TRENTON — Cpl. Jonathan Scheck of the Lower Township Police Department has been nominated for the state Valor Award.
While off-duty July 16, 2024, in Florida, Scheck witnessed a severe car accident with vehicles on fire and people trapped inside. He extracted drivers and passengers from the burning vehicles, risking his life to save others.
On Aug. 5, Police Chief Kevin Lewis and Lower Township Council presented Scheck with a Distinguished Service Award for Lifesaving for his heroic efforts.
The New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police (NJSACOP) has announced the finalists of the annual Valor Award, recognizing New Jersey police officers who demonstrate exceptional heroism and commitment to their profession, their law enforcement agency and to the public they serve.
The award, which was launched in 2000, includes 16 nominees for 2024. The winner will be announced during the 113th annual Training Conference & Police Security Expo on June 23-26 in Atlantic City, attracting an estimated 7,500 attendees.
Other nominees include:
— Officer Erik Tarnow Galloway Township Police Department, who responded to a call involving a mental health crisis on April 7 when the subject attacked him with a knife. Despite being seriously injured, Tarnow, along with another officer, disarmed and secured the suspect.
— Patrolman Michael Sheehan and Patrolman Julian Guzman of the Lakewood Police Department
— Patrolman Vincent Coniglione of the Riverton Borough Police Department
— Officer Jean-Carlos Montero and Officer Zawadi Smith of the East Orange Police Department
— Officer Chris Milien of the East Orange Police Department
— The East Orange Police Department Enhanced Community Safety Team
— Chief Giacomo Sacca and Officer Luciano Porto of the Elizabeth Police Department
— Officer Manuel Rodriguez of the Elizabeth Police Department
— Patrolman Nicholas Greenwood and Patrolman Michael Anderson of the Manchester Township Police Department
— Patrolman Kevin Long of the Evesham Police Department
— Officer John Tacopino of the Freehold Township Police Department
— Officer Pierre Alca-Chiara and Officer Kaydon Holmes of the Newark Police Department
— Officer Willy Figueroa, Officer Steven Ferreira and Officer Damion Reeves of the Newark Police Department
— Officer Jason Simeone of the Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office
— Detective Davis Salazar and Detective Yanelba Reyes of the Perth Amboy Police Department.
