May 24, 2004

Tribute to law enforcement honors 16

By Barbara Bedell
Times Herald-Record

Because May is national Law Enforcement Month, numerous programs are held. In Middletown last week, the Middletown Detachment of the Marine Corps League made its annual tribute to law enforcement with an awards dinner.

Although everything was ready to go at American Legion Post 151 in Middletown where it was conducted, it was 25 minutes late getting started because the crowd kept getting larger.

As League members scrambled to set up more tables and chairs, Orange County Sheriff Carl DuBois was congratulating event chairman Charles Czochanski for a job well done. The Vietnam veteran and employee of the Middletown Police Department has been chairman of each event since the start.

"I think I've attended all of the awards programs, starting when I was a rookie in the '70s with the Middletown Police Department," said DuBois. "This one is by far the best attended."

More than 200 people, many in uniform, gathered to honor 14 law enforcement officers and two civilians for "exceptional work."

After the Pledge of Allegiance and a prayer, and before a sumptuous spread of Italian food prepared by volunteer Cal Wisher and his family, awards were distributed. The honorees, one by one, were introduced by their supervisors, who gave a brief description as to why they were selected.

- Heroism awards went to five people.

Trooper Dan Mitchell of Troop F in Wurtsboro risked his life to save a man in a house fire. "It's nice being appreciated for work in the streets," Mitchell said in receiving the award.

Orange County Sheriff's Department Deputies Edwin O'Connell, Modestino Giusto and Jesse Carney disarmed a distraught person with a loaded firearm without injury or loss of life. O'Connell said, "We did what we're trained to do."

Letter carrier Alan Minkus of the Middletown Post Office assisted a woman and her small dog when a pit bull turned on it. Minkus praised the 911 system for its quick intervention.

- The Trooper of the Year award went to Thomas Gibbons, who is "an exceptional training officer" out of Newburgh.

- Orange County Sheriff's Department Deputy of the Year went to Sgt. John Wood, who "wears many hats well and can always be counted on," said Sheriff Carl DuBois.

- Officers of the Year awards were given to eight people.

In the City of Middletown Police Department, Officer Salvatore Garrett was called the "backbone and heartbeat of the department" by Chief Matt Byrne, and cited for his "hard work, dedication and bravery."

In the Village of Goshen, it was Sgt. Robert S. Kirms, whose diligence in remembering details in a string of robberies was able to connect with Middletown detectives, where the crimes took place. The subjects are now in prison.

In the Town of Goshen, Sgt. Allen Faust and Officer Manny Lopez's fast action in reporting an assault on a severely disabled individual led to an arrest by the Village of Goshen Police Department.

In the Town of Wallkill, Officers Kelly Scheuering and Antonino Spano were cited for exceptional work in answering a 911 call to aid a person in cardiac arrest. Spano was unable to attend.

In the Town of Mount Hope, Officers William Proscia and Gregor Toussaint were honored for saving a choking victim with the Heimlich manuever. Toussaint was unable to attend.

- A surprise award was given to Dorothy Kelly, a clerk for the City of Middletown, who helps the Marine Corps League with paperwork and record-keeping. She also was given honorary membership in the League.

Barbara Bedell's column appears daily. Call her at 346-3125.