Cranford Police Recognized for Heroic Efforts

While police work is not without moments of adversity and danger, members of the Cranford Police Department enjoyed a moment of gratification when they were recognized through awards and citations for exceptional service in the line of duty.

The 2010 Cranford Police Department awards were presented during the Township Committee meeting May 11 which aptly occurred during Police Week and in advance of Peace Officer Memorial Day, May 15.

Mayor Mark C. Smith lauded Police Chief Eric G. Mason and the officers for their contributions to the community.

"I congratulate all the recipients. Cranford thanks each and every one of its public safety officers, especially tonight with the police," Smith said. "The professionalism does show Cranford police are second to none and Chief Mason, in no small part, it is a tribute to your leadership. The Cranford Police Department is second to none."

Mason thanked Smith and the rest of the committee for their support of the department.

"I want to thank the mayor and the township committee for their ongoing support of the Cranford Police Department," he said. "Your efforts, the efforts of the community and the efforts of the police department make Cranford the safe place that it is."

Mason also expressed pride in the tireless efforts of officers of his department.

"They stand between the bad guys and the law-abiding citizens of this community everyday. I appreciate their efforts," he said.

Twelve members of the police department were awarded for extraordinary efforts in apprehending dangerous criminals or directly saving Cranford lives.

Officer Matthew Nazzaro and Officer Nelson Hearns were among four to receive the Life Saving award, there were also six departmental citations awarded as well as two chief medals.

After the presentation, Officer Nazzaro, who along with Sergeant Edward Davenport, saved the life of Donald Waters of Columbia Ave., said the support of the community makes a difficult job easier.

"When the people you encounter day to day appreciate you it makes it that much easier to work a hard job, but when the people can come out and say kind words it goes beyond that," he said. "You feel a lot of adversity [in this job] so when this is the end result it's refreshing to say the least."

Waters, who presented the officers with their award, thanked them for giving him an opportunity to continue to watch his grandchildren grow.

"My two oldest grandchildren just graduated college and I had two first communions last Sunday, so thank God for these two guys," Waters said. "My wife thanks you and my 19 grandchildren thank you."

Officer Hearns said he appreciated the support of the community and the township committee.

"It feels good to be recognized," Hearns said. "They realize that we try to do the best that we can."

While it was easy for Hearns to express gratitude to the community, it was harder to explain the feeling that comes with saving a life.

"You really can't describe it. You gave that person a second chance to see their family and you really can't put that into words," he said.