Law Enforcement & Civilian Commendations | Montgomery County, PA

May 12, 2023 Press Release

Civilian Commendations for Exceptional Service:

Beth Weber (Chesterbrook, Pa.)

Amna Zaim (Phoenixville, Pa.) (not pictured)

For helping a 5-year-old boy who was attempting to escape his abuser at a gas station; then subsequently providing eyewitness accounts that helped lead to the defendant pleading guilty to Aggravated Assault and Endangering the Welfare of a Child. 

Dorothy Coleman (Belmont Hills, Pa.)

Jody Kelley (Belmont Hills, Pa.) (not pictured) 

For astutely observing a defendant rummaging through a vehicle in their neighborhood, then assisting Lower Merion Township Police in locating the vehicle and the defendants, who had committed an armed carjacking earlier in the evening.

Christian Hernandez (Souderton, Pa.)

For assisting Upper Dublin Township Police in communicating with a victim’s family in Mexico regarding medical and end-of-life decisions for their loved one who was hit by a SEPTA train. 

Medal of Valor:

The District Attorney’s most prestigious award, the Law Enforcement Medal of Valor is presented to those select members of law enforcement who bravely placed their lives at risk to protect the citizens of Montgomery County. The Medal of Valor was last awarded in 2012.

Cpl. Matthew Stadulis, Whitemarsh Township Police Department

For bravery and exemplary performance during what appeared to be a routine call when a suspect fired a stolen gun at the officer at point-blank range, which thankfully did not fire, then the officer was able to disarm the suspect, protect his own firearm and radio for back-up.

Sgt. Stephen Winneberger, Limerick Township Police Department

Ofc. John Burdsall, Upper Providence Township Police Department 

Ofc. Michael Sheehan, Upper Providence Township Police Department 

For bravery and exemplary performance during a standoff at a condominium complex where the suspect immediately began shooting at arriving officers, narrowly missing officers as they managed to obtain cover, and continued to shoot at officers before he was subdued by a non-fatal shot to his shoulder and was taken into custody.

Law Enforcement Commendation for Heroism:

Ofc. Eric Curcio, Lower Merion Township Police Department

For exceptional performance negotiating during a standoff with an intoxicated man waving a gun, de-escalating the situation, which allowed the man to be safely taken into custody and obtain needed mental health care.

Law Enforcement Commendation for Exceptional Performance:

Det. Joseph Gary, Lansdale Police Department

For his excellence, dedication and commitment to the extensive homicide investigation of Ebony Pack. 

Det. Ivan R. Martinez, Berks County District Attorney Detectives 

For assisting Montgomery County Homicide Detectives in the negotiation with and apprehension of a defendant who fatally shot his former girlfriend while her children were in the apartment.

Ofc. Craig Bald, Upper Moreland Township Police Department 

Det. Todd Smith, Upper Moreland Township Police Department

For the heads-up traffic stop, investigation and recovery of DNA evidence that led to charging of the vehicle’s occupants with a Philadelphia murder and other crimes.

Lt. Edward Sarama, Lower Merion Township Police Department 

Det. Gregory Pitchford, Lower Merion Township Police Department (not pictured)

For the multi-jurisdictional investigation and key testimony during prosecution of a dangerous serial predator who attempted to rob and kidnap women at gunpoint, seriously injuring two of them. 

Det. Brandan Dougherty, Upper Merion Township Police Department 

Det. Andrew Rathfon, Upper Merion Township Police Department

For the extensive, meticulous and lengthy investigation into a series of burglaries of numerous historical firearms and other artifacts from museums all along the Eastern Seaboard and the successful recovery and repatriation of these priceless pieces of American history. 

Det. Gregory Pitchford, Lower Merion Township Police Department (not pictured)

For the excellent investigation of multiple robberies of 7-Eleven stores in Lower Merion and Philadelphia. 

May 12, 2022 Press Release

Civilian Commendations:

Paula Singer (Ardmore, PA.)

Jennifer Schauble (Gulph Mills, PA.)

Marie Pregler (Horsham, PA.)

For their commitment to Montgomery County youths and exceptional service as a community member of the Youth Aid Panel Program. Also pictured is Director of the Youth Aid Panel Program, Angela Bell.

Carnell Kemp (Abington Township Refuse Department)

Michael Mayer (Abington Township Refuse Department) 

Juan Vasquez (Trenton, N.J.) 

For their assistance with the apprehension of the defendant and providing crucial testimony in the successful prosecution of Gilbert Newton III for the First-Degree Murder of his former girlfriend.

