PA State Police Honor Personnel of the Year at the State Police Academy

HARRISBURG, Pa., June 10, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- State Police Commissioner Frank Noonan presented the department's 2014 awards for the Medal of Honor, Purple Heart, Trooper of the Year, Liquor Enforcement Officer of the Year, Employee of the Year and Police Communications Operator of the Year at the State Police Academy in Hershey.

The department's highest honor, the Medal of Honor, was presented to Corporal Joseph S. Alessandro of Troop A, Greensburg, and Trooper Dustin S. Sosak, Troop G, Hollidaysburg, for their heroism in the saving of the life of a trooper who had been shot and critically wounded while serving a search warrant.

"This award is presented to members or enforcement officers distinguished by a gallant and intrepid action, which was above and beyond the call of duty," Noonan said.

On Sept. 26, 2013, Trooper Dustin S. Sosak and Corporal Dennis D. Ulery acted without any regard for their own safety in providing immediate aid to Trooper Bradley Wilson of Troop C, Dubois, who had been shot in the neck by an unknown assailant inside a home while members of the Pennsylvania State Police and the Jefferson County Drug Task Force attempted to serve a search warrant.

Sosak provided cover and Ulery maintained pressure on the wound when a second shot struck Wilson again. Corporal Charles Dominick pinpointed the suspect's location and ordered other Troopers to provide suppression fire, while Trooper Sosak and Corporal Alessandro moved Wilson to an awaiting ambulance that was staged prior to the serving of the warrant.

Troopers remained in position for several hours until they were relieved by Special Emergency Response Team (SERT) members. Upon the SERT's entry into the residence, they discovered the suspect had committed suicide. A sophisticated marijuana-growing operation and a methamphetamine laboratory were located on the property.

"The decisions and actions of these members undoubtedly saved the life of Trooper Wilson," said Noonan. "Beginning with the decision to stage an ambulance nearby prior to the service of the warrant, to the execution of suppressive fire and entering the shooting scene, risking their own safety to remove an injured fellow Trooper is nothing short of heroic and is worthy of recognition."

Corporals Dominick and Ulery received Commendation Medals along with Troopers Jared Thomas and Michael Boltz, who provided the suppression fire that allowed Trooper Wilson to be moved.

Noonan also presented Commissioner's Letters of Commendation to PSP Forensic Scientists Bret Bailor and Lisa Moore, who assisted the team by reloading empty magazines with rounds of ammunition during the incident.

Commissioner Noonan awarded a Purple Heart to Sergeant William J. McAreavy, Jr., of Troop H, Gettysburg, and to Trooper Antwjaun M. Cox of Troop H, Chambersburg for their actions during a Sept. 9, 2013, incident in Chambersburg, Franklin County. Following a pursuit at speeds above 100 mph, Trooper Cox suffered a bullet wound to his right foot after stopping the suspect in an armed robbery earlier that day. Cox continued the pursuit after being shot until a bullet hit and deflated a tire.

Sergeant McAreavy was on his way home after his shift when he was notified of the incident. He immediately coordinated efforts with patrol and aviation units and then caught up with the suspect. During the pursuit, the suspect fired his weapon through the vehicle's rear window and shot McAreavy in the shoulder. McAreavy continued the pursuit until his injury rendered him incapable.

Also receiving the Purple Heart was Trooper Brian L. King of the Bureau of Emergency and Special Operations. On July 18, 2013, Trooper King led SERT members into the residence of a barricaded gunman. King was struck in the eye from a bullet fragment when the suspect fired blindly from behind a closed door.

Retired Lieutenant Joseph Skapik also received the Purple Heart for his actions during an incident in Quakertown, Bucks County, on July 20, 1984.  He and other troopers confronted the suspect who was threatening to blow up his house by shooting a bottle full of nitroglycerin. Lieutenant Skapik was shot in the face as he scuffled with the suspect. 

Corporal David E. Watts of Troop B, Pittsburgh, was awarded the Trooper of the Year Award for an incident on Dec. 8, 2013 when a man kidnapped an eight-month-old girl and threatened to kill her while holding a knife to her throat. While police surrounded the suspect, Corporal Watts positioned himself to end the situation safely, and did so with a single shot.

Noonan said Corporal Watts' actions were remarkable. "Even though the child was in the suspect's arms and numerous other officers were around the suspect's vehicle, no one, other than the suspect, was in harm's way when the round was fired," said Noonan.

The Enforcement Officer of the Year award was presented to Liquor Enforcement Office (LEO) Justin E. Clarke, Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement, Philadelphia District Office. LEO Clark was in uniform at a fast-food restaurant on June 13, 2013 when a man entered with bloody hands and claimed to have been stabbed. Clark located, chased, and apprehended the suspect and then assisted the victim with his injuries.

The Employee of the Year award was presented to Vickie A. Bucher for her work as Administrative Officer for the Office of Chief Counsel. 

According to Noonan, she is described as the "backbone" of the Office of Chief Counsel. She manages an office responsible for a caseload of over 140 litigation matters at any time, over $2 million in contracts each year, five separate facilities, and 18 attorneys.

"Vickie can always be expected to go above and beyond her regular duties," said Noonan.

Troop E, Erie, PCO Eric F. Johnson received the Police Communications Operator of the Year award. 

"PCO Johnson has been with the Department since 1988," said Noonan. "He has a strong commitment to the Erie community, takes his job seriously, and is constantly looking for ways to improve customer service." 

When the PFA database came online, he took the lead in transitioning with the county and troubleshooting problems. He is fondly referred to as 'the PFA guy', serves as a member of the county PFA task force, and has attended meetings off duty.  He is highly respected by members of the Prothonotary's Office in Erie County. He also works with the State Police Camp Cadet program.

For more information about the Pennsylvania State Police, visit www.psp.state.pa.us.

Media contact:  Maria A. Finn, 717-783-5556

SOURCE Pennsylvania State Police