Montgomery Honors Police Officers for Acts of Heroism in 2025

Nicholas Mistretta

MONTGOMERY — The Montgomery Township Committee formally recognized a series of courageous and lifesaving actions by members of the Montgomery Township Police Department at its December 18 meeting, issuing a proclamation honoring officers whose work in 2025 went far beyond routine duty.

Citing “extraordinary courage, selflessness, and professionalism,” the proclamation detailed three major incidents this year in which Montgomery officers saved a life, protected the public, and demonstrated exceptional teamwork alongside regional partners.

Officers rescue dog from icy pond
The first incident occurred on January 21, 2025, when officers responded to an emergency call involving a dog that had fallen through the ice of a nearby pond.

According to the proclamation, Sergeant John Colucci and Officer Salvatore Intili, with support from Sergeant Adam Verducci, Detective Tom Connell, Officer Tim Dubovick, and Officer Garrett Stratton, coordinated a rescue operation under dangerous, frigid conditions.

Through careful teamwork, they were able to reach the animal and pull it from the icy water, preventing what could easily have been a tragic outcome.

The Township Committee noted that the officers’ actions “demonstrated compassion and teamwork beyond the call of duty,” highlighting that the same commitment they show to residents also extends to protecting animals in distress.

Lifesaving aid and swift arrest after stabbing
On June 16, 2025, Montgomery police again found themselves facing a life-or-death situation when they were dispatched to a Willow Run residence for a report of a man suffering from a stab wound.

Officer Christopher Parlow, Officer Troy Gonzalez, and Officer Delio Coutinho were first on scene. They immediately began providing lifesaving medical aid to the victim, stabilizing him until additional emergency responders could take over.

At the same time, a parallel effort was underway to track down the suspect.

Sergeant Tim Giaccone, Sergeant William Wilkes, Detective Connell, and Detective Jesse Peterson began working rapidly to identify and locate the alleged assailant. Their work led to a pursuit that ended at a hotel lobby in South Brunswick, where Sergeant Verducci, Detective Connell, Officer Alexander Santamorena, and Officer Kyle Chin assisted in safely apprehending the suspect and taking the individual into custody.

To bring the investigation to a successful conclusion, Detective Joe Ceccato, Detective Connell, and Detective Peterson executed search warrants, collected crime scene evidence, and conducted follow-up interviews with witnesses and the victim.

The Township Committee cited the incident as a clear example of coordinated policing at its best—combining immediate medical response, investigative work, and inter-agency cooperation to protect the victim and the wider community.

Elderly resident carried from burning home
The most recent act of heroism recognized in the proclamation occurred on November 7, 2025, when a working house fire broke out at 322 Opossum Road.

Montgomery officers responded alongside Montgomery Fire Company #1 and #2, the Rocky Hill Fire Department, Princeton Fire Department, Hillsborough Fire Department, Plainsboro Fire Department, RWJ Emergency Medical Services, and Montgomery EMS.

Upon arrival, Officer Vanessa Hunter entered the burning, smoke-filled home and located residents still inside. Working with one of the resident’s sons, Sergeant Jim Ward, and Officer Ryan Martinez, Officer Hunter helped carry a disabled 79-year-old woman to safety.

The proclamation noted that this “act of heroism undoubtedly saved her life,” underscoring the risks officers are willing to take to protect residents in moments of crisis.

The very best of law enforcement service”
In its conclusion, the proclamation stated that these actions “exemplify the highest ideals of public service, bravery, compassion, and dedication to the community,” and that the officers’ conduct “brings honor to the Montgomery Township Police Department and reflects the very best of law enforcement service.”

The Mayor and Township Committee formally commended all of the named officers for their “exceptional acts of heroism, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to protecting life and property,” and expressed the township’s “sincere gratitude and pride.”

Editor’s Note:
As lifelong Montgomery residents, the publishers of Headline News Montgomery express our sincerest gratitude to the Montgomery Township Police Department. Your professionalism, courage, and quiet daily service to this community do not go unnoticed, and we are deeply thankful for all that you do.

Photo Credit: Nicholas Mistretta/headlinenewsmontgomery.com