Monroe County CrimeStoppers and members of the Greater Pocono Chamber of Commerce gathered for the 2nd Annual Law Enforcement Appreciation Dinner on Thursday, October 21, 2010 at the historic Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort to honor Monroe County Law Enforcement in three categories: Act of Valor, Meritorious Service and Community Service.
The Act of Valor Commendation was presented to area police who put their life at risk in an act of courage, while in the performance of their job. Those honored were as follows:
Pennsylvania State Police
Corporal Norman Cramer
Corporal Vincent P. Rauss
Trooper Christopher Bonin
Trooper David Diehl
In an incident which occured in August, 2010, Swiftwater patrols responded to a home in Pine Creek Estates in Price Township where a 20 year old male who resided at this location threatening to shoot himself. Corporal Vincent Rauss and Trooper David Diehl were searching the area since it was reported the individual fled into the woods. Corporal Rauss and Trooper Diehl entered the residence to obtain additional information. It was determined that the individual was in the attic in possession of a loaded shotgun and threatened to shoot both troopers. Fortunately, both troopers were able to climb out an upstairs window. Corporal Norman Cramer and Trooper Christopher Bonin arrived at the scene. They negotiated with the individual who peacefully surrendered. He was transported to Pocono Medical Center for a mental health evaluation.
Trooper Robert Lombardo
Trooper Robert Lombardo was traveling home at 4:00AM on Interstate 380 in Coolbaugh Township on July 30, 2010. A serious commercial vehicle crash had just occurred behind Trooper Lombardo’s vehicle. He never observed the crash, but heard something that sounded like an explosion and turned his vehicle around to investigate. He found a tractor trailer, which was traveling northbound on Interstate 380 had crossed over the grass median into the southbound lane and struck a jeep wrangler head-on, which was travelling southbound on Interstate 380. The jeep, which was being driven by Kyle Henry, age 23 of Pocono Summit, caught fire entrapping Mr. Henry inside. Trooper Lombardo used a fire extinguisher in the vehicle to put the fire out and removed Mr. Henry, who was critically injured. Trooper Lombardo’s dedication to duty and quick actions saved Mr. Henry’s life.
Pocono Township Police Department
Officer Jack Manuel
Officer Christopher Gupko
Officer Aaron Anglemeyer
Pocono Township Police Department was called to residence in Tannersville on January 26, 2010 due to a report of several men, wearing ski masks, ramming their way into the home and getting into a physical altercation with the father in the residence.
When Officer Jack Manuel, Officer Christopher Gupko and Officer Aaron Anglemeyer arrived at the scene, they observed a masked intruder in the home. The officers apprehended the suspect while he was attempting to flee out of the residence through the back door.
After apprehension, the suspect was found with a ski mask, rubber gloves and the victim’s possessions.
The officers cleared the residence to make sure there were no remaining suspects in the home. While no other suspects were found, the officers did find the father, with his face and hands bound with duct tape.
Stroud Area Regional Police Department
Officer Chris Shelly
Officer John Vogt
Officer Michael Petruzzi
Detective John Jacobson
Officer Emily Saracena
At their own peril, the following SARPD Officers Chris Shelly, John Vogt, Michael Petruzzi, John Jacobson and Emily Saracena entered the Westgate Apartment Building, a senior citizen housing multiple dwelling, located on West Main Street Stroudsburg, where the top floor had an apartment fully engulfed in flames and the hallway’s filled with smoke. Officers were able to navigate and evacuate the building saving numerous lives.
The Meritiorious Service Commendation honors law enforcement who perform an extraordinary act in the during the performance of the officer’s job. This year it was presented to Stroud Regional Police Department Officer David Singer.
While on routine patrol, Officer David Singer observed a suspicious vehicle traveling in the opposite direction. He turned his police vehicle around to check on the vehicle. Upon approach, Singer witnessed the occupants commit an armed robbery at the Sunoco Gas Station on Route 611, Stroud Township. In order to ensure the safety of the victims located inside the gas station, Singer waited until the actors left the gas station and then was involved in a high speed chase that resulted in the arrests of actors involved.
Our area law enforcement serve this community each hour of each day. However, numerous times, their community service does not end when their shift is over. Often they continue to serve as coaches, mentors and tutors.
Therefore, the Community Service Award acknowledges their service. Those honored this year were as follows:
Pocono Township Police Department
Sergeant Phil Riley
As the D.A.R.E. Officer for Pocono Elementary School, Warner Road in Tannersville, Sgt. Phil Riley (Officer Phil as he is affectionaly called by his students) is directly responsible for teaching the 5th grade students to make healthy choices and steer clear from drugs and alcohol. He performs this task with the utmost care and dedication. Riley’s connection with the students allows them to listen and relate to his teachings. Just as important he listens to them.
Detective James Wagner
As a little league coach, Detective James Wagner goes out to the field each practice and not only teaches his team members the rules of the game but also incorporates lessons about team work and good ethics. His sports lessons apply directly to life’s lessons.
Stroud Area Police Department
Officer Kenneth Palmer
Officer Kenneth Palmer’s continuous duties as liaison officer for the Boy Scouts Of America (BSA) including conducting guided tours of the Stroud Area Regional Police facilities and agency practices. Groups ranging from new Cubs Scouts to Weblo Scouts of 15 to 40 people are guided by Officer Palmer
who explains in detail the operations and equipment used by Stroud Regional Police.
In every case Officer Palmer is given high praise and acclaim by Scout Leaders
and parents alike.
In addition Officer Palmer leads many memorial motorcycle gatherings through the year, ranging from benefit rides to memorial rides, often on his own time. Officer Palmer exercises great honor in this duty, ensuring his motorcycle is exceptionally clean, and that his
motor uniform is in perfect condition. Officer Palmer has been recipient of awards
because of his dedications to various chapters.
Officer Palmer is liaison to multiple Crime Watch organizations in the past, bridging the gap between law enforcement and citizens involved in the crime watch groups.
