Public invited to annual awards ceremony on Monday, March 24

Saving residents from a burning building and from the dangers of drunk drivers are among the achievements of officers from the New Garden Township Police Department who will be recognized on Monday, March 24.

The department said its annual awards ceremony will honor five officers – one of whom will receive three commendations – for outstanding contributions to the community during 2013.

New Garden Township Police Officer First Class John M. Gibson II was selected as the 2013 Police Officer of the Year, a police department news release said. Gibson, who has served the township for 28 years and is the department’s longest tenured officer, was nominated by his supervisor for conspicuous exemplary work on many levels. He will also receive a first-year DUI Enforcement Award and a Lifesaving Award.

Gibson is one of four officers being lauded for their proactive DUI enforcement efforts. The others are Officer Matthew R. Jones, a first-year recipient; Officer Joseph P. Versagli, a second-year award-winner; and Cpl. Jeffrey D. Call, a second-year recipient.

Gibson and Officer Matthew R. Jones will receive the department’s Lifesaving Award for their heroic actions, which placed them in harm’s way but resulted in saving a citizen from a burning motor vehicle, the release said.

The public is encourage to attend the awards presentation, which will begin the supervisors’ meeting at 6:30 p.m. in the township building at 299 Starr Road in Landenberg.