FOP LODGE #4 AWARDS NIGHT

Jersey City Lodge # 4 conducted its annual awards night on Thursday May 5, 2011 at O'Hara's Pub and recognized the following officers for their outstanding performance.

VALOR AWARD

This will be stowed upon those members of Jersey City Lodge #4, who acted at the risk of their own personal safety where the potential for injury is extremely high and/or performed in a most heroic manner with total disregard for their own personal safety.

Recipients of the Valor Award:

PO James Cardinali

PO Christopher Daliani

PO Franklin Dilone

PO Dwayne Dowell

PO Mark Hennessey

PO John Mack

PO Gabriel Moreano

PO Edwin Nazario, Jr.

PO Jocelyn Shaikh

PO Christopher Viera

PO Mark Hennessey
PO James Cardinali

At approx. 2200 hours on May 12, 2010, PO’s Mark Hennessey and James Cardinali were working an off-duty BJA post in a marked unit when they heard shots being fired from the area of Bidwell and MLK. As they approached this area they did observe a car driving at a high rate of speed with no lights on racing from that location. The officers pursued the vehicle and it did finally stop at a dead end street off Grant Avenue.
There were 4 occupants in the auto and all but the front passenger complied with the officers verbal directions to secure their actions. This particular actor kept reaching behind the front driver’s seat. He and all the actors were eventually secured and 2 loaded semi-automatic handguns were recovered from in back of the driver’s seat.
The recovery of the guns is not the end of the story because these arrested actors did use these weapons to murder a male victim at Bidwell and MLK seconds before officers Hennessey and Cardinali observed their fleeing vehicle.
These officers’s keen observation not only solved a murder but their courageous handling of the dangerous situation when they had the vehicle stopped prevented these actors from causing more violence and FOP Lodge #4 recognizes this danger and their response with this valor award.

PO John Mack
PO Edwin Nazario, Jr.

On June 5, 2010 at approximately 0030 hours, PO’s John Mack and Edwin Nazario were working an off-duty BJA post on the Hudson River waterfront. They did respond to the foot of Grand St. on a large disorderly group call. Upon approaching the group of over 100, mostly juveniles, did hear gunshots. As the group dispersed, they observed 2 male actors firing handguns at each other from only yards away. Upon seeing the uniformed officer’s approach, they still exchanged gunfire while trying to escape.
Due to the large crowd present, the officers could not fire their service weapons.
The actors stopped firing and ran in different directions with the officers in pursuit. They lost sight of one of the actors but were able to catch up to the second actor, subdued him, and did recover from his pocket a .380 semi-automatic handgun. This actor did suffer a non-life threatening gunshot wound.
Other units arriving at the scene did observe a male in the water but were unable to rescue him before he went under the murky water. This male’s lifeless body was later recovered by the emergency squad and was identified as the other shooter. He had apparently jumped in the water after being shot. The apprehended actor was charged with homicide. P.O. Mack and Nazario’s quick response and restraint in firing their weapons with the large crowd present did prevent further carnage and FOP Lodge #4 recognizes their courageous actions with this valor award.

PO Dwayne Dowell
PO Franklin Dilone

On Nov. 30, 2010 at 2140 hours pos Dwayne Dowell and Franklin Dilone (South plainclothes) did respond to an armed robbery in progress at 50 Bostwick Avenue.
The facts of the crime as reported were that 2 armed actors forced a woman at gun point to respond to her apartment from the parking garage. In the apartment were 3 children and her boyfriend. They pistol whipped the boyfriend and forced him to open his safe. They grabbed the loot and fled when they heard approaching sirens. The victims called 911 and a description of the actors was broadcast. It was at this time that PO’s Dowell and Dilone observed the described actors walking west on Myrtle Ave.
Upon seeing the officers; both actors ran with the officers in foot pursuit. While running - actor #1 took a hand gun from his waistband and fired at the pursuing officers and then tossed the gun over a yard fence. Seconds later; actor #2 did also fire 1 shot at them. The officers did not fire back because of numerous people in the area.
The officers lost sight of the actors after they ran into an alley and entered a maze of backyards. Their situation was broadcast and backup units secured a perimeter and began a search. Actor #2 was apprehended in the rear of 183 Myrtle. Actor #1 apparently made good his escape for the time being. A further search of the area produced 3 handguns ( 2 – 9mm and 1 - 45 caliber ), spent rounds and articles of clothing belonging to the actors. Stolen cash was retrieved from the apprehended actor and he was positively identified. Actor #1 was also identified and a warrant was issued.
The details of this crime make us all realize the extreme danger that was facing officer’s Dowell and Dilone, but their professionalism and courage took violent felons and guns off the street and we honor them with this FOP Lodge #4 valor award.

PO Christopher Viera
PO Gabriel Moreano
PO Jocelyn Shaikh
PO Christopher Daliani

On December 18, 2010 at approximately 0430 hours, PO’s Chris Viera and Gabriel Moreano (South 201) while on patrol were flagged down and told of a fire going good at 110 Ocean Avenue. They immediately broadcasted same and responded to the fire engulfed building. South 401 – PO’s Jocelyn Shaikh and Christopher Daliani - also arrived at the chaotic scene. The officers were informed of trapped occupants in the rear of 110 Ocean and immediately sprung into action. They scaled a 10 foot fence and formed a human chain to affect a rescue. Removed to safety were 4 children (ages 6 months to 10 years old) and 2 adults.
Their rescue operation also included the evacuation of 108 Ocean which began to catch fire. The Fire Department and other police units arrived on the scene to fight the raging fire and secure the area. 110 Ocean was completely destroyed with numerous families left homeless and 108 Ocean received fire damage. The actions of PO’s Viera, Moreano, Shaikh and Daliani were not only heroic but I am sure; saved the lives of trapped residents and they are most deserving of this FOP Lodge #4 valor award.

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