On April 5, 2016, the Cranford Policemen’s Benevolent Association Local #52, held their annual Silver Card and Awards Dinner. The honorary Silver Card recipients were Kathleen Ditzel (retired Cranford Police Communications Officer), Ralph Gregson (Parking Enforcement Officer and voluntary Cranford Police Auxiliary Captain), Kevin Brennan (Owner of Rockin’ Joe), and Attilio Guarino (Owner of Emma’s Brick Oven). Honorary silver card recipients are members of the public who have gone above and beyond in their efforts and support of Cranford PBA Local 52 over the years.
PBA Local 52 members Steven Toy, Joseph VanBergen, and Derek Farbanec were honored with Silver Life Memberships. Merit Awards were presented to Cranford Police Officers who exhibited outstanding acts of courage and valor described in the following scenarios.
On August 30, 2014 Edward Davenport, Russell Luedecker, William Pietrucha, and Timothy O’Brien responded to an active fire at a local apartment and managed to evacuate all of the residents, one of which was overcome by smoke inhalation, and contained the fire from spreading to additional apartments.
On January 22, 2015 Nadia Jones, Michael Dubitsky, and Gregory Federici were dispatched to an unresponsive female. Officers performed CPR and administering multiple defibrillator shocks, a pulse was restored.
On September 10, 2015 Edward Davenport, Frank Williams, William Pietrucha, Joseph Stulpin, Michael Andrews, Daniel Norton, and Jason D’Agostino responded to a call of a vehicle that drove into the Rahway River. Officers entered the rain swollen river and were able to rescue one occupant who later made a full recovery. As the overturned vehicle continued to sink into the river bed a second occupant was recovered from the vehicle that later succumbed to her injuries.
“We are very proud of all the men and women of the Cranford Police Department and their tireless efforts to keep our community safe,” said Cranford State Delegate Steven D’Ambola. “It is through the Officers’ and our Honorary Silver Card Recipients’ commitment and dedication to the township that make Cranford such a great place to live and work.”
(above l-r) Joseph Stulpin, President Tom Bell, Vice President Kelly Rieder, Steven Toy, Ralph Gregson, State Delegate Steven D’Ambola, Derek Farbanec, Joseph VanBergen, Attilio Guarino.
