Montco Sheriff's Department gives commendations

Norristown, Pa., (September 27, 2013) – The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Department (MCSD) held a commendation ceremony recognizing several of its employees and their outstanding acts of service while performing their duties.  Certificates and citations were awarded in Courtroom A at the Montgomery County Courthouse on Friday, Sept. 27th at 7:30 a.m.  It was only the second time that the MCSD had held a commendations ceremony in the history of the department.

“I am proud of your service, and want to publicly acknowledge your dedication to the department and the community,” said Sheriff Eileen Whalon Behr addressing all who were recognized.  “We need to recognize our deputies and support staff because they often sacrifice their safety to save another or help resolve a conflict.”

The following people were awarded commendations or citations, and will receive commendation bar decorations and an official certificate.

 Dep. Craig Sisca of Trappe, Pa., received the Commendation of Bravery for stopping an armed robbery in progress, by pursuing the suspect and notifying local law enforcement, while off-duty on February 22, 2013.  The Commendation for Bravery is awarded for the performance of an outstanding arrest, where the officer’s effort is met by an armed and dangerous adversary.  Sisca has been with the MCSD since August 22, 2011.

Dep. Ian Stewart of Pipersville, Pa., was awarded the Commendation of Exceptional Service for quickly responding to a plane crash site and victim, while off duty on June 1, 2013.  Stewart provided crowd control and safety, and administered basic first aid, keeping the victim responsive while awaiting EMS.  The Commendation of Exceptional Service is awarded for a highly credible accomplishment bringing public acclaim to the officer, the department, and the law enforcement profession as a result of devotion to duty or service to the public.  Stewart has been with the MCSD since April 4, 2011.

Dep. Jeffrey Simmons of King of Prussia, Pa., was given the Commendation of Merit for responding to an assault, during a traffic detail on August 9, 2013 at the Montgomery County Courthouse.  Simmons kept the area safe by restraining the suspect while awaiting local police and EMS response.  The Commendation of Merit is awarded for an act of heroism and outstanding courage without regard for personal safety, which results in the saving of a life.  Simmons has been with the MCSD since July 26, 2010.

Deputies Thomas Franklin of North Wales, Pa., and Frank Morgan of Conshohocken, Pa., were given Unit Citations for assisting in the recovery of a stolen MCSD vehicle on October 8, 2012.  While on standby, the deputies held the suspect, who was later arrested by local police for DUI and unauthorized use of a motor vehicle.  Unit Citations are given for exceptional police service where the outstanding accomplishment is the result of teamwork rather than that of the individual(s).  Franklin has been with the MCSD since June 28, 2010 and Morgan started in the department on November 30, 1998.

The following three deputies received Unit Citations for assisting in the extermination of a car engine fire on July 9, 2013 at the Courthouse, thereby preventing damage to it, and other nearby vehicles.  Unit Citations are given for exceptional police service where the outstanding accomplishment is the result of teamwork rather than that of the individual(s).

·       Dep. John Lomastro of Abington, Pa., has been with the MCSD since September 15, 1996.

·       Dep. Robert Neetzow of Sellersville, Pa., has been with the MCSD on June 13, 1998.

·       Dep. Edwin Walker of Narberth, Pa., has been with the MCSD since April 8, 2002.

The following individuals were awarded Unit Citations for assisting in the safe disposal of 66 pipe bombs and 400 forbiddens, during a bomb call from the FBI Philadelphia Division on March 7, 2013 at a Public Storage facility in Malvern, Pa.  Unit Citations are given for exceptional police service where the outstanding accomplishment is the result of teamwork rather than that of the individual(s).

·       Sgt. Allen F. Stewart of Collegeville, Pa., has been with MCSD since September 25, 2006.

·       Cpl. Richard Miles of Royersford, Pa., has been with the MCSD since November 22, 2004.

·       Dep. Jon Cagliola of Lafayette Hill, Pa., has been with the MCSD since February 25, 2008.

·       Dep. Andrew Noto of Harleysville, Pa., has been with the MCSD since September 7, 2010.

·       Dep. Gregory Sedgwick of Norristown, Pa., has been with the MCSD since October 22, 2007.

·       Dep. Ryan Volk of Ambler, Pa., has been with the MCSD since September 22, 2008.

Dep. Joanne Plasterer of Glenside, Pa., was given a Commendatory Letter for following up on a “Submit-A-Tip” lead on April 15, 2013, which led to the arrest of a MCSD’s Most Wanted criminal, wanted on homicide charges.  The Commendatory Letter is awarded for the arrest or any police service, which is exceptional, and beyond the requirements of routine duty.  Plasterer has been with the MCSD since March 21, 1988.

Following the ceremony Cpl. Terrence Cullin, a supervisor with the MCSD, said that one of the most rewarding parts of his job are to be able to stand up and tell everyone why his deputies deserve recognition. 

“I hope the actions of this group serve as a model, and enforce a positive image of law enforcement to our employees and in the community,” Behr said.