Fitzmaurice Named Lower’s Officer of the Year

VILLAS — Charles “Chad” Fitzmaurice was presented the David C. Douglass 2006, Lower Township Police Officer of the Year Award by Chief Edward Donohue before a standing-room-only crowd at township hall July 24.
He called Fitzmaurice, “A cop’s cop.”
Lt. William Mastriana said the officer of the year is someone who has shown commitment to the community and the police department and shows professionalism, integrity and always strives for continuous improvement.
He said Fitzmaurice has been a township resident for approximately 18 years and is married with three children.
Fitzmaurice was hired by the township police department in 2002. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1993 to 1998 as a Seabee.
In 2005, he received a letter of recognition from Mothers Against Drunk Driving for the numerous driving while intoxicated arrests he made that year.
Fitzmaurice is a coach, referee and a board member of the Lower Township Hockey League and also coaches baseball.
He is a member of Villas VFW and was selected quartermaster for one year.
Mastriana read from a letter from Lower Township Police Sgt. Martin Biersbach stating he nominated Fitzmaurice for officer of the year for his exemplary work ethic and his ability to solve many crimes leading to arrests.
“His aggressive and proactive approach to law enforcement is an example to everyone,” said Biersbach’s letter.
“When you think of Officer Fitzmaurice, you think of a team player,” he continued. “He is always the first to assist someone or handle a call for a fellow officer.”
Fitzmaurice volunteered to work a permanent assignment in Villas, the township’s most active crime area.
Biersbach noted Fitzmaurice is a “model patrolman” and well deserving of the award.
The award is given in honor of David C. Douglass who was killed in the line of duty Feb. 18, 1994 after exchanging gunfire with a burglary suspect.
The award includes a meal at the Washington Inn and a stay at the Angel of the Sea Bed & Breakfast.
The 2006 V.F.W. Gold Medal Award from Post 5343 was presented to Patrolman Kevin Lewis.
Captain Lou Russo, who presented the award, read remarks from Sgt. John Chew that stated in his 13 years of law enforcement, he had never seen any other officer learn the department’s paperwork so quickly. Chew said Lewis handled himself like a veteran of stressful calls.
Lt. Chris Winter received a distinguished service award for his work in preparing the department for accreditation.
A Unit Citation Award was presented to the detective division for their outstanding performance in detecting, deterring, and apprehending know criminals and drug dealers within the township by aggressively conducting investigations, executing search warrants and performing motor vehicle stops which had led to the seizure of large amounts of illegal drugs and arrest of multiple know felons from July 2005 to July 2007. Award winners were: Detective Sgt. Thomas Keywood, Detective First Class Mel Hedum, and detectives Robert Smith, Art Mason, Chris Lambert and Edward Dougherty.
Letters of commendation were issued to Patrol Shawn Whittington for his efforts clearing the obstructed airway of a small child who was not breathing. Cpl. Kevin Boyle and Patrolman William McPherson for their handling of an armed barricaded suspect that had pointed a gun at officers.
Sgt. First Class William Hienkel received commendation for disarming a suicidal subject with a butcher knife.
Cape May Police Patrolman Nicholas Gallaccio was given a letter for intervening in a strong-arm robbery at Sturdy Savings Bank.
School resource officers Darrin Hickok an Al Flitcroft also received distinguished service awards presented by Donohue and Captain Brian Marker.
Community Partnership Awards were presented to Lower Township Community Emergency Response Team. Sturdy Savings Bank, Lower Township Police Explorers and Seashore Campsites.
Mutual Aid Emergency Service awards were given to Townbank Fire Company, Erma Fire Company, Villas Fire Company and Lower Township Rescue Squad.
Donohue recounted an incident at the Crab House in Diamond Beach July 7 were partial building collapse ocurred. He thanked the fire chiefs for their efforts to stabilize the situation, clear the building, and treat the injured.