Clark Police Department Honors Heroes, Celebrates Promotions and Awards

In the past year, Clark police officers have saved lives through CPR, prevented suicides, responded to tragedies like the Eryka Underwood incident, and caught suspects like the Rite Aid robber.

On Monday night, before the regular council meeting in council chambers, Mayor Sal Bonaccorso, Clark Police Chief Denis Connell and Public Safety Director John DeSimone recognized several police officers for their bravery and service with annual promotions and awards. 

Before beginning, Chief Connell thanked special guests in the audience: Union County Undersheriff Vincent DeTrolio, Kenilworth Police Chief Ken Grady, Former Clark Police Chief Sandy Danco, uniformed members of the Elizabeth and Kenilworth departments and State PBA Vice President Keith Dunn.

First to receive a promotion was Sergeant Pedro Matos, who was promoted from sergeant to lieutenant. Also promoted from sergeant to lieutanent was Sergeant James Rapp. Officer Pat Grady was promoted from patrolman to sergeant, as his uncle, Kenilworth Chief Ken Grady, held the bible for his swearing in. Mayor Bonaccorso swore in the promotions as the officers stood at the podium with their wives and children. 

Next, Chief Connell presented the night's awards. Connell explained that awards are given to officers by other officers in the department through a committee formed within the department.

Officer Brian Renda received the Lifesaving Award for his actions on Oct. 27, 2010 when he responded to a medical call for an unresponsive male. Upon arrival, Renda realized the man had no pulse. Renda applied an automated external defibrillator and also performed CPR until medics arrived. As a result of his actions, a pulse was regained and the man survived what would otherwise have been a life-ending event, according to Chief Connell.

Officers Brian Soos, Daniel Joy and Chris Tuccio also received the Lifesaving Award for their actions on October 15, 2010, when they responded to a medical call for an unresponsive male. Upon arrival, the officers also realized the man had no pulse. The officers performed three-man CPR as a team for 10 minutes and were able to regain a pulse. The man began breathing before medics arrived.

Lieutenant Alan Schreb, Sergeant John Dougherty, and Officers Brian Soos, Chris Tuccio and Joseph Mirabile received the Platoon Award for their actions on Nov. 20, 2010, when they responded to the scene of the firepit incident. When the officers arrived, they found the two juveniles who had been severely burned. The officers secured the area, located witnesses, performed medical triage and made sure Medevac was called in a timely manner.  

Lieutenant James Rapp and Officer Terrance Harrison received the Distinguished Service Award for their actions on June 21, 2010 when they responded to a suicidal male at the Madison Hill Road bridge over the Garden State Parkway who was attempting to jump. Rapp approached the man to establish a relationship and keep his attention, while Harrison was able to grab him before he was able to jump.

Officer Chris Lott also received the Distinguished Service Award for his actions on Dec. 24, 2010 when he responded to headquarters and spoke to several people who were concerned about a family member who might commit suicide. Through his investigation, Lott was able to determine that the man had taken a large quantity of prescription medication and was driving around Clark. Lott continued to speak with the party and was able to determine that the man was in posession of a loaded hand gun and learned eventually that he had returned to his residence in Colonia. Clark and Woodbridge officers responded to the residence and were able to safely take the man into custody. 

Sergeant Vince Concina, Sergeant Joseph LaPrete, Officers Daniel Pitts, Brian Renda, Terrance Harrison and Joseph Testone received the Honorable Service Medal for their actions on Feb. 2, 2011 when they responded to a report of an After speaking with witnesses, the officers were able to create a circle around the suspect's vehicle, safely disarm him and take him into custody.

Police dispatchers Jen Cottone and Kelly Wray also received the Distinguished Service Award for their coordinated efforts during the