Paul Leonard (Retired Upper Dublin Township Manager)

Chief Andy Rathfon (Fort Washington Fire Company)

Deputy Chief Daniel Wade (Upper Dublin Police Department)

Lt. Darren S. Nyce (Upper Dublin Police Department)

For outstanding initial response, emergency management, ongoing recovery related to Hurricane Ida and a corresponding tornado that struct Upper Dublin Township. Also pictured is Upper Dublin Police Chief Francis Wheatley.

Det. Phillip Geliebter, Abington Township Police Department

For an excellent investigation of a rape by a family member and the subsequent extradition of the defendant from Europe, who was then tried and found guilty.

Sgt. Ryan Duntzee (Abington Township Police Department)

Det. Holly Halota (Lower Moreland Township Police Department) 

For leading the extensive investigation into a series of 10 church burglaries, a residential burglary, five stolen vehicles, and the successful apprehension of the two defendants.

Lt. Rebecca Mersky, Springfield Township Police Department

Sgt. Nelson Whitney III, Springfield Township Police Department

Ofc. Edward Gross, Springfield Township Police Department (not pictured)

Ofc. Ralph Burrows, Springfield Township Police Department

Ofc. Thomas Sweeney, Springfield Township Police Department (not pictured)

Det. Robert Baiada, Springfield Township Police Department

Det. Stephen Craig, Springfield Township Police Department

For the excellent response to an armed robbery in progress involving a firearm and the subsequent apprehension of the actors.

Joel Greco, Lansdale Borough Police Department

For the outstanding investigation of an initial filming incident at a school that led to the discovery of thousands of images of child pornography as well as evidence of the defendant sexually assaulting a 6-year-old girl to produce his own child pornography.

AUSA Christopher Parisi, U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania

For the successful federal prosecution of significant drug trafficker David Cooper, which resulted in the conviction and a sentence of 32 years in federal prison.

Senior Supervisory Intelligence Analyst Steve Tori, Mid-Atlantic Great Lakes Organized Crime Law Enforcement Network (MAGLOCLEN)

For providing high-quality and detailed key exhibits for use in First-Degree Murder trials, especially during the crush of murder trials in 2021-2022.

Cpll. Joseph Harmon, Pennsylvania State Police (Troop K, Skippack Barracks) 

Tpr. Christopher J. Abbott, Pennsylvania State Police (Troop K, Skippack Barracks)

Tpr. Seth G. Betancourt, Pennsylvania State Police (Troop K, Skippack Barracks) 

Tpr. Seth A. Heffner, Pennsylvania State Police (Troop K, Skippack Barracks)

Tpr. Jason K. Henley, Pennsylvania State Police (Troop K, Skippack Barracks)

Tpr. Jeffrey A. Simmons, Pennsylvania State Police (Troop K, Skippack Barracks)

Troop K Midnight Squad performed exemplarily well during 2021, making numerous significant arrests including for DUIs, drug trafficking and wanted individuals, as well as seizing 29 illegal firearms and rescuing a young victim of human trafficking.

Sgt. Matthew L. Kuhnert, Lower Providence Township Police Department

Cpl. Robert Heim, Lower Providence Township Police Department

Ofc. Reginald Nealy, Lower Providence Township Police Department

Ofc. Matthew M. Barber, Lower Providence Township Police Department

Cpl. Brian D. Bishop, West Norriton Township Police Department (not pictured)

Ofc. John J. Barnshaw, Collegeville Borough Police Department

Ofc. William Murphy, Bridgeport Borough Police Department

Code Enforcement Officer Jordan McCourry, Lower Providence Township

For the exceptional bravery and performance during a standoff that began as a code enforcement incident with a hoarding resident but morphed into a standoff when the resident brandished a firearm, threatened police and ultimately detonated explosives, setting fire to his own and other’s homes.

October 7th, 2021 Press Release
 

Civilian Commendations:

Duongvida “Vimul” Ros

For calling 911 after observing Walmart shooter Keenan Jones ditch the firearm used in the attack and then waiting on scene to show police its location. Also pictured is Ofc. Matt Hungerford. 

 
 

Nadirah Muhammad

Kyle Stewart

Tim Snowberger (not pictured)

For key assistance in the investigation and criminal prosecution of Lawrence Crawley, who was convicted of the first-degree murder of his former girlfriend outside of her place of employment in Whitpain Township. 

 
 
 

 

William Tobin 

For his longtime, essential assistance with Montgomery County’s Drug Take Back Day.

 
 
 

 

Ken Hoffman

For his more than 20 years of volunteering in Abington Township, especially his assistance with the Abington Township Police Department.

 
  

 
 Linda Sposato

For her commitment, as an essential member of Mothers Against Drunk Driving, to the fight against drunk driving and her commitment to its victims.

 
 
 UNABLE TO ATTEND CEREMONY

Tracy Thompson 

For her bravery in coming forward and her crucial testimony in the prosecution of Montgomery County Correctional Facility corrections officers on assault and tampering with evidence charges.
 
 

LAW ENFORCEMENT Commendations:

 
 Ofc. Matt Hungerford, Cheltenham Township Police Department
For rushing in as the Cheltenham Walmart shooting was in progress.

 
 
 

 
 Ofc. Eric Fries, Lower Merion Township Police Department

Ofc. Christopher Kubik, Lower Merion Township Police Department

Ofc. Alexander Muller, Lower Merion Township Police Department

Ofc. John O’Brien, Lower Merion Township Police Department

Ofc. Michael Pleasants, Lower Merion Township Police Department

Ofc. Andrew Rook, Lower Merion Township Police Department

Ofc. Jeffrey Seamans, Lower Merion Township Police Department

Det. Bryn Garner, Lower Merion Township Police Department

Det. Joseph Hunsicker, Lower Merion Township Police Department

Det. John Mick, Lower Merion Township Police Department

Det. Greg Pitchford, Lower Merion Township Police Department

Thomas O’Donnell, Norristown Fire Department Chief

For extraordinary work in saving a family and its pets after a defendant threw a firebomb on their home’s porch, then successfully investigating and arresting the defendant.

 
 
 

 
 Det. Rick Beaghley, Abington Township Police Department

Det. Shawn Nesbit, Abington Township Police Department

Det. Cindy Pettinato, Abington Township Police Department

For the successful investigation and prosecution of a predator who sexually assaulted two children.

 
 

  

Det. Rick Beaghley, Abington Township Police Department

Det. Michael Coyle, New Hanover Township Police Department

Det. Joel Greco, Lansdale Borough Police Department

Det. Constance Marinello, Upper Merion Township Police Department

Det. William Walter, Conshohocken Borough Police Department

For their dedication to protecting children from internet predators, especially in their response to handling child pornography reports that were 50 percent higher during COVID.

 
 

  

Sgt. Matthew Daywalt, Limerick Township Police Department

Ofc. James Reilly, Limerick Township Police Department

Ofc. Sergio Rodriguez, Limerick Township Police Department

Sgt Brian Tyler, Limerick Township Police Department

Cpl. John Oliveri, Upper Providence Township Police Department

Officer Michael Sheehan, Upper Providence Township Police Department

Officer Steve Dise, Upper Providence Township Police Department

For heroic actions in a dangerous domestic violence hostage situation that ended with the safe rescue of all victims.

 
 

  

Ofc. Harrison Colcher, Upper Gwynedd Township Police Department

Ofc. Minjoo Kim, Upper Gwynedd Township Police Department

Ofc. Yin Young, Upper Gwynedd Township Police Department

Sgt. Raymond Royds Jr., Upper Gwynedd Township Police Department

For the safe apprehension of an armed man who was threatening bystanders and police.

 
 
 

 

Ofc. Daniel Dalton, Lower Merion Township Police Department

Ofc. Joseph Lalor, Lower Merion Township Police Department

Ofc. Robert McGuire, Lower Merion Township Police Department

Ofc. Michael Theiss, Lower Merion Township Police Department

For the heads-up arrest of two individuals who ultimately had executed a string of armed robberies of 7-Eleven convenience stores.

 
 
 

 

Sgt. Thomas Falcon, Pennsylvania State Police (not pictured)

Tpr. Richard W. Sanzick Jr., Pennsylvania State Police

Tpr. Todd Wright, Pennsylvania State Police

For the excellent investigation of a heinous relationship violence murder in Perkiomen Township.

 
 

  

Det. Shea Johnson, Upper Providence Township Police Department

Ofc. Nate Walters, Abington Township Police Department

Det. John Wright, Upper Merion Township Police Department

Det. Zach Zeoli, Abington Township Police Department

For dedication to investigating all overdose deaths in Montgomery County and arresting the drug dealers who sold the deadly poison, thereby making Montgomery County safer.

 
May 8, 2019 Press Release
 
Civilian Commendations:

Rafael Ortiz, Philadelphia 

For bravery in the face of a surprise attack and saving the life of his friend.

Jason Bodnar, Norristown

For preventing further violence by talking a man, who had just shot his father, into putting down his firearm. 
 
 
 

Cameron Barrett, Collegeville

For his courageous efforts to help in the apprehension of a man who caused a major car crash and then carjacked another car to flee.

 
 
 Kimberly Ann Olivera, Feasterville (not pictured)  

For her quick actions when faced with an armed bank robber that helped save her co-workers and customers from harm.

 
 
 Heroism Award Commendations: 

Sgt. Drew Kent, Abington Township Police Department

For heroic actions in a dangerous domestic violence hostage situation that ended with the safe rescue of all victims. 
 
 

Law Enforcement Commendations:
 

Det. Sgt. Thomas Leahan, Pottstown Borough Police Department
 Det. Heather Long, Pottstown Borough Police Department
 Det. Mark Wickersham, Pottstown Borough Police Department
 Det. Brooke Fisher, Pottstown Borough Police Department
Officer Corey Pfister, Pottstown Borough Police Department (not pictured)
Officer Jacob Ritter, Pottstown Borough Police Department (not pictured)
Officer Kevin Gorman, Philadelphia Police Department (not pictured)

For the superior investigation into an attempted murder in Pottstown, the support for the victim and the manhunt and ultimate arrest of the defendant. 
 
 
 

Lt. Ryan Devlin, Lansdale Borough Police Department
 Chief Michael Trail, Lansdale Borough Police Department
Det. Joel Greco, Lansdale Borough Police Department (not pictured)

 

For the successful investigation and support of two young girls who had been sexually assaulted by three men known to the family
 
 
 

Det. Brendan Dougherty, Upper Merion Township Police Department
 Det. David Crawford, Norristown Police Department
 Det. Sgt. Richard Hoffner, Hatfield Township Police Department
Det. Todd Walter, Montgomery Township Police Department

For the successful investigation of five rooftop burglaries in Montgomery County and the subsequent arrests of three individuals.
 
 
 

Off. Daniel Rose, Montgomery Township Police Department 

For a heads-up traffic stop in a high-crime area that led to the arrests of two individuals for drugs and the recovery of nine stolen firearms.
 
 
 

Det. Sgt. Richard Schaffer, Cheltenham Township Police Department
 Sgt. Joseph O’Neill, Cheltenham Township Police Department
 Officer Stewart Coyle, Cheltenham Township Police Department
 Det. Robert Baiada, Springfield Township Police Department
 Det. Cpl. Robert Chiarlanza, Springfield Township Police Department
 Det. Stephen Craig, Springfield Township Police Department
 Det. Timothy Hartman, Philadelphia Police Department

For the investigation into two armed robberies at a 7-Eleven store and CVS.
 
 
 

Det. Michael Scarpato, Upper Dublin Township Police Department

For the investigation and arrest of an internet predator who raped a 14-year-old girl. 
 
 
 

Officer A. Edward Bove, Lower Merion Township Police Department

For the heads-up pursuit of an armed bank robber that resulted in his apprehension. 
 
 
 

Det. Gregory Pitchford, Lower Merion Township Police Department
 Det. Sgt. David DiNardo, New Castle County (Del.) Police Department
 Det. Lt. Steven Fink, Abington Township Police Department
Det. Christine Konieczny, Lower Merion Township Police Department (not pictured)

For the successful multi-jurisdictional investigation into a string of burglaries and the jeweler fence and for diligently working to reunite the stolen jewelry with its rightful owners.

Det. Raymond Royds, Upper Gwynedd Township Police Department 

For the successful investigation into stolen cyanide and for coordinating with multiple agencies on the investigation of the poison being dumped. 

Agent Harry Gaab, Pennsylvania State Parole
 Det. David Crawford, Norristown Police Department
 Officer Brian Saxon, Norristown Police Department

For the successful investigation and prosecution of an attempted murder.

Officer Matthew Musselman, Lower Pottsgrove Township Police Department
 Sgt. Robert Greenwood, Lower Pottsgrove Township Police Department
 Det. Daniel Kienle, Lower Pottsgrove Township Police Department

For the successful investigation that used facial recognition software to identify a dangerous armed robber. 
 
 
 

Det. Gregory Pitchford, Lower Merion Township Police Department
 Officer Francis Rippert III, Whitpain Township Police Department
 Officer Christopher Schwartz, Plymouth Township Police Department

For dedication to investigating all overdose deaths in Montgomery County and arresting the drug dealers who sold the deadly poison, thereby making Montgomery County safer.