December 19 started out like most work days for Officers Michael DeToy and Paul Wheat and Sergeant Douglas Ziegler. No one could have predicted that the day would take a drastic turn when they were called upon to intercede during an attempted bank robbery and a bomb threat. When the call came in, though, the officers' training kicked in and they performed with skill and precision and with heroic acts to keep bank employees, customers and village residents safe. "The brave actions of the members of the department, their quick thinking and 'gut instincts,' turned a potentially violent incident into a controlled situation," Assemblyman Bill Reilich said at a ceremony on January 13. Reilich said he was "so impressed" by the actions of the officers on the scene that he unveiled the Assemblyman's Medal of Merit at the ceremony. "This medal was commissioned to honor those individuals in the district that go above and beyond the call of duty in the performance of their job or in their day-to-day encounters," he said. "I consider it a token of my highest level of gratitude and acknowledgment for selfless acts performed by ordinary citizens doing extraordinary things." DeToy was recognized by Reilich for his "demonstration of courage, quick response and selfless courage"; Wheat for his "quick actions and brave performance"; and Ziegler for "putting the needs of others before his own safety." Police Chief Dan Varrenti said he was not surprised that the officers acted in the manner in which they did on the day of the Chase-Manhattan robbery. "I believe all police officers, firefighters and military personnel, are always prepared to risk their lives at a minute's notice. What someone doesn't know is how he or she will react when called to do so," he said. "These officers, as well as the community, now know how they have reacted and that was with the highest degree of bravery and professionalism." January 22, 2006 |
