HONORS ALL AROUND
In Upper Darby, for police heroics during E. Lansdowne shooter and fire call, and in Darby for quickthinking civilians helping toddlers alone on the streets
Officers approach the house in the first block of Lewis Avenue in East Lansdowne during the standoff on Feb. 7.
A group of Upper Darby police officers were honored at this week’s council meeting for actions in saving other officers and protecting civilians during the February active shooter and fire in East Lansdowne.
Township Police Superintendent Timothy Bernhardt said the actions that officers displayed in rushing into the line of fire to protect fellow officers and civilians is a testament to their bravery and unwavering commitment to serving and safeguarding the community.
“Their dedication ensures that every resident, worker, shopper and visitor can rest a little easier knowing that these brave men and women willingly put their lives on the line each and every day to protect and serve,” Bernhardt said.
Bernhardt recounted that fateful day, recalling that Upper Darby officers responded to 58 Lewis Ave. with little initial information to learn that shots were being fired.
An East Lansdowne officer had been shot, was bleeding heavily and was taking cover behind a van, along with a female civilian, Bernhardt said. The van was also occupied by a male civilian while a Lansdowne officer, who had also been shot, was on the ground, unable to move to safety.
“Upper Darby officers ran into the area of gunfire and began rendering aid to the downed officers. Officer Kerry Gregory went to the injured East Lansdowne officer and applied a tourniquet to his arm while providing protection for him and the civilian,” Bernhardt said. “Lt. Steve Tarozzi and
Sgt. Michael Scott devised a plan to extract the injured officers, civilians, and remaining officers that were pinned down.”
Bernhardt described how Officer Jeremy Baker drove directly in front of the home from where shots were being fired to evacuate the East Lansdowne officer, who was placed in the rear of the vehicle by Gregory as Officer Kevin Donohue, utilizing a ballistic shield, ran over to Gregory and assisted in extracting the civilians and was able to move them
out of harm’s way.
At the same time, Officer Nicolas Moriconi made contact with the downed Lansdowne officer.
Moriconi applied a tourniquet on the officer and provided protection for him.
Tarozzi then ran to Moriconi’s position and assisted in dragging the injured officer to safety.
While this was all occurring, Officers Montess Trapp and Joseph Girardi directed fire at the shooter, who was still actively shooting at police on scene.
Bernhardt said Sgt. Ryan Benner manned the command post and directed the rest of the squad and other incoming police to set up a perimeter in case the shooter made it out of the home as it became engulfed in flames.
Benner also kept track of officers, making sure all were accounted for throughout the incident.
As the home was burning, Upper Darby police made entry into adjoining homes and removed the residents of those homes to safety.
“The incident, which occurred at 58 Lewis Ave., was tragic and chaotic. The actions taken by all officers involved were done so with zero regard for their own safety and were nothing short of heroic and miraculous,” Bernhardt said. “Their swift response to multiple injured officers and trapped civilians no doubt saved their lives but the lives of countless others. To render aid and save lives is in the nature of the job, but to do so in a combat situation where the likelihood of becoming injured yourself and persevering is why as an organization we are honored to work alongside you.”
Among those in the audience Wednesday evening was the East Lansdowne officer, John Meehan, to show his gratitude to the Upper Darby officers. Bernhardt said East Lansdowne officials are planning events to honor Meehan and Lansdowne Officer David Schiazza.
Bernhardt said in addition to those named, others including Officers Desiree Forlini, John Walsh, Brian Wearshing, Tiendat Vu, Corey Hansen, Randy Desrosiers, Joseph Cristello, Dan Connell, Ibrahim Katouni, Craig Harlow, Eric Colella, Kevin O’Gara, Stephen Cristinzio, John News, Richard Howell, Jim Welischek, Neil Barbour, Anthony Bateman; Detectives Jeffrey Simpson, Brian Gieder, Kevin Gamber, Robert Marvil, Matthew Rugh, Kevin Finnegan, Francis George, Thomas Thompson, Jeffrey Dougherty, Kevin Dinan, Amanda Shephard; and Sgts. Louis Garay, Kristine McAleer and Matthew Rowles took actions that directly affected the best outcome possible during the tragic incident.