2009 Valor Award Recipients

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Bergenfield Police Officer John Casper

On May 14th, 2008, while on vacation in the Bahamas, P.O. Casper was walking with a group of friends in Nassau when he observed two males standing near some bushes. As they continued towards the area where the men were standing, P.O. Casper sensed that something was suspicious about the men’s behavior. P.O. Casper looked directly at the men and acknowledged their presence as they passed on the narrow sidewalk. One of the males grabbed the handbag of one of the ladies in Casper’s group. The 72-year old woman was being dragged across the ground toward an area near some bushes as the handbag strap was caught around her arm. P.O. Casper immediately yelled, “STOP POLICE,” and ran towards the two men. As he rushed forward, he was knocked to the ground and struck his head. P.O. Casper got up and continued towards the men, not realizing that he had been shot in the hand. As he continued towards the men, one of the men raised a revolver and shot P.O. Casper a second time hitting him in the upper left chest. The men fled and P.O. Casper struggled to stay conscious. He was rushed to the closest hospital in a passerby’s car with serious internal damage and underwent several hours of life saving surgery. Bergenfield’s Chief of Police Frederick McGarril stated, “P.O. Casper is never off duty. He risked his life coming to the aid of a 72-year old woman being dragged on the ground. Off duty and unarmed his actions were heroic.” P.O. Casper has served over 23 years in Law Enforcement.

Police Officers Aldo Guerino, Matthew Thornhill and
John McTigue, Closter Police Department
Police Officers Justin Fierro and David Sprengel,
Harrington Park Police Department

On July 14, 2008 at approximately 10:15 PM a Harrington Park resident veered off the road in Closter and struck several large rocks before overturning his vehicle. Upon the arrival of the police officers, the car was engulfed in flames. Hanging upside down in the burning car the occupant was in and out of consciousness. As gasoline poured onto his head and flames and smoke billowed upwards of 15 feet in the air, passersby’s could hear him screaming for help. The heat and the flames from the burning vehicle were intense, however, the officers continued to use fire extinguishers to get close enough to get to the occupant in the vehicle. They managed to cut his seat belt and tried moving him but could not as his hand was stuck. It took minutes more of maneuvering his arm until his hand finally came free. As they pulled the driver out of the vehicle to a safe location within 30 seconds the air bags popped, the tires exploded and the car was completely engulfed in flames. The occupant was rushed to Hackensack University Medical Center where aside from minor injuries he was given a clean bill of health. Officer Sprengel had sustained minor burns to his arms and was treated at the scene by the Closter EMS and Officer McTigue was transported to Hackensack Medical Center. John Cichowski, The Road Warrior Columnist for The Record stated in his article “This is what we only see in the movies or on television. They are five heroes with plenty of fire extinguishers.” The DVD that can be downloaded of this rescue is appropriately known as “Miracle Rescue!”

Angelica Mercado
On May 20th, 2008, a gasoline tanker truck rolled over on the North off ramp of the New Jersey Turnpike in East Rutherford. The tanker was carrying more than 8,000 gallons of gasoline. Within minutes of the tanker being overturned the truck exploded. The driver of the tanker truck, Rajinder Singh, 33 of Queens managed to get himself out of the cab and onto the roadway. Angelica Mercado, 24, a student nurse with Holy Name Hospital was on her way to work the night shift. When she saw the tanker truck explosion she immediately pulled over and could see that Rajinder Singh was engulfed in flames. With no hesitation, she ran toward him, removing her coat and using it to smother the flames. Once all of the flames were out she placed him in her car, driving him to the nearest hospital, University Hospital in Newark. Later he was transferred to the care of burn specialists at St. Barnabas Hospital where he was described as in “critical but in stable condition.” Singh was reported as having second and third degree burns over 40% of his body. NJ Turnpike Authority’s Joe Orlando said “Angelica Mercado’s intervention was heroic, absolutely.” Michael Maron, Holy Name’s President and CEO said “This was a dangerous situation, one that many people would have run from – not toward. For such a young woman to have disregarded her own safety to help another is extraordinary.”

