Eighteen officers from the Bristol Township Police Department were awarded Commendations of Valor during the July township council meeting for their actions after a deadly explosion at a healthcare facility last winter.
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The commendations are for the officers’ response to the Dec. 23, 2025, blast and fire at the Silver Lake Nursing Home and Bristol Health and Rehab Center on Tower Road. The explosion killed three people, injured more than 20 others, and created numerous hazards.
Police Chief C.J. Winik presented the awards before the council and members of the public.
“In my 20 years, this doesn’t get handed out,” Winik said. “This is when you go above and beyond and you risk your own life for the safety of others. And for that, I’m very proud of everyone that’s standing here.”
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The Commendation of Valor is the department’s distinction for officers who face personal danger to ensure public safety.
Winik read the formal citation aloud, applying it individually to each officer recognized for what was described as one of the most serious emergencies in the township’s 334-year history.
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The officers “demonstrated extraordinary courage, professionalism and selfless devotion to duty,” according to the citation.
It stated that “without hesitation, and despite the imminent danger posed by an unstable structure fire and ongoing hazards, they proceeded to place people in positions of safety above their personal risk of their own, while assisting rescue efforts and the protection of life.”
The citation added that the responding officers “decisive actions, exceptional bravery and unwavering commitment” reflected the highest traditions of the police department and exemplified valor in service to the community.
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The officials awarded the Commendation of Valor were Lt. Titus, Lt. Kitchenman, Sgt. Leacock, Sgt. Mancuso, Sgt. Leighton, Cpl. Bausch, Det. Jennings, Det. Maialetti, Det. Landis, Ofc. O’Brien, Ofc. Van Winkle, Ofc. Dob, Ofc. Kondos, Ofc. Silverman, Ofc. Brady, Ofc. Katz, Ofc. Leonhauser, and Ofc. Regan.
Credit: Submitted
Many of the officers were able to attend the meeting to accept the commendation.
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Winik said that the awards reflected both individual courage and the overall character of the department.
“The community should be proud,” Winik said. “They did not hesitate at all to do their job that day. Thank you.”
