Byram holds first police awards ceremony in more than two years

The Byram Township Council on Oct. 19 presented awards to members of the Byram Township Police Department.

The department’s Facebook page posted the following:

“Thank you to Mayor Alex Rubenstein and the Township Council for hosting a Police Department Awards Ceremony at last night’s council meeting. This was our first awards event in over two years due to Covid-related restrictions and it was an honor to recognize some of our officers for their hard work and dedication to the residents of Byram Township.

“We started the night swearing-in our two newest officers, Ptl. Christopher Spaldo and Ptl. Derek Kuncken. Employed by Byram Township since July 2020, this was the first opportunity to have a swearing-in ceremony with their family and friends. Both officers have been doing an outstanding job since beginning patrol activities in December 2020 and we look forward to their continued growth in the law enforcement profession.

“The Good Conduct Award for 20 years of service was presented to Sgt. Mariani, Sgt. DeWald, Ptl. Sodano and Ptl. Marin. The Good Conduct Award for fifteen years of service was presented to Lt. Moreland and Ptl. Perry received the same award for five years of service.

“The Educational Achievement Award for the completion of a bachelor’s degree was awarded to Ptl. Lisa, Ptl. Spaldo and Ptl. Kuncken.

“The Unit Citation Award was presented to Sgt. Mariani, Sgt. DeWald, Sgt. Dellicker, Ptl. Sodano, Det. Tierney, Ptl. Mendelsohn, Ptl. Spaldo and Ptl. Kuncken. These officers conducted various response, recovery, and investigative operations after the discovery of a homicide victim and crime scene in the East Brookwood section of the township on December 19, 2020. Their collective efforts and seamless coordination with various other local and federal agencies quickly led investigators to the suspects in Watertown, N.Y.

“The Exceptional Service Award was presented to Sgt. Dellicker for providing instrumental assistance to a joint investigation involving multiple local and federal law enforcement agencies that led to the successful apprehension and prosecution of the suspect.

“Congrats to all these officers for their outstanding work and commitment to our community and thank you to everyone who was able to attend.”