Police Chief Awards Officers & K-9 For Outstanding Service

May 14, 2024

Sgt. McLeod, Officer Berry, Sgt. Andrews with their awards. Credit: Middletown Township

During the Middletown Township Board of Supervisors meeting on Monday, Police Chief Joseph Bartorilla awarded commendations to three officers and a police dog for their exemplary actions in recent incidents.

Bartorilla praised the officers, stating they exemplify “the highest standards of law enforcement and bring great credit to the entire Middletown Township Police Department.”

On January 10, Middletown Township police, alongside other departments, responded to a crisis involving a suicidal man threatening to jump from an overpass in Langhorne Manor Borough onto Route 1. Sgt. Mark McLeod played a critical role in de-escalating the situation.

Through calm communication, McLeod was able to secure the man and ensure he received the necessary mental health care, Bartorilla said.

“Your swift response, decisive leadership and unwavering compassion directly saved a life and ensured the individual received necessary mental healthcare,” Bartorilla said.

On March 28, Officer Dave Berry responded to a call in the Quincy Hollow neighborhood about an individual threatening self-harm. Berry found the person armed with a knife and suffering from self-inflicted injuries.

Showing empathy and composure, Berry successfully persuaded the distressed individual to disarm and agree to seek treatment.

“Your skills prevented further tragedy and ensured the individual received critical mental health support,” Bartorilla stated.

In the early morning hours of February 18, Sgt. Steve Andrews and K-9 Jester responded to a vehicle theft in progress in Langhorne Borough.

The suspects led officers on a pursuit and eventually crashed. The suspects fled on foot.

While officers apprehended one suspect, Andrews and K-9 Jester tracked down the second suspect hiding near a shed. Jester secured the suspect without causing injury, allowing Andrews to make the arrest, Bartorilla said.

In addition to the commendations, Bartorilla recognized several officers for their long-term service to the department: Lt. Steve Forman for 30 years, Sgt. Matthew Kroiss for 25 years, Officer Mary Felt for 25 years, Officer Kevin Eckenrode for 20 years, and Officer Derek Leonhauser for 20 years.