Of those members of law enforcement honored, two police officers were honored with “Heroism” awards for their actions to protect the citizens of Montgomery County.
In a ceremony Tuesday at the Montgomery County Public Safety Training Campus, Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin R. Steele honored three civilians, 21 law enforcement officers, an entire police department and a police K-9 with commendations for their extraordinary efforts and exemplary work in protecting and serving the residents of Montgomery County. Of those members of law enforcement honored, two police officers were honored with “Heroism” awards for their actions to protect the citizens of Montgomery County.
“Montgomery County has some of the finest law enforcement officers anywhere, and I’m honored to be able to showcase their incredible bravery, exceptional work and dedication to protecting and serving Montgomery County residents. I’m also very happy to recognize these civilians who’ve made a difference by their selfless acts to help victims,” said Steele. “Montgomery County wouldn’t be the safe and wonderful place it is without this teamwork between law enforcement departments and agencies with assistance from civilians.”
Honorees who received commendations and a brief description are:
LAW ENFORCEMENT COMMENDATION FOR HEROISM
For their extraordinarily brave and selfless actions in protecting shoppers from a woman brandishing a firearm inside and outside a store in the Metroplex Shopping Center and de-escalating the situation to safely take the woman in custody.
CITIZEN COMMENDATIONS FOR EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE
For stopping at a horrific crash scene, rushing to a smoking vehicle and working tirelessly to keep a severely injured and trapped pregnant woman alive, trying to save her and her baby.
CITIZEN COMMENDATIONS FOR EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE
Julie Barberio, Laurel House DART Advocate
For dedicating her professional life to helping women experiencing domestic violence and working to free them from their violent situation.
LAW ENFORCEMENT COMMENDATIONS FOR EXCEPTIONAL PERFORMANCE
Det. Jeff Anderson, Abington Township Police Department
For the exemplary investigation of a medical assistant at an urgent care facility who was arrested and prosecuted for assaulting and harassing dozens of female patients.
Det. John Wright, Upper Merion Township Police Department
For taking the initiative to investigate whether a stolen vehicle used in a Norristown homicide had visited the King of Prussia Mall, which ultimately helped homicide detectives identify the killers.
For the heads-up monitoring that led to an excellent investigation involving multiple law enforcement agencies and the subsequent federal conviction of a parolee who was trafficking illegal firearms and now faces a minimum of 45 years in prison.
Ofc. Christopher Haggar, Upper Dublin Township Police
Former Officer Alexander Pratt, Upper Dublin Township Police
For their level-headed response to a defendant’s threat when a routine call evolved into assaultive actions by the defendant.
For their extraordinary actions to protect civilians and secure their safety when a gun-wielding woman was threatening store personnel and shoppers at the Metroplex Shopping Center.
Bensalem Police Department
For the full-force assist in locating and capturing a dangerous homicide murderer at an area hotel, taking him into custody without incident.
