Two Upper Dublin Police Officers honored for 'exceptional performance'

In a ceremony today at the Montgomery County Public Safety Training Campus, Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin R. Steele honored three civilians, 21 law enforcement officers, an entire police department and a police K-9 with commendations for their extraordinary efforts and exemplary work in protecting and serving the residents of Montgomery County. 

Of those members of law enforcement honored, two police officers were honored with “Heroism” awards for their actions to protect the citizens of Montgomery County.

“Montgomery County has some of the finest law enforcement officers anywhere, and I’m honored to be able to showcase their incredible bravery, exceptional work and dedication to protecting and serving Montgomery County residents. I’m also very happy to recognize these civilians who’ve made a difference by their selfless acts to help victims,” said DA Steele. “Montgomery County wouldn’t be the safe and wonderful place it is without this teamwork between law enforcement departments and agencies with assistance from civilians.”

In Upper Dublin, Police Officers Christopher Haggar and Alexander Pratt were honored "for their level-headed response to a defendant’s threat when a routine call evolved into assaultive actions by the defendant."

DA Kevin Steele emphasized the importance of this event not just as a celebration of individual acts, but as a reflection of the commitment to public service and community protection. He noted that these commendations are intended to boost morale within the law enforcement community and inspire continued excellence.

The inclusion of civilians in the awards also emphasizes that public safety is a shared responsibility, and the bravery of ordinary citizens can be as impactful as that of trained officers.

Commendations

LAW ENFORCEMENT COMMENDATION FOR HEROISM

Sgt. Andrew Adams, Plymouth Township Police Department
Ofc. Benjamin Brunner, Plymouth Township Police Department

For their extraordinarily brave and selfless actions in protecting shoppers from a woman brandishing a firearm inside and outside a store in the Metroplex Shopping Center and de-escalating the situation to safely take the woman in custody.

CITIZEN COMMENDATIONS FOR EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE

Guerin Jones, CHOP NICU Physician Assistant
Dr. Brent Fryling, Family Physician in Massachusetts

For stopping at a horrific crash scene, rushing to a smoking vehicle and working tirelessly to keep a severely injured and trapped pregnant woman alive, trying to save her and her baby.

CITIZEN COMMENDATIONS FOR EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE

Julie Barberio, Laurel House DART Advocate

For dedicating her professional life to helping women experiencing domestic violence and working to free them from their violent situation.

LAW ENFORCEMENT COMMENDATIONS FOR EXCEPTIONAL PERFORMANCE

Det. Jeff Anderson, Abington Township Police Department

For the exemplary investigation of a medical assistant at an urgent care facility who was arrested and prosecuted for assaulting and harassing dozens of female patients.

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Det. John Wright, Upper Merion Township Police Department

For taking the initiative to investigate whether a stolen vehicle used in a Norristown homicide had visited the King of Prussia Mall, which ultimately helped homicide detectives identify the killers.

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K-9 Mac, Horsham Township Police Department
Det. Kimberly Ngo, Horsham Township Police Department

For searching for and locating a robbery/murder victim’s cellphone, which helped link the defendants to the killing.

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Intelligence Analyst Damien Mscisz, PA Department of Corrections
Parole Supervisor Bryan Blaszczyk, PA Department of Corrections
Det. Jessie Daywalt, Upper Merion Township Police
Det. Evan Meoli, Upper Merion Township Police
Det. John Wright, Upper Merion Township Police
Sgt. Martin Menago, Upper Merion Township Police
ATF Agent Stephen M. Johnston
Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin Ashenfelter
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lindsey T. Mills

For the heads-up monitoring that led to an excellent investigation involving multiple law enforcement agencies and the subsequent federal conviction of a parolee who was trafficking illegal firearms and now faces a minimum of 45 years in prison.

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Ofc. Christopher Haggar, Upper Dublin Township Police
Former Officer Alexander Pratt, Upper Dublin Township Police

For their level-headed response to a defendant’s threat when a routine call evolved into assaultive actions by the defendant.

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Ofc. Zachary Amato, Plymouth Township Police Department
Ofc. Jonathan Marinelli, Plymouth Township Police Department
Ofc. Owen Keogh, Plymouth Township Police Department
Ofc. Megan Wieczenski, Plymouth Township Police Department
Dispatcher Karen Bowman, Plymouth Township Police Department

For their extraordinary actions to protect civilians and secure their safety when a gunwielding woman was threatening store personnel and shoppers at the Metroplex Shopping Center. 

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Bensalem Police Department

For the full-force assist in locating and capturing a dangerous homicide murderer at an area hotel, taking him into custody without incident.