Mayor Ras J. Baraka, Public Safety Director Anthony F. Ambrose, Police Chief Darnell Henry and Fire Chief John Centanni honored members of the Police and Fire Division for acts of bravery, valor and restraint in the face of danger at a ceremony held today at the 5th Precinct.
According to a press release, police officers and firefighters were commended for outstanding service between June and August 2016.
Offcials said the Fire Division, 14 firefighters were recognized for bringing an electrical fire under control at the Essex County College complex on June 12, 2016.
All 14 of these firefighters were injured during this incident.
Six police officers were also recognized for the arrest of six trespassers, the recovery of a loaded handgun and for confiscating controlled dangerous substances from a vacant dwelling on Delavan Avenue on July 29, 2016.
Police officers of the Emergency Response Team (ERT) were honored for their diligence in arresting a man who had stabbed his wife multiple times and held his 9-year old grandson hostage in the 800-block of Dillard Court.
The woman survived the July 29, 2016 attack following emergency surgery.
Eleven ERT officers were recognized for rescuing two victims from a rooftop on Victoria Street on August 5, 2016.
The victims had been in the vacant building to do an inspection when a squatter appeared, holding a BB rifle.
After convincing him to surrender, officers arrested the suspect and recovered the weapon.
An additional 13 ERT officers were commended for arresting a hostage suspect and rescuing four adults and one juvenile from a residence in the 200-block of South Street on August 6, 2016.
The suspect was armed with a rifle and handgun and had injured some of the victims.
Five police officers were commended for recovering two loaded handguns and controlled dangerous substances from a building on Muhammad Ali Boulevard on August 1, 2016. The suspect, a juvenile, was arrested.
Three officers were honored for arresting a robbery suspect on August 8, 2015 after an injured victim reported to the 3rd Precinct to provide the whereabouts of the suspect.
The officers, who had been working inside the facility, immediately left their desks and apprehended the suspect on foot.
“Mayor Baraka and I wanted to personally thank the men and women who heroically risk their lives on a daily basis for the good of the people of Newark,” said Public Safety Director Ambrose. “Public safety can sometimes be a thankless job, but the police and firefighters of this city should be reminded that they are both appreciated and respected for the sacrifices they make to preserve the safety and quality of life in our city.”