Ptl. Gabriel Gardner Named 2023 Officer of the Year

 



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."  Ptl. Gabriel Gardner was selected as OFFICER OF THE YEAR for 2023.  He was recognized for his patrol accomplishments and tireless work ethic.  In 2023, Ptl. Gardner's efforts resulted in 552 motor vehicle stops and 29 arrests for DWI.  His dedication to duty has undoubtedly saved lives and prevented property damage. Other award recipients were:


  • Lt. Louis Fisher (25 YEARS OF SERVICE AWARD) Lt. Fisher was recognized for his loyal dedication to the Riverside Township Police Department for the past 25 years.  Over the course of his career he has supervised the agencies Detective Bureau.  In 2014, Lt. Fisher formed the non-profit NJTIP to assist persons with addiction in finding treatment instead of incarcerations.  Lt. Fisher now runs our Special Services Unit, working full time identifying and assisting citizens with addiction and mental health issues.  He has been the recipient of numerous awards and citations over his career.
  • Ptl. Michael Hynes (EXCEPTIONAL DUTY) Ptl. Hynes was recognized for his patrol efforts which included the arrest of 19 drunk drivers in 2023.  In 2023 Ptl. Hynes was responsible for the apprehension of a carjacking suspect after a foot pursuit. He is a certified Drug Recognition Expert and one of our agencies lead instructors for defensive tactics.  Ptl. Hynes is also a leader in our community police outreach. 
  • Ptl. Nicholas Strough (EXCEPTIONAL DUTY) Ptl. Strough was recognized for his patrol efforts which included the arrest of 21 drunk drivers in 2023.  Ptl. Strough is also and EMT and volunteer firefighter.  In 2023 he trained and became our first Unmanned Aircraft Operator and is responsible for our agencies drone usage. 
  • Ptl. Michael Hynes (OUTSTANDING NARCOTICS INVESTIGATIONS) Ptl. Hynes was recognized for his narcotics interdictions efforts in 2023, developing 19 narcotics investigations.  Ptl. Hynes 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(CHIEF'S CITATION) Detective Snow was recognized for his extensive and detailed investigations into cases including drug distribution, carjacking, the identification of several juveniles involve in numerous vehicle burglaries, and the identification and arrest of suspects involved in a car theft ring
  • Lt. Ron Brock(CHIEF'S CITATION) Lt. Ron Brock was recognized for his dedication and service to the Riverside Township Police Department for twenty years.  Lt. Brock currently serves as our Internal Affairs Supervisor, Patrol Supervisor, and Training Supervisor.  Lt. Brock has been the recipient of numerous awards and citations over his career.

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 for your dedication to the Riverside Township Police Department and our community!