POLICE HONORED FOR SAVING LIVES

Several awards presented to local officers and citizens

WEST CHESTER >> Police Chief Scott Bohn and Mayor Carolyn Comitta presented several awards to West Chester’s Finest, at Wednesday’s Board of Supervisor’s meeting.

Almost a dozen West Chester Police Officers received awards for saving a life. Two unit awards were presented for achieving outstanding accomplishments as a result of teamwork. Two members of the public were also lauded for rendering life-saving assistance.

It was a Kodak moment, but thankfully, digital photography has replaced film. The overflow audience rose several times for standing ovations.

Presenting awards was the final official duty of eight-year Mayor Carolyn Comitta, who is leaving the post as she is now serving as a state representative for Pennsylvania’s 156th Legislative District.

Bohn said that all borough officers “do a phenomenal job.”

“I couldn’t be prouder of their work,” he said. “There’s nothing more honorable than serving the public.”

Comitta said that it’s vital to recognize officers and for citizens to know about the impor-

tant police work that goes on every day.

Bohn said that most of the commendation medals presented for saving lives were due to quick medical attention and an officer’s use of Naloxone, or what is commonly referred to as Narcan.

West Chester police have carried the medication countering the effect of an opioid overdose in police vehicles for about a year.

“Unfortunately, the number of lifesaving events for heroin overdoses has increased,” Bohn said. “Every life has a value.”

A unit citation was given to officers following a 45-minute battle with a large man.

A second unit citation was awarded to officers who stopped a home invasion. A loaded gun was found at the scene and three suspects were arrested. The residents suffered minor injuries.

The Citizen’s Commendation Award went to two members of the public, Vineeth Varghese and Rachel Davis.

Varghese and Davis encountered a car stopped in the middle of High Street and performed lifesaving support to two occupants in the car.

“Most people stand around, watch and take video,” Lt. Martin Deighan said from the podium. “These citizens took action.”

Commendation Medals for Lifesaving were presented for an act of intelligent and valuable police service and demonstrating a faithfulness or perseverance that saved a life.

Those awards went to Cpl. Brad Bergey (two separate awards), Officer Albert McCarthy, Officer Brendon McGeehan, Officer Nicholas Graham, Officer Matthew Simcox, Officer William Viebahn (two separate awards), Officer Aaron Davis, Officer Jason Malicki, Corporal Joshua Lee, Officer Jason O’Neill and Officer Reinaldo Melendez.

Unit citations were presented for an outstanding accomplishment as a result of teamwork: Officer Harry O’Neill (two separate awards), Officer Gregory Cugino (two separate awards), Detective Stanley Billie, Detective Robert Kuehn, Officer Thomas Flick, Sergeant Henry Hague (two separate awards), Officer Jerry Ferriola, Officer Stuart Smith, Corporal Ryan Collins (two separate awards), Dispatcher David March and Officer David Hammond were honored.

Citizen’s Commendation Awards were presented to community members for assistance rendered to the West Chester Police Department: Varghese and Davis saved lives.

SUBMITTED PHOTO The Citizen’s Commendation Award was given to citizens for their actions in assisting two motorists who were unconscious until police and medics arrived on scene, standing with West Chester police officers and former Mayor Carolyn Comitta, center.

SUBMITTED PHOTO Former Mayor Carolyn T. Comitta with the plaque presented to her by the West Chester Police Department.

Pictured from left are: Sgt. Hague, Cpl. Collins, Patrolman O’Neill, Patrolman Hammond, Patrolman Cugino, CO March. A Unit Citation was given to these officers for their actions as a team in an intense 45-minute incident involving a combative subject.

SUBMITTED PHOTOS Pictured from left are: Sgt. Lee, Cpl. Bergey, Ptlm. Melendez, Patrolman Veibahn, Ptlm. McCarthy, Ptlm. Davis, Ptlm. Graham. The Life Saving Award was given to these officers for several different incidents involving the use of Narcan to revive...

Pictured from left are: Sgt. Hague, Patrolman Smith, Patrolman O’Neill, Patrolman Flick, Patrolman Cugino, Patrolman Ferriola, Det. Billie. A Unit Citation was given to these officers for their actions as a team during an armed home invasion incident...