Township honors two cops for their good works
BY DANIELLE MEDINA Correspondent

DeMarco

BRICK TOWNSHIP - Two township police officers were recently recognized by the Police Benevolent Association Local 230 for their work in the line of duty and their service to the community.

Patrolman Kristopher DeMarco was named Brick Township Police Officer of the Year and Detective TimothyMcCarthy was chosen to receive the Lt. Thomas McNelis Award.

Both men received their awards at a PBA dinner on Feb. 9 at the Crystal Point restaurant in Point Pleasant.

"It takes a lot to get these awards," said PBA President Michael Bevacqua. "These are two outstanding guys and officers who are both very active in the PBA."

DeMarco, who joined the Brick Township Police Department in 2003, is a member of the Special Emergency Response Team and served as a field-training officer for three new officers last year. He also conducts background investigations on potential new officers.

"Patrolman DeMarco is continually considered by his supervisors as an officer to go to when you need something done," Sgt. Chris Rooney wrote in his nomination of DeMarco. "Patrolman DeMarco often volunteers for jobs and continually signs on to back up his fellow officers. He is wellliked and respected by both his peers and supervisors."

McCarthy

DeMarco responded to 1,400 jobs in 2007, made a total of 31 arrests and issued 135 summonses. He didn't use any sick time for the year.

DeMarco is also heavily

involved with the PBA. He serves on the executive board as its financial secretary and actively helps out with its charitable events and activities.

M

cCarthy was the

recipient of the McNelis Award, which is given to a supervisor or non-patrol personnel who has done an outstanding job in his or her departmental position. He is also active in the PBA.

Amember of the Brick Township Police Department since 1998, McCarthy works as a school resource officer.

"It is apparent the impact of Detective McCarthy has had on the schools," wrote Sgt. Robert Mazza in his nomination of McCarthy. "It does take a certain officer to be a detective, but to succeed in being a school resource officer takes an individual with a lot of patience and understanding."

McCarthy instituted numerous programs as a school resource officer that have

brought money and equipment into both the police department and schools, including the clothing drop-off program, Mazza said.

He heads the PBA's Special Olympics Committee. He also revived the Polar Bear Plunge and the annual Poker Run and works with the Brick Police Athletic League. He also volunteers his time at almost every PBA event and purchases items for the organization.

"McCarthy has given of himself to the local PBA and to the department not because he has to or is expected to or is required to. Nor does he do it for the recognition," Mazza wrote. "He does it because he wants to and it shows."

Mayor Stephen C. Acropolis and the Township Council honored both men at the Feb. 12 council meeting.