Ptl. Nicholas Strough Named 2024 Officer of the Year
Riverside Township Police Recognize their Officers
Last night members of the Riverside Township Police Department gathered for our annual awards ceremony where several of our officers were recognized for going, "Above and Beyond the Call of Duty" in 2024.
Patrolman Nicholas Strough was selected as OFFICER OF THE YEAR for 2024. He was recognized for his patrol accomplishments and tireless work ethic. In 2024, Ptl. Strough’s efforts resulted in 71 case investigations, 348 motor vehicle stops and 31 arrests for DWI, which was second most in Burlington County. Beyond his patrol duties in 2024, Ptl. Strough demonstrated remarkable initiative and dedication in taking on many other responsibilities. He continues to develop the department’s drone program through advanced coursework and hands-on training. He dedicated a significant amount of time outfitting our newly purchased utility terrain vehicle and our range trailer. Ptl. Strough also regularly participates in the township’s numerous community events and consistently interacts with residents fostering positive police-community relations. He is our Vehicle Maintenance Officer, Radio Maintenance Officer and he is an Emergency Medical Technician, and a volunteer firefighter. Other award recipients were:
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| Ptl. Nicholas Strough "Officer of the Year" |
- Ptl.
Anthony Congemi (20 YEARS OF SERVICE AWARD) During his twenty
years of service Ptl. Congemi has served as an SRO, D.A.R.E., K9 handler, and EMT. He volunteers for many
community events with the department and is also a volunteer firefighter. Ptl. Congemi has been the recipient of
numerous awards and citations over his career, including Officer of the Year.
- Sgt.
Kevin Joo, Sgt. Travis Perinho, Ptl. Brendon Griffin, Ptl. Nicholas Wallace
(10 YEARS OF SERVICE) The
above listed officers were recognized for 10 years of dedicated service to
the Riverside Police Department and the Township of Riverside.
- Ptl.
Jasmine Vaccaro (FIRST AID) Ptl.
Vaccaro was recognized for outstanding first aid at the scene of a child
on a bicycle that had been struck by a flat bed tow truck.
- Sgt.
Travis Perinho, Ptl. Kevin Tosta (FIRST
AID) Sgt. Perinho and Ptl. Tosta were recognized for their life
saving work to resuscitate an infant that had been brought to the station. Their efforts also resulted in the
arrest of the child’s babysitter after they determined the infant was violently
shaken when he wouldn’t stop crying, and suffered from “Shaken Baby
Syndrome” as a result.
- Ptl.
Kevinn Tosta (CHIEF'S CITATION) Ptl. Tosta was recognized for a
car stop and investigation that led to the recovery of an illegally possessed
firearm with hollow point ammunition.
- Sgt.
Kevin Joo (CHIEF’S CITATION) Sgt. Joo was recognized for the
apprehension of a “Wanted Person” who was found in possession of an illegal
firearm.
- Ptl.
Anthony Cicali, Ptl. Katelyn Lutz (CHIEF’S CITATION) Both
officers were recognized for their apprehension of a suspect after a foot
pursuit of a suspect who was in possession of a “ghost gun” (illegal firearm without
serial numbers).
- Ptl.
Gabriel Gardner (OUTSTANDING NARCOTICS INVESTIGATIONS) Ptl. Gardner was recognized for his narcotics interdiction efforts in 2024, developing
13 narcotics investigations. Ptl. Gardner is also credited with
assisting our Special Services Unit with identifying persons suffering
from addiction, getting them treatment, and deterring them from criminal
activity.
- Det.
Scott Snow (EXCEPTONAL DUTY) Detective Snow was recognized for
his extensive and detailed investigations into cases including drug
distribution, carjacking, the identification of several juveniles involved
in numerous vehicle burglaries, and the identification and arrest of
suspects involved in a car theft ring.
- Det.
Michael Hynes (EXCEPTONAL DUTY) Detective Hynes was recognized for
his extensive and detailed investigations into cases including drug
distribution, carjacking, the identification of several juveniles involved
in numerous vehicle burglaries, and the identification and arrest of
suspects involved in a car theft ring.
- Ptl.
Gabriel Gardner (EXCEPTONAL DUTY) Ptl. Gardner was recognized
for being at the top of every patrol category leading the department in
cases, arrests, motor vehicle stops, narcotics arrests and DWI
arrests. In 2024 Ptl. Gardner was
recognized by MADD as Burlington County’s Top Cop with 29 DWI arrests in
2023. In 2024 Ptl. Gardner led
Burlington County again with 32 DWI arrests.
All of our officers and their families were also
acknowledged for their ongoing contributions to our community
events. Without the assistance of our friends and family members some of
our most popular community events would not be possible.
Once again, congratulations on a job well done, and thank you all for your dedication to the Riverside Township Police Department and our community!
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| Ptl. Gabriel Gardner, "Exceptional Duty" |