Meritorious Service Award Recipients

Officers Richard Alfieri & Thomas Gingerelli
Bergen County Sheriff’s Department
On Tuesday, August 12, 2008 Bergen County Sheriff’s Officers Alfieri and Gingerellli were dispatched to execute a “Writ of Possessions” at a residence in Saddle Brook. This detail required both officers to orchestrate the eviction of the home’s residents while a moving company packed the contents of the home to move the property to a storage facility. Upon arrival Alfieri and Gingerelli observed a male subject, who was the son of the homeowners, approximately 60 years of age, walk into the garage. The son then exited the garage with a piece of paper in one hand and a white plastic bag in his other hand and sat on the front steps. The moving truck pulled up in front of the house as the son then walked into the driveway. Both Alfieri and Gingrelli asked the movers to standby in their truck as they sensed something was wrong. They approached the son explaining to him that the eviction process would start in a few minutes. At that point the son pulled out of his pocket a black nine-shot revolver, pointed it at the officers and stated “It’s not going to happen like this today!” Both officers drew their service weapons, sought cover and began ordering the son to drop the gun. Initially the son refused responding “No! I’m not going to drop the gun!” Both officers continued to negotiate with the son and eventually convinced him to put the gun down on the ground. The son was taken into custody and charged with two counts of Aggravated Assault on a Police Officer,Possession of a Weapon for Unlawful Purpose, Possession of a Handgun without a Permit and Obstruction of a Governmental Functions. Further investigation revealed that the son was carrying a note in which he stated that he could no longer continue to live like this and tells his brother to take care of their mother. In addition he also had a copy of his Will in the plastic bag.

Captain Robert Chace, Leonia F.D.
Ex-Chief Steven Oxnard, Leonia F.D.
Deputy Chief Troy Wright, Leonia F.D.
In the early morning on July 23, 2008 a call came into the Leonia Fire Department that there was an odor of smoke in the neighborhood. The caller had also stated that he had been smelling smoke for over two hours. The visibility on this morning was difficult as a misty fog condition was banking low in the sky making it more difficult to trace the source of the smoke condition. As the police and fire trucks arrived on the street, they could see that the home’s second floor was already heavily engulfed in fire. The flames were more than 25 feet above the roof and the fire had begun to extend outside the front of the house, threatening the cars in the driveway and exposure to the neighbor’s house. Quickly assessing the fire conditions, a 2nd alarm was struck bringing mutual-aid fire units to the scene. The Police Officer on the scene forced in the front door but was unable to enter due to the severe fire conditions. Before the arrival of the 1st Fire Engine, Deputy Chief Wright and Captain Robert Chace donned their protective gear to begin a primary search. At the front door they were confronted with high heat, zero visibility and thick black acrid smoke, putting them at risk while attempting to search for victims. The firefighters were without the benefit of a charged hose-line to conduct the search. Both firefighters had difficulty in locating the stairs to the bedrooms. The staircase was not at its usual position of a private dwelling near the front door. They came upon the staircase towards the rear of the house. Once upstairs they began to search the hallway and two bedrooms. The third bedroom to the front of the house was now fully involved in flames. At this time, Ex-Chief Oxnard began a secondary search of the living room. The conditions were quickly intensifying. Oxnard came across an unconscious adult male, located betweena table and chair. He called for assistance and was joined by Chief Wright and Captain Chace. Once the victim was out of the house CPR began immediately on the victim. Despite the efforts of the firefighters and EMT’s, the victim later succumbed to his injuries.

Distinguished Service Award Recipients

Police Officer Jose Rivas, Fairview Police Department
Senior Corrections Officer Carl Lio, New Jersey Department of Corrections
On September 11, 2007 Officer Rivas was on patrol. Rivas was stopped by off-duty State Corrections Officer Lio as he had observed two suspicious male parties in the rear of the Firestone Tire Company. Rivas and Lio proceeded to the rear parking lot of Oritani Bank which is adjacent to the rear of the Fire Stone building. As both officers proceeded to the area they found a male on top of a female party. When the suspect saw the officer’s approaching he got up quickly up and started to run. Both officers pursued the man and were able to apprehend him. The female party was quickly transported to Palisades Medical Center where the victim stated she had been raped. Upon further examination the victim had a fractured skull and was bleeding internally. She had lacerations on her head and numerous bruises on her body. The victim had to be transferred to Columbia Presbyterian Hospital for further tests. On September 15, 2008 the 26 year old male suspect admitted in court that he raped a woman after she got off a bus and passed out on the sidewalk. He said he sexually assaulted her as his friend stood lookout. The suspect will receive up to 15 years in prison and must serve at least 85 percent of the term before parole.

