Middlesex Police Department’s Annual Awards Ceremony – December 12, 2017
Middlesex Borough Chief of Police Matthew P. Geist presented awards to 13 officers at last night’s Town Council Meeting, recognizing them for their unselfish acts of heroism, outstanding police work and community service. Sergeant Chad Corner, Officer Ryan Skow, Detective Daniel McCue, Detective Sean Flanagan, Officer George Pilesky, Officer Anthony Painchaud and Officer Bryan Rodrigues each received a Unit Citation Award for their efforts in apprehending two individuals that were responsible for committing a rash of motor vehicle thefts and motor vehicle burglaries that occurred in January and February of 2017. Sergeant Corner, Officer Skow, Officer Pilesky, Officer Scott Christofides, Officer Painchaud and Officer Rodrigues each received a Unit Citation Award for their coordination, communication and combined efforts in apprehending a driver who fled from a stolen motor vehicle on February 13, 2017. Officer James Dolinski and Officer Colin DeVincenzo each received a Life Saving Resuscitation Save Award for their actions on March 24, 2017. On that date, Ofc. Dolinski and Ofc. DeVincenzo were dispatched to a call of an unresponsive person. Upon their arrival, it was determined that the victim did not have a pulse and was not breathing. The officers began CPR and utilized an AED to administer three shocks to the victim, who eventually regained a pulse and began to breathe on his own. He was then transported to the hospital and survived. Officer Joleen Auricchio and Officer Paul Steffanelli each received a Meritorious Service Award for their heroic actions at a house fire that occurred on March 19, 2017. The officers’ swift actions led to the successful rescue of a resident and family pet. Sergeant Michael Mastrogiovanni was presented with the Chief’s Achievement Award for his many years of dedication and excellence in devising and implementing training programs in many various disciplines in his role as the department’s training coordinator.
Middlesex Police Participates in Food Drive – December 9, 2017
The Middlesex Police Department, with help from local youth volunteers and community partners, collected more than two tons of food and other essential household items during the month of November for donation to the Middlesex County Food Organization and Outreach Distribution Services. Collection sites were established at local businesses, churches and public schools while youth volunteers went door-to-door soliciting contributions. “I think that it is pretty remarkable – but not at all surprising – that the people of Middlesex demonstrated such generosity,” remarked Police Chief Matthew P. Geist.
Visit At The Matheny Medical and Educational Center – October 18, 2017 & November 8, 2017
Chief Matthew Geist, Captain Frank DeNick and Detective Sean Flanagan returned to The Matheny Medical and Educational Center to collect homemade “brave bags” prepared by their friends. Thanks to their thoughtfulness, our officers will now be equipped with toys, coloring books and stickers to assist in comforting children who experience a traumatic event.
Second Annual First Responder Horseshoe Tournament – September 22, 2017
Strong camaraderie was on display during the Second Annual First Responder Horseshoe Tournament between the Middlesex Police Department and the Middlesex Fire Department. We were fortunate enough to tie our series at 1-1 and earn bragging rights until next year! Thank you to Janet Vogel and the Middlesex Horseshoe Club for hosting us.
We would like to welcome the newest members of our department, Officers Robert Dangler and Paul Cerreto. Officer Dangler is a certified police officer who worked at the Helmetta Borough Police Department for one (1) year. He graduated from the Camden County Police Academy Alternate Route Program in March of 2016. Officer Dangler attended Rutgers University in New Brunswick where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology in 2013. Officer Cerreto is a recent graduate from the Cape May County Police Academy Alternate Route Program and is NJ Police Training Commission Certified. Officer Cerreto attended Ramapo College of New Jersey in Mahwah where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance in 2013. We wish both officers the best of luck in having safe and successful careers serving Middlesex.
The Middlesex Police Department was proud to promote Lt. Frank DeNick to the rank of Captain of Police, Sgt. Craig Comiskey to the rank of Lieutenant, and Det. Thomas Falk to the rank of Sergeant in a ceremony as part of the Middlesex Borough Council Meeting. We extend our congratulations and wish the officers success in their new roles in the police department.
Lieutenant Frank DeNick, the Investigations Division Commander with the Middlesex Police Department, graduated from the 50th session of the prestigious New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police (NJSACOP) Command and Leadership Academy and he garnered the Association’s Chief Harry Wilde Academic Achievement Award. The award is presented to the graduate with the highest academic average. “We are very proud of Lieutenant DeNick’s outstanding accomplishment”, said Middlesex Police Chief Matthew P. Geist. “Not only does it illustrate our commitment to providing our officers with the best available training, it also underscores the caliber of the officers in our organization and the culture of excellence that we work to cultivate.” The 14-week academy was developed in 1993 by the NJSACOP in collaboration with the United States Military Academy at West Point and provides a unique blend of theory and application. Throughout the course, officers are challenged to take the various leadership theories they were taught and devise real world solutions to the complex problems presented to them. The highly competitive program aims to fashion officers into police leaders who can meet challenges in the law enforcement community. The primary focus of the program is on personnel and their work environments. Officers study theories on behavior and motivation, conflict management, decision making and communication. Participation in the Command and Leadership Program is based on applicants successfully completing a competitive selection process.
Community Career Day at Hazelwood, Parker, and Watchung Elementary Schools – April 19, 2017
Det. Falk, Ofc. Auricchio, and Ofc. Muldowney were proud to participate in Community Career Day at Hazelwood, Parker, and Watchung Elementary Schools. As always, we received some wonderful thank you posters from each of the schools.
The police department was proud to host several students from Von E. Mauger Middle School who participated in the Elks Youth Day shadowing activities. Sgt. Mastrogiovanni provided information and a thorough tour of police headquarters.
Chief Matthew P. Geist presented a Certificate of Commendation to Sgt. Craig Comiskey for completing 22 years of service without a single day of sick leave. Congratulations Sgt. Comiskey on this stalwart accomplishment.
