New Jersey Department of Human Services Honors Police Officers as Part of

National Police Week

May 17, 2018

(TRENTON) – The New Jersey Department of Human Services marked National Police Week on Thursday by honoring 31 of its police officers for their efforts to protect some of New Jersey’s most vulnerable residents.

Police Week is celebrated annually to recognize police officers around the country who lost their lives in the line of duty and to recognize officer achievements.

The New Jersey Human Services Police serve and protect individuals across New Jersey, including children, individuals with disabilities and others. Their work includes service at the state’s developmental centers and psychiatric hospitals.

Human Services Commissioner Carole Johnson noted the work requires unique skills.

“The New Jersey Department of Human Services police officers have specialized skills and so often go above and beyond what most police officers handle,” Johnson said. “Their work is a model for truly effective community policing. I appreciate their commitment and thank them for their dedication to the New Jerseyans we serve.”

The officers were honored for actions that include a deployment to Puerto Rico to help hurricane victims.

Honored with a Certificate of Unit Commendation:

• • Lieutenant Barry Ballurio
  • Detective Sergeant Justin Kurczeski
  • Sergeant Ernest Long
  • Sergeant Kelly McHugh
  • Detective Alex Rivera
  • Detective Craig Metz
  • Detective Zivojin Savkov
  • Detective Thomas Brown
  • Detective John Austino
  • Detective Norberto Torres
  • Officer Michael Branham
  • Officer Benjamin Estrada
  • Officer Donald Maurone
  • Officer Fernando Ortiz-Torres
  • Officer Hipolito Rivera
  • Officer Raymond Gonzalez

Honored with a Letter of Recognition:

• • Sergeant David Coombs
  • Detective Alex Rivera
  • Detective Craig Metz
  • Detective Zivojin Savkov
  • Officer Dwayne Wilcox
  • Officer William Allmann
  • Officer Scott Bulmer

Honored with a Certificate of Appreciation:

• • Lieutenant Brian Bird
  • Lieutenant David Feliberty
  • Sergeant John Kelly
  • Detective Paul Vanaman
  • Officer Daniel Shrader

Receiving a Promotional Oath of Office:

• • Lieutenant Barry Ballurio Jr.
  • Lieutenant Jeffrey Lannon
  • Sergeant Kelli McHugh
  • Sergeant Ernest Long
  • Sergeant John Fano
  • Sergeant Frank Scarpa
  • Sergeant Steven Lemanowicz

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