NIAGARA FALLS – Niagara Falls Police officers were honored for heroism, service and dedication to police work during the recent annual Police Awards Ceremony.
Capt. John DeMarco, who has served for the past 10 years as deputy superintendent of police and has been a member of the department for more than 30 years, was one of five recipients of the Chief’s Award, along with Capt. Salvatore Pino, Capt. David LeGault, Lt. David Kok and attorney Bernard Stack.
DeMarco, who manages day-to-day operations, was considered the “go-to guy” for special projects including daredevil Nik Wallenda’s high-wire walk above the falls, terrorist training seminars and the overhaul of the communication system.
Pino, who serves as commander of the department’s Traffic Division, coordinated multiple agencies for the Wallenda walk.
LeGault and Kok, the commander and deputy commander, respectively, of the department’s Emergency Response Team, conducted more than 100 drug raids, dealt with armed standoffs and provided security for undercover details.
Stack, legal adviser for more than 16 years, was praised for his counsel, especially in the area of search and seizure.
Other awards include:
• Combat Cross, for individual acts of heroism when confronting an armed adversary – Police Superintendent E. Bryan DalPorto, for his service as a lieutenant in the Narcotics Investigation Bureau, and narcotics Detective John Galie.
•Distinguished Senior Officer – Michael Drake, a 12-year veteran assigned to the department’s Traffic Division.
• Outstanding Detective – John Conti, a member of the department’s Criminal Investigation Bureau.
•Leo Maj Memorial, overall excellence for a uniformed officer – David Cudahy, a member since 1990.
• Distinguished Junior Officer – Shaun Bielec, who joined the department in 2008.
• Honorable Service Medals – Officers Kevin Henderson, Andrew Pappas, Michael Tarnowski, Theodore Weed Jr., Tyrone Earp and Shawn Watson.
•Life-Saving Medal – Marilyn Clark, a complaint-report taker, for stopping a suicide attempt.
email: nfischer@buffnews.com
Capt. John DeMarco, who has served for the past 10 years as deputy superintendent of police and has been a member of the department for more than 30 years, was one of five recipients of the Chief’s Award, along with Capt. Salvatore Pino, Capt. David LeGault, Lt. David Kok and attorney Bernard Stack.
DeMarco, who manages day-to-day operations, was considered the “go-to guy” for special projects including daredevil Nik Wallenda’s high-wire walk above the falls, terrorist training seminars and the overhaul of the communication system.
Pino, who serves as commander of the department’s Traffic Division, coordinated multiple agencies for the Wallenda walk.
LeGault and Kok, the commander and deputy commander, respectively, of the department’s Emergency Response Team, conducted more than 100 drug raids, dealt with armed standoffs and provided security for undercover details.
Stack, legal adviser for more than 16 years, was praised for his counsel, especially in the area of search and seizure.
Other awards include:
• Combat Cross, for individual acts of heroism when confronting an armed adversary – Police Superintendent E. Bryan DalPorto, for his service as a lieutenant in the Narcotics Investigation Bureau, and narcotics Detective John Galie.
•Distinguished Senior Officer – Michael Drake, a 12-year veteran assigned to the department’s Traffic Division.
• Outstanding Detective – John Conti, a member of the department’s Criminal Investigation Bureau.
•Leo Maj Memorial, overall excellence for a uniformed officer – David Cudahy, a member since 1990.
• Distinguished Junior Officer – Shaun Bielec, who joined the department in 2008.
• Honorable Service Medals – Officers Kevin Henderson, Andrew Pappas, Michael Tarnowski, Theodore Weed Jr., Tyrone Earp and Shawn Watson.
•Life-Saving Medal – Marilyn Clark, a complaint-report taker, for stopping a suicide attempt.
email: nfischer@buffnews.com