Clark Police Department Promotes Officer, Recognizes Exemplary Service at City Council Meeting

CLARK, NJ — At the May 20th meeting of the Clark Township Council, the Clark Police Department formally promoted one of its officers while presenting awards to many others.

With his family at his side, Officer Joshua Weber was promoted to Traffic Safety Detective.

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Additionally, the Clark PD bestowed the following awards on over two dozen officers, and several civilians, for a range of activities, including life-saving initiatives and service efforts beyond the realm of one's regular duties and responsibilities.

Awards:

• Life Saving Award (Det. Paul Sosnowski, P.O. Nick Kurus and P.O. Cassandra Kinney)

For their combined efforts on Saturday, July 16, 2022, in performing CPR and employing an AED on an unresponsive 25-year-old male and ultimately regaining a pulse before the male was transported to the hospital.

• Life Saving Award (P.O. Michael DeAngelo and P.O. Brandon McKenna)

For their combined efforts on Wednesday, July 27, 2022, in performing CPR and employing an AED on an unresponsive 70-year-old male at LA Fitness and ultimately regaining a pulse before the male was transported to the hospital.

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• Platoon Award (Sgt. Michael Ciaccio, Sgt. Omer Olmeda, Det. Daniel Joy, Det. Paul Sosnowski, Det. Andrew Medeiros, P.O. Giovaninna Prisco, P.O. Brandon McKenna, P.O. Patrick Delome, Disp. Tom Buczynski and Disp. Joseph Gribbin)

Written Commendation (Sgt. Michael Ciaccio)

For their collaborative efforts on Saturday, May 6, 2023, during a period of attempted motor vehicle burglaries, officers responding to a foot pursuit radioed by Sgt. Ciaccio, with collaborative efforts from outside agencies, the Union County Police drone unit was requested, deployed and emitted a heat source on its display where the suspect was hiding trying to evade officers. Subsequently, he was arrested and charged with Obstruction of the Administration of Law, Resisting Arrest, and other theft-related offenses.

• Honorable Service Award (Det. Bruce McDonald)

Platoon Award (Det. Brian Soos, Det. Daniel Joy, Det. Bruce McDonald, Det. Mark Detore and Det. Paul Sosnowski)

For their collaborative efforts commencing on Thursday, June 1, 2023, during a period of residential burglaries where suspects entered in attempt to search for vehicle keys to commit the act of motor vehicle thefts of high-end vehicles, incidents that plagued the entire state of New Jersey. The investigation led by Det. Bruce McDonald and the entire Detective Bureau spanned three months, ultimately leading to the arrest of two juvenile suspects charged with multiple counts of 3rd degree Burglary.

• Exceptional Service Award (Sgt. Michael Ciaccio and P.O. Patrick Delome)

Distinguished Service Award (Sgt. Omer Olmeda)
Written Commendation (Civilians): (Tommy Harrison and Danny Incorvaia)

For their collaborative efforts on Saturday, July 1, 2023, while responding to a call on an individual suffering from an acute mental health episode, and reasonably believing that medical attention was needed as they tried to assist the individual, a struggle ensued and a black handgun fell from the individual’s waistband. Officers gained control of the individual with the assistance of two civilians, successfully placing him in handcuffs and providing him with the medical attention needed, transporting him to the hospital. Ultimately, he was charged with 3rd degree Aggravated Assault on a LEO, 3rd degree Resisting Arrest by Force, and 3rd degree Unlawful Possession of a Weapon.

• Life Saving Award (P.O. Mazhar Elwardany, P.O. Michael DeAngelo and P.O. Joshua Weber)

For their combined efforts on Wednesday, August 23, 2023, in performing CPR and employing an AED on an unresponsive 49-year-old male and ultimately regaining a pulse before the male was transported to the hospital.

• Life Saving Award (Sgt. Christopher Tuccio, P.O. Brandon Pitts, P.O. Alexander Ruiz, P.O. Cassandra Kinney and Disp. Kelly Lipinski)

For their combined efforts on Friday, September 15, 2023, in performing CPR and employing an AED on an unresponsive 73-year-old male and ultimately regaining a pulse before the male was transported to the hospital.

Administrative Service Awards:

• SLEO I Robert Tarantino

During the course of the 2023 year, SLEO I Tarantino exceeded his job description and voluntarily accepted numerous assignments at all times of the day including, but not limited to, funeral escorts, funeral details, and traffic control posts at a moment’s notice. This is characterized by loyalty and devotion to duty to the department.

• Secretary Debbie DeAngelo, Detective Bureau

In recognition of outstanding dedication, professionalism, and exemplary service as the Records Bureau secretary. Your commitment to maintaining the highest standards of administrative support has greatly contributed to the efficiency and effectiveness of our police department. Your meticulous attention to detail, exceptional organizational skills, and unwavering support have set a standard of excellence that enriches our department.

• Chief Secretary Gina Marretta

In recognition of outstanding dedication, professionalism, and exemplary service as the Chief’s secretary. Your commitment to maintaining the highest standards of administrative support has greatly contributed to the efficiency and effectiveness of our police department. Your meticulous attention to detail, exceptional organizational skills, and unwavering support have set a standard of excellence that enriches our department.

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Of the awards and their recipients, Patrol Division Commander Captain Miguel Acabou said, "Their actions serve as a shining example to the law enforcement community and highlight the critical role that effective crisis intervention training and tactical expertise play in such situations. The officers and members of the community involved deserve recognition for their exceptional performance, bravery, and commitment to maintaining public safety.”

Congratulations to all those recognized at the May 20th meeting!

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