The Freeholder Board will honor five members of the Camden County Police Department during their regular scheduled meeting at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 18 in Voorhees Township at the Voorhees Town Center. The officers receiving the commendation were on a directed patrol and were shot at several times by a suspect near the corner of 7th and Sycamore streets on April 25. The officers returned fire and chased the suspect, who was struck in the leg. He was then caught and disarmed and charged with Attempted Murder and several weapons offenses.
“These officers displayed significant courage and sacrifice by putting themselves in the line of fire that day,” said Freeholder Director Louis Cappelli, Jr. “Their ability to face down this violent criminal and bring him to justice is something that should be celebrated and honored.”
Sergeant Zsakhiem James has served 21 years as a police officer in Camden with the former city police department and the Camden County Police Department. Since 2007, he has had a K9 partner — Zero. Together, James and Zero hold the state record for most arrests by a police K9 unit in New Jersey — 67.
Officer Allen Williams joined the Camden County Police Department in April after serving with the former city police department since 2010. He has worked with his K9 partner Achilles since September 2012.
Officer Benjamin Patti is a U.S. Army veteran who began his police career in 2012 with the Camden County Sheriff’s Department. He joined the Camden County Police Department in March 2013.
Officer Michael Feeney is a U.S. Army veteran who began his career in law enforcement in 2012 and joined the Camden County Police department as a full-time officer in July 2013.
Officer Dennis Smarth is a U.S. Army veteran who served as a military police officer. He joined the Camden County Police Department in July 2013.
