Ocean Twp. police recognized for bravery and service Lt. Earl Gifford, (l-r) Capt. Kevin McDermott, Citizens Award recipients Thomas Dreissig and Eric Van Norde and Chief Antonio V. Amodio Jr. OCEAN TOWNSHIP - The township Police Department recognized the outstanding work of its officers over the past year at its annual awards dinner May 17 at The English Manor. Lt. Earl Gifford hosted the event, and award presentations were made by Police Chief Antonio V. Amodio Jr. and Capt. Kevin McDermott. Representatives of the Township Council and the Loch Arbor Board of Trustees, as well as Township Manager David Kochel were on hand to congratulate the officers on their accomplishments. Commendation certificates were awarded to officers who have shown extraordinary efforts and attention to detail, including Brendan Bruther, Kevin Donohoe, Michael Clancy, John Hanna, Michael Rich, Scott Valenti, Eduardo Segarra, Ryan Vaccaro, Gregory Tongring, Cory Cole, Kevin Meseroll and Joseph Pangaro. Honorable Service and Investigative Excellence Awards were given to the following officers for intelligent, professional action in a case or incident: James Loizos, Patrick Martin, Bruce Friend and Cory Cole. Lifesaving Awards, given to officers whose actions saved the life of a person who might have otherwise died, were presented to John Hanna, Jimmy Kelesidis, Jason Lester, John Green and Casey Larrison. Distinguished Service Awards, given to officers for an act of outstanding personal bravery, intelligently performed in the line of duty at imminent personal hazard of life under circumstances evincing a disregard of personal consequences, were awarded to William Crosta and Sonia Henriques. Exceptional Service and Distinguished Service Awards are given to officers whose actions go above and beyond the norm and who displayed professionalism and great courage. Recipients were Trevor Dickerson, Todd Gregory, Jimmy Kelesidis, Jason Lester and Thomas Burke. Thomas Dreissig and Eric Van Norde received Citizens Awards, which are given to members of the public who have distinguished themselves in the community by their actions. The two men were credited with saving the life of a 4-year-old, who might have drowned in a swimming pool.