At the start of Monday's Borough Council meeting, the Manville Police Department swore in a new officer and recognized several others.

Officer Steven Caroscio was sworn in as Manville's newest officer. Chief Jeremiah shared that Officer Caroscio graduated from Colonia High School and received his bachelor's degree in criminal justice from Kean University. He is a graduate of the Cape May Police County Academy and recently completed his field training with Officer Jeff Sumbana.

We welcome Office Caroscio to Manville and wish him luck in his new role.

Moving on to the awards portion, Chief Jeremiah gave a brief history of the program. In 2001, the Manville Police Department implemented an awards program to recognize officers for acts that went above and beyond the call of duty. Officers are also recognized for personal achievements regarding education and military service. An officer is nominated in writing for a particular award by a peer or superior officer and the nomination is then submitted to a committee for review and approval, before going to the Chief of Police for final approval.

The first award was the Educational Achievement Award given to an officer who has successfully achieved a bachelor's degree or 60 college credits from a recognized college or university. Officer Kieran Green, Officer Kyle Bernhard, and Officer Gregory Zytko were all recognized for their commitment to education.

The second award was the Military Achievement Award given to an officer who has served honorably on active duty with the armed forces of the United States and received an honorable discharge. Officer Kieran Green (United States Marine Corps) was recognized.

The Honorable Service Award which is given to any member of the department for a highly unusual accomplishment, under adverse conditions, with some degree of hazard to life and limb to the nominee, or where death or injury to a third party is prevented.

On August 15, 2025, officers tracked a suspect armed with what appeared to be a handgun after a dispute on South Street. The search led them to the Somerville train station, where the suspect fought violently with officers and repeatedly reached for the weapon. Despite the danger, officers from Somerville, the Somerset County Prosecutor's Office, and Manville worked together to safely take him into custody. The gun was later found to be a realistic imitation firearm. Several officers sustained minor injuries, and five were later honored with a Valor Award from the 200 Club of Somerset County.

For his role in the incident, Lieutenant David Sheffrin was presented with the department's Honorable Service Award.

The Meritorious Service Award is given to any member of the department for a significant accomplishment, under adverse conditions, with some degree of personal hazard to themselves or where death or serious injury to a third party is prevented.

On June 29, 2023, Manville Police Lt. John Crater was injured when a suspect struck him with a vehicle while fleeing an investigative stop on Pope Street. Lt. Crater, along with Officers John Chismar and Christopher Ciempola, pursued the suspect through Manville as he sped at high speeds, drove the wrong way down a one way street, and ultimately crashed into a vehicle and then a home on North 5th Avenue.

The suspect then broke into a basement crawl space of an apartment building on Brooks Boulevard. With assistance from Bridgewater, Hillsborough, and the Somerset County Sheriff's K9 Unit, officers surrounded the building. Lt. Crater located the suspect hiding in the crawl space, removed him, and placed him under arrest. A search of the suspect's vehicle uncovered an illegal MAC 11 type assault firearm, a high capacity magazine, and a bullet proof vest.

The suspect was later convicted on multiple charges following a two week trial and ultimately sentenced to 30 years in state prison.

For his actions during this dangerous pursuit and arrest, Lt. John Crater is being presented with the department's Meritorious Service Award.

The last award presented was the Civilian Service Award which is presented to a civilian that assists the department in the apprehension of a criminal, or in any emergency. This award may also be presented when a civilian provides services which may be deemed beneficial to the department or the municipality.

On September 9, 2026, John Stanek, was heading to Dukes Park with his son for some fishing when he saw an unresponsive woman face down in the Raritan River. Realizing she was not swimming, Mr. Stanek immediately called police and entered the water, lifting her face above the surface but unable to bring her to shore. Lieutenant David Sheffrin and Officer Kieran Green arrived moments later and, without hesitation entered the river to help. Together, they pulled the 63 year old woman from the water and began lifesaving care. She is expected to make a full recovery.

For his quick action, Mr. Stanek was presented with the Civilian Service Award, and Lt. Sheffrin and Officer Green received the Life Saving Award.

In closing, Chief Jeremiah thanked the Mayor and Council for their continued support as they welcomed Officer Caroscio and recognized Mr. Stanek and all of the officers honored. The Chief noted that he was present at both major arrest incidents referenced during the ceremony and praised the professionalism and restraint shown by every responding agency, including Manville, the Somerset County Prosecutor's Office and Sheriff's Department, and the Somerville, Raritan, Hillsborough, and Bridgewater police departments.

He also emphasized that the individuals involved in those incidents are not reflective of the Manville community, which remains overwhelmingly supportive of its police department. Moments like the rescue in Dukes Park, he said, show how much can be accomplished when residents and officers work together.

Congratulations to all our officers and to Mr. Stanek on their recognitions.