Township Awards Bristol Officers & Records Employee for Merit

Bristol Township recognized the work of two officers and an employee in the police records division  with commendations at  Thursday’s council meeting.

Arlene Smith received a Letter of Commendation for her work in putting together the monthly Uniformed Crime Reports (UCR) for state and federal agencies who track various crime related data. The township, as a result of Smith’s “dedication and hard work” provided Pennsylvania State Police with perfect reporting, Council President Bob Lewis said.

According to officials the information gathered by Smith is also in important in tracking crime patterns, creating police interventions and applying for state and federal funding. Smith beamed  as acting Bristol Township Police Chief Lt. John Godzieba presented the letter of commendation to Smith.

Officer Thomas Van Winkle received a Commendation of Merit for his work in helping to save Charles Nichols as he experienced a cardiac crisis. Van Winkle implemented his police issued  automated external defibrillator (AED)  attaching  it to the man during  the medical emergency and  providing a shock to Nichols prior to paramedics  arriving  on scene to relive him, officials said.

First responders attached a heart monitor to the resident finding a pulse and provided  more life sustaining treatment.  Nichols was taken to Lower Bucks Hospital where he was treated and survived the cardiac episode thanks to Vanwinkle’s quick thinking and hands on first responder treatment. Van Winkle was unable to attend Thursday’s council meeting and will be recognized at council’s December meeting officials said.

Sgt. Montgomery Moore received a Letter of Commendation for providing a Bristol Township resident crisis counseling on followup to  a “well-being” check on a  woman July 17 at Crestwood Condominiums.  The woman was found to be in a drugged state, officials said, but the Sgt’s sense of empathy and understanding led the resident in crisis to seek treatment for her challenges.  The woman  articulated her thoughts and feelings about  Moore’s handling of the crisis writing, “Sgt. your understanding and compassion during a difficult time in someone’s life” is a credit to your profession and the Bristol Township Police department.”