Police Officers Cited

At a recent meeting, the Township Committee presented Patrolman Shawn Bates with the Meritorious Service Medal. Bates is pictured with Chief John Ort and Mayor Dick Appleby. Patrolman Shawn Bates, hearing cries for help from a first floor apartment, attempted to rescue Joyce Turner, a 50- year old paralyzed woman. Without regard for his own safety Patrolman Bates made a number of attempts to enter Apartment # 13, first through the front door and then by breaking out the sliding glass door to gain entry. Due to the intensive fire and smoke, Patrolman Bates was unable to rescue her, and she subsequently died of smoke inhalation with carbon monoxide intoxication.
While unable to save Joyce Turner, Patrolman Bates, even after sustaining smoke inhalation and an injured hand, with the assistance of other apartment residents, was able to evacuate the 10 unit structure preventing further loss of life.
Also at the meeting, Corporal Michael Clancy was also promoted to Sergeant, bringing the department’s total number of sergeants to four. Clancy is pictured with Mayor Dick Appleby and Committeewoman Cate Oakley.