Sumpter Township officials officially recognized members of the police department for outstanding service in 2022 during a meeting last month.
Lifesaving awards which include a citation bar to be worn on the officer's uniform were presented to Ofc. Sean Hudson; Sgt. Brian Steffani; Ofc. Jesiah Rodriguez and Ofc. Bart Devos.
Hudson responded to a 31-year-old woman who was unresponsive due to a possible drug overdose. Upon arrival, Hudson found the female not breathing and performed life-saving measures until fire department and Huron Valley Ambulance responders arrived. The woman was resuscitated and transported for further care.
On Jan. 30, 2022, Steffani and Rodriguez responded to a 51-year-old man who had suffered a medical emergency in his sleep and had stopped breathing. Upon arrival, officers found the male unresponsive, not breathing, with no pulse. The officers performed CPR until ambulances arrived. The officers continued to assist the medics and eventually a pulse was regained and the man transported for further care.
On April 12, 2022, Devos responded to a local business for a 23-year-old man who had possibly overdosed. Devos located unresponsive man and performed life-saving measures until fire department and ambulances arrived. Subsequent doses of Narcan were administered, and the man was resuscitated and transported for further care.
The 2022 award for Academic Achievement was presented to Sgt. Beth Egerer who completed her bachelor's degree from Siena Heights University.
The Patrol Productivity award was presented to Ofc. Gino Criscenti
During 2022, Criscenti outperformed his peers in just about every measurable category, including leading the department in the number of traffic stops conducted, reports written, and arrests made. Additionally, his arrests were of high quality for various misdemeanor and felony offenses.
The prestigious Chief's Recognition Award was presented to Criscenti and Rodriguez who were lauded for their handing of a traffic stop during which they discovered an illegal handgun in the possession of a felon.
Also recognized with the Chief's Recognition award was Steffani who arrested an armed suspect who fled the scene of a domestic assault.
Named as Officer of the Year 2022 was Gino Criscenti.
Public Safety Director/Police Chief Eric Luke said Criscenti's performance in 2022 “embodies what is expected from officers of the Sumpter Township Police Department. Every day he comes to work to further this department's mission and goals. He is highly motivated, always putting in a solid day's work.
“His quality of work is excellent, and often complimented by prosecuting attorneys. He led the department in arrests for the year, with cases ranging from traffic offenses, drunk and drugged drivers, domestic assaults, a stabbing, and weapons offenses, including recovering a stolen gun during a traffic stop and arresting a felon possessing a handgun,” Luke said.
“In addition to the traditional police work, Ofc. Criscenti showed his commitment to the community as part of the Community Outreach program and events such as Shop With a Hero.
“In his first full year with this Department, he has already proven himself a valuable asset to Sumpter Township,” Luke concluded in presenting the award which includes the officer's name on the Officer of the Year perpetual plaque in the police department lobby, a desktop award and a bar to be worn on his uniform.