Police Officer John Abraham, Teaneck Police Department
Sergeant Douglas Alcott, Teaneck Police Department
On October 13, 2008 Sgt. Alcott and Officer Abraham were patrolling the Township of Teaneck. At 10:48 AM they received a radio transmission on the state Police Emergency Network (SPEN) that a strong-armed robbery had just occurred at the Shop-Rite in Paramus. A description of the suspect and vehicle was broadcast. At 11:07 AM another report was sent out that a robbery had just occurred on Teaneck Road and the suspect was seen fleeing westbound on Route 4. Headquarters advised responding units that a witness was presently following the vehicle. Armed with this knowledge, Alcott and Abraham attempted to locate the vehicle. Within moments they received word that the witness who was following the suspect reported that they were now northbound on Hackensack Avenue in Hackensack. The officers exited Route 4 and once into the Borough of River Edge both Abraham and Alcott observed the suspects vehicle stopped at a traffic light. Alcott and Abraham alighted from their marked police vehicle, upholstered their service weapons and approached the driver’s side of the vehicle on foot. As they ordered the driver to exit his vehicle the suspect dismissed the order putting his car in reverse, just missing hitting Sergeant Alcott. Within seconds he put the car into drive and almost struck Officer Abraham. At this point another Teaneck Police Officer was on the scene and assisted Alcott and Abraham in subduing the suspect. The suspect was a dangerous and violent felon addicted to heroin. The suspect was charged accordingly in both jurisdictions and remanded to the Bergen County Jail in lieu of posting bail.

Firefighter Terence Byrne – Hackensack Fire Department
Firefighter Lt. John McMorrow – Hackensack Fire Department
Firefighter Lt. James J. Walker – Hackensack Fire Department
On November 15, 2007 Engine # 2 was dispatched to a report of a fire with occupants trapped. While enroute to the scene additional information from headquarters was that the Hackensack Police were on the scene and were reporting heavy fire with multiple occupants trapped. Deputy Chief Freeman requested additional engines, Hackensack Volunteer Ambulance Corps and the Teaneck Fire Department to respond as well. Ladder 2 was under the command of Lt. James Walker. Walker had placed a 28 foot ground ladder to the second floor window where the occupant was yelling for help in a very panicked and stressed state due to the heavy smoke condition in the apartment. As Lt. Walker made his way to the top of the ladder he was communicating with the trapped occupant who was trying to make the effort to exit the window onto the ladder. She was complaining of smoke inhalation and bad burning eyes. Lt. Walker was making every effort to calm the occupant and while doing so he observed members of the Rescue Co. in the process of a primary search. Acting Lt. McMorrow and FF Byrne were approaching the area of the window in the apartment. Lt. Walker made verbal contact with McMorrow and Byrne that under the circumstances it would be safer and quicker to remove the occupant through the interior stairs. The occupant was extremely panicked and she refused to be taken out through the apartment. Lt. Walker continued to reassure her that everyone would be ok. He managed to calm her down enough and told her to follow their instructions. McMorrow and Bryne were able to reach the occupant and safely removed her to the exterior court yard. The occupant was transported to the Hackensack University Medical Center Emergency Room. Engines from Bogota, S. Hackensack and Ridgefield Park Ladder also assisted on the scene. The efficient manner and rapid precision on the part of these three firefighters helped to avoid a potential loss of life or serious injury.

Firefighter Douglas C. Reinhart – Hackensack Fire Department
Firefighter Lt. James J. Walker – Hackensack Fire Department
On October 1, 2008 a building fire alarm was called in. Upon the arrival of Ladder # 1 they observed smoke coming from a first floor apartment. Ladder # 1 was under the command of Lt. Walker. Walker entered the building along with Probationary Firefighter Reinhart. Once inside the building they forced entry into the apartment and found a working fire involving the living room and its contents. FF Reinhart utilized a water can to hold the fire in check while Lt. Walker conducted a primary search under heavy smoke conditions. As Lt. Walker conducted the search he located a female occupant that was sleeping in her bedroom which was located next to the living room. Walker and Reinhart were able to remove the occupant to the common hallway. Engine # 5 was now on the scene and they removed the occupant out of the building to Emergency Medical Services for evaluation. Once again, the efficient manner and rapid precision on the part of these two firefighters helped to avoid a potential loss of life or serious injury. Upon further investigation it was found that the cause of the fire was carelessly discarded cigarettes.

JOHN R. RINALDI
Special Recognition Award Recipients

Dr. John Locurto
Aided Valor Recipient Police Officer John Casper
Dr. Locurto is the Chairman of the Surgery Department at Hackensack University Medical Center as well as a noted trauma specialist. Dr. LoCurto flew to the Bahamas to consult with the surgeon who initially operated on Valor Honoree Police Officer John Casper. Dr. LoCurto stayed in Nassau until arrangements could be made to fly Officer Casper home. Once the flight back to the United States was arranged, Dr. LoCurto flew with Officer Casper on the REsQ jet so that he could personally monitor John’s condition during the flight. Upon landing Officer Casper was rushed to the medical center where Dr. LoCurto was able to operate on him to remove the bullet lodged in his rib.

Mr. Paul Skiadas
Aided Valor Recipients of the Closter and Harrington Park Police
The owner of Paulie’s Restaurant in Closter, New Jersey, is located across from where the car fire occurred. He realized the severity of the motor vehicle accident and gave the police all of his fire extinguishers to use on the vehicle. The two officers who made entry into the car were exposed to hazardous fluids. They had burns on their hands and Mr. Skiadas brought buckets of ice to try and help those officers after the fact.

D.A.R.E. Officer Timothy Shoemaker
Ramsey Police Department
Officer Shoemaker has served as the Ramsey D.A.R.E. Officer for more then 12 years. His hard work and dedication to this position resulted in making a difference in the lives of numbers of children and their families within the Ramsey community. Ramsey Police Chief Bryan Gurney wrote of Officer Shoemaker “Tim would be the first to tell you that he is just one part of an amazing team, all involved in Ramsey D.A.R.E. His commitment has created a positive atmosphere to the more than 300 kids, school, parents and police. He deserves and has well-earned a lot of credit and praise for this.”






Rabbi Steven H. Golden
Aided Distinguished Service Award Recipients of the Teaneck Police Department
A mugging of an elderly couple in a Teaneck Shopping Center had just occurred and thanks to the brave and quick actions of Rabbi Golden, the suspect was ultimately arrested. Rabbi Golden took it upon himself to follow the robber as he sped away in his silver Nissan. Rabbi Golden maintained cell phone contact with the Teaneck Police informing them of the location on the robber.

Firefighter Lieutenant Clayton Borchard
Hackensack Fire Department
Lt. Borchard has served with the Hackensack Fire Department for 28 years. He began is career in 1980 and was promoted to Lieutenant in 1988. His efforts to the department and community had gained him so much respect that in 1997 Lt. Borchard was awarded the Firefighter of the Year Award. His hard work greatly benefited the citizens of Hackensack and surrounding communities as he was able to secure Federal grants of which the department was able to purchase the Fire Safety Smoke Trailer. Lt. Borchard also found time to volunteer and was a counselor for the Bergen County Juvenile Fire Prevention Program, for which he was awarded the Distinguished Volunteer Service Award.

Firefighter Cornelius J. Carroll
River Edge Volunteer Fire Department
Since 1965, FF Carroll has served in the River Edge Volunteer Fire Department. His father was a New York City Detective so the importance of community service was instilled in him from his youth. During his years with the fire department he rose to the rank of Chief. He also served as president and secretary for the department. Mr. Carroll also served on the Bergen County Fire Academy Board of Directors, County Assistant Chief Fire Coordinator, Secretary of the Bergen County Fire Chiefs Association and was the Bergen County Fire Evaluator at the Bergen County Academy. Beyond the town of River Edge and the County of Bergen, he served as a 9-1-1 commissioner representing the NJ State fire Chief’s Assoc. and was a County Delegate to the congressional Fire Service Caucus in Washington DC.

Captain Bill Kroepke, Sr.
Washington Volunteer Ambulance Corps
Captain Kroepke, Sr. is the President of the Pascack Valley Volunteer Ambulance Association. It has been said that “Bill is the glue that holds the Pascack Valley area together.” With more than 30 years of service to the corps he also gave to his community over 40 years experience in radio systems. He trained with the U.S. Coast Guard Military Service as a Communications Officer. He was a specialist designator for handling AM radio, VHF/FM radio and radio teletype communications systems. Upon receiving the Bergen County Volunteer of the Year Award in 2008, it was said, “The Township of Washington is a better place because of Bill. He continues to serve his home with honor and humility and for that we thank him.”

Rita VanGrouw and Seymour Wigod
Fair Lawn Borough Volunteer Ambulance Corps, Inc.
During the past eighteen months, Ms. VanGrouw and Mr. Wigod have developed and coordinated an extensive training program for the FLVAC Cadet Corp. The Cadet Committee is composed of several experienced members of the FLVAC who have a special commitment to young people. The committee works with the cadets in all aspects of emergency medical services training. Ms. VanGrouw and Mr. Wigod utilized the chairs and members of standing committees of FLVAC in order for the general members and cadets to have an opportunity to become familiar with each other and to learn all aspects of the services provided. The creation of a booklet that introduces all of the cadets to the entire members was created. Ms. VanGrouw and Mr. Wigod have dedicated themselves to the FLVAC and to this program which has been most beneficial to the members of the corps and to the community in which they serve.