ALLENTOWN, Pa. — City police honored officers as well as residents during a recognition ceremony Wednesday at Cedar Crest College.
Held in observance of National Police Week, dozens of the city's law enforcement members gathered, with many receiving commendations of merit, bravery, lifesaving and achievement.
- Allentown police honored officers and civilians in an awards ceremony Wednesday.
- Dozens of recognitions were made, including officers and civilians
- Following the awards, attendees took part in a memorial service for retired officers who died over the past year
"What makes these awards special is that these are voted on by their peers," said Police Chief Charles Roca.
"We have a situation where people are choosing to engage in crime, and they think that they can get away with it — but we're here to say different. We're here to say that you are going to be held accountable if you choose to commit crime in the city of Allentown.
"The answer is going to be a combination of the outstanding work being done by [these] men and women, and the input by our community."
The Vice and Intelligence Unit received a unit citation for its work within the department.
"What makes these awards special is that these are voted on by their peers."Allentown Police Chief Charles Roca
In attendance were city representatives such as city council members Daryl Hendricks, Cynthia Mota and Ed Zucal, Lehigh County District Attorney Jim Martin and Mayor Matt Tuerk. Hendricks and Zucal are retired from the city police force.
"I just want to ask you to join me in extending our gratitude to the members of the Allentown Police Department and thanks to them for their continued support," said Mayor Tuerk.
U.S. Marshal Eric S. Gartner was guest speaker.
River rescue
Prior to the awards being given out, police Capt. Kyle Pammer described several events over the last year, including the seizing of illegal drugs, successful investigations, first-aid responses, and responses to dangerous scenarios.
Officers Kayla Balatgek and Andrew Gehringer were among those cited.
"On May 19 2022, officers Balatgek and Gehringer were dispatched to the Allentown boat docks when a man had fallen into the water and was drowning," Pammer said.
"Both officers were able to grab ahold of the male and swim him to the surface and keeping him to the surface so some other personnel assisting could aid from the river. Rescue personnel began lifesaving measures and transported the male to a nearby hospital, where he survived the near drowning."
Citizen recognition
Civilian awards were also distributed.
Kate Gugliandolo received one for being instrumental in preventing more than $41,000 from being lost as a result of fraud by alerting the Allentown Police Department of multiple incidents.
Civilians Michael Biery, Marlon Chandler and Cornelius Thomas were also recognized for caring for the victim and assisting with the apprehension of a suspect in a stabbing.
Ten elementary school students were also recognized for their role in the school safety patrol.
"I see young people from elementary schools who have accepted the challenge of being safety patrol," Roca said in his opening remarks. "Taking responsibility and living a life of service is going to make our community grow and be that much better, and I commend you."
In memoriam
Following the awards and recognition, a memorial service was held outside the college's Alumni Hall for those associated with the police department who died in the past year.
They included retired patrol Officer Ken Knecht; retired patrol Officer Joseph Biggs; retired Detective Lieutenant Andrew Wiesner; retired Deputy Assistant Chief Harold Boyer, and Para-Police Officer William "Bill" Mentesana.
