Tri-boro emergency services will also recieve an Advanced Training Award on Feb. 23
The actions of Cinnaminson and Palmyra police this past summer have garnered the recognition of the 200 Club of Burlington County, which will distribute Meritorious Service Awards to seven officers from the departments.
In July, Sgt. Josiah Murphy of Palmyra PD noticed a kitchen fire while patrolling Morgan Avenue and called the fire department. Sgt. Andrew Johnson of Cinnaminson PD heard the call via radio and acted quickly, resulting in both Cinnaminson and Riverton officers arriving on location within minutes.
The tri-boro efforts led to the successful evacuation of seven residents from five apartments located within the burning building. Several of the officers also provided medical assistance to a volunteer firefighter who appeared to be in distress after exiting the burning building.
“The quick actions of Sgt. Murphy and the assisting officers most definitely saved lives of those residents and helped in minimizing the damage to the apartment building,” said Palmyra Chief of Police Scott Pearlman, who nominated Murphy and the assisting officers for the Meritorious Service Award. “We’re very thankful to the 200 Club for all that they do to to acknowledge local law enforcement.”
Murphy and the assisting officers, Brian Johnson of Palmyra PD, Tanner Ogilive of Riverton PD, and Cinnaminson PD’s Johnson, Sue Stonebeck, Don Rock, Garrett McLaverty and Mark Baerardis, will be recognized for their police work on Feb. 23 at the 200 Club’s 28th annual Valor Awards Dinner.
The 200 Club of Burlington County is a charitable, nonprofit organization that provides aid to the families of fallen or injured members of the county and municipal police, fire and emergency services. It also supports these public safety professionals through the awarding of higher education scholarships, advanced training awards and special recognition awards. The Meritorious Service Award is given to individuals who go above and beyond the call of duty to assist others.
Cinnaminson Fire Department and Palmyra/Riverton/Cinnaminson EMS will also receive the Advanced Training Award, which is presented to a department or agency for the purpose of funding advanced public safety training programs that enhance the individual’s ability to perform their duties.
Danny Norman, Cinnaminson’s emergency management coordinator, said they will use the $5,300 in grant money from the 200 Club to fund “Stop the Bleed” classes for police departments, fire departments and EMS in Cinnaminson, Palmyra and Riverton. Cooper Hospital will provide up to three classes to show first responders how to apply a tourniquet. The leftover tourniquets will also be given to first responders to use in their kits.
“The 200 Club has always been great with us, and has given us other awards over the years. Getting this award will help, especially because we’re a tri-boro agency, to help our officers and firefighters,” Norman said.
The 28th annual Valor Awards Dinner will take place at 6 p.m. at the Merion in Cinnaminson. The banquet is open to members of the general public, friends and family of recipients. Tickets may be obtained by contacting the 200 Club of Burlington County at (856) 222–0100. Single tickets are $90 per person and a table for 10 guests for $900. Each ticket includes dinner and one-hour open bar reception.
