The Ramapo Police Department hosted its 11th Annual Awards Breakfast on Friday morning, continuing a longstanding tradition of recognizing the outstanding dedication, bravery, and service of its officers and staff throughout the past year.

Held during National Police Week, the event brought together members of law enforcement, town officials, village leaders, and community supporters to honor those who go above and beyond in protecting the residents of Ramapo. A total of 38 awards were presented in the categories of Excellent Police Service, Honorable Service, Lifesaving, and Meritorious Service 2nd.

The morning program began at 9:00 a.m. with opening remarks from Ramapo Police Chief Daniel Hyman, followed by the Presentation of Colors by the Ramapo Police Honor Guard, the Pledge of Allegiance, a Moment of Silence, and remarks from Ramapo Supervisor Michael Specht. Police Department awards were then presented by Captain Michael Colbath and Lieutenant Ken Joyce before Chief Hyman delivered closing remarks. Breakfast was served throughout the event.

One of the most emotional moments of the ceremony came as Chief Daniel Hyman himself was presented with the Meritorious Service 2nd award for his heroic actions during a house fire earlier this January. According to the department, Chief Hyman observed the fire, immediately sprang into action without hesitation, and guided a resident to safety, ultimately saving a life.

The Ramapo Police Department also expressed appreciation to the Ramapo Town Board, the Town Chief-of-Staff, and village mayors and trustees who attended the breakfast in support of law enforcement and the department’s mission.

A special thank you was also extended to the Crowne Plaza Suffern-Mahwah, which hosted the event and provided cookies for attendees featuring messages honoring officers during Police Week, a time when departments across the nation remember and pay tribute to officers who made the ultimate sacrifice.

The following awards and recipients were recognized during the ceremony:

Meritorious Service 2nd: • Chief Daniel Hyman
• PO Christopher Molta
• PO John Haase

Excellent Police Service: • Sgt. J. Tesseyman
• Sgt. S. Samora
• Sgt. M. Mielnicki
• Det. J. Salmon
• Det. J. Quinn (2)
• Det. J. Youngman
• Det. M. Murphy (2)
• PO K. Grant
• PO S. Gabriel
• PO E. Tursi

Honorable Service: • D/Sgt. M. Higgins
• Det. J. Salmon
• Det. J. Youngman
• Det. M. Leiman
• PO P. White
• PO R. Barba
• PO K. Ferguson
• PO W. O’Connor (3)
• PO R. Ortiz
• PO C. Once
• PO K. Lenihan
• PO E. Ascuasiati
• PO P. Sadowski

Lifesaving: • Det. V. Mendez
• PO M. Samora
• PO P. White
• PO C. Byrnes
• PO M. McRory
• PO M. Warburton
• PO K. Grant
• PO J. Wassner

The department also congratulated several recent retirees, including: • Sgt. E. Pascocello
• Det. M. Braddock
• PO D. Small