a variety of programs and initiatives that have significantly protected the U.S. to include the New Jersey and New York areas from terrorist attack, hostile foreign intelligence and substantial criminal threats.  He has repeatedly been called upon to assume demanding and top priority assignments that have required significant sacrifice to both himself and his family.

One of Mr. Billy’s toughest challenges was leading the Nation’s largest Joint Terrorist Task Force in New York City immediately following the September 11th attack.  Several years later, he assumed responsibility of heading the FBI’s National Counterterrorism Program as its Assistant Director.  These and other posts held by Mr. Billy are the results of his well-earned reputation as an outstanding problem solver, whose sound judgment, creativity, and thoroughness ensured every aspect of the FBI’s mission was being addressed.

Mr. Billy lead the Counterterrorism Division in what was considered the greatest threat to the Homeland since 9/11 and concerned a plot to target U.S.-bound jetliners from the United Kingdom.  Mr. Billy was called upon to ramp up every aspect of the Counterterrorism program to address the threat and look for any and all possible connections to additional plots of operatives who might be in the U.S.  Through a hands-on approach and direct involvement with leaders within the Intelligence Community, any further terrorism utilizing jetliners was neutralized.

Immediately following Al-Qaeda attacks destroying our Embassies in East Africa, Mr. Billy led an investigation team to Tanzania where he served as On-Scene Commander.  Operating 7,000 miles away in a foreign land required Mr. Billy to set up an organizational structure of incredibly complex design.  Mr. Billy worked to establish a relationship with the heads of Tanzania Police Department, who were naturally leery of the FBI’s role in their country.  As Mr. Billy supervised the investigation, he was called upon to lead a team to Pakistan to take custody of one of the plot co-conspirators.  Through careful discussion with his counterparts in Pakistan, the co-conspirator was received and additional investigative leads were developed, ultimately leading to the complete identification of others involved in the attack plot.  

Throughout his FBI service and especially during the last eight years as a Senior Executive, Mr. Billy has built cooperative and long-lasting relationships both within and outside the FBI/DOJ organizations.  He led an effort with the Justice Ministry of South Africa that resulted in the historic development of the South African Scorpion investigative team; he pioneered Counterterrorism training for local European police officers and the International Law Enforcement Academy in Hungary; and developed the initial strategy with the Attorney in Hungary; and developed the initial strategy with the Attorney General to utilize existing immigration statues to assist in Counterterrorism investigations.

We honor Joseph Billy, Jr. for his distinguished service and selfless dedication to the Nation, as well as his service to International, Federal, State and Local Law Enforcement.

DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD

American heroes are from all walks of life, and most importantly are humble and shy from recognition.  This Distinguished Service Award is being presented to a gentleman that has served our state and nation his entire adult life.  Enlisting in the United States Army at age eighteen, John Nunn performed his duties in a stellar fashion culminating in a two year tour in Germany.

Returning to his home in Newark, New Jersey, John entered the Newark Police Department where he served in various positions of responsibility to include Patrol Supervisor, Narcotics OIC, East Director Investigations Officer, and retired as a Precinct Lieutenant.  During his tenure with Newark P D, Lt. Nunn was instrumental in the successful investigations that included the DEA, Newark PD, and HIDA on several occasions that netted tens of thousands of dollars, kilos of cocaine, and dozens of arrests.  Most notably were the two investigations in Queens and Bronx New York that resulted in the disruption of major drug trafficking in the Northeast corridor.  Lieutenant Nunn was a well respected, lead-by-example supervisor that all attempted to emulate.

Upon retiring from the Newark Police Department, John was activated in the New Jersey Army National Guard, mobilized, and served our nation as the Executive Officer of the 42nd Division Support Command.  In this capacity, Lieutenant Colonel Nunn was responsible to keep the commander abreast of the health, welfare, and morale of the 1,800 soldiers under his authority while maintaining combat operations in support of a divisional unit that was engaged in conflict.  This included the supply and resupply of ammunition, fuel, and food, while maintaining the safety of the supply routes to and from the objective from the forward operating base, Camp Spiker, Tikrit, Iraq.  This mobilization/deployment was the longest in our states history since WW II.

Once again, returning to his home in New Jersey, John remained active in the New Jersey Army National Guard where he has been recognized for his achievements and accomplishments having been promoted to the rank of Brigadier General.  Among General Nunn’s awards and decoration are the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Iraqi Campaign Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and the Global War on terrorism Medal.

General Nunn continues to serve the State of New Jersey as the Director of Youth Challenge, Department of Military and Veterans Affairs.  General Nunn provides the leadership and direction that ensures the success of a world class program which provides a resident based education for at rick youth that dropped out of school.  General Nunn’s success is seen in the number if young adults that have completed their high school education and either continued on to college, joined the military, or have become productive members of our society.

John M. Nunn, Police Lieutenant, Army General Officer, Youth Challenge Director, has displayed courage, fortitude and integrity while always being the best one can be.