Warwick's Finest awarded for professionalism

Goshen - In a chilly, wind that eventually turned to rain, the Police Chief’s Association of Orange County, New York celebrated their 13th Annual Awards Ceremony this past Saturday behind the Orange County Government Center under threatening clouds and to the tune of a single bagpiper. Twenty-two recipients from various departments in Orange County were recognized. Among them were members of the Town of Warwick Police Department: Sgt. Alton Morley and Officers Kevin Halsey, Michelle Kozlowski, Felix Oresto and Paul Todora. The Warwick police men and woman were recognized for their professional attitude and management of a situation that occurred on March 21, 2005, when they responded to the scene of a fatal accident on County Route 1 between Pine Island and Edenville. There, they found a car engulfed in flames with the dead driver ejected from the vehicle. After quickly determining that the accident was a result of a speed contest and that other innocent people who were not involved directly were victims of the crash, they quickly called for back-up and notified rescue personnel. They separated the witnesses and got their statements. Meanwhile, the injured were transported for medical attention and the scene was preserved. The operator of the second vehicle was located, interviewed and a statement taken. He was treated for his injuries and then arrested for assault and vehicular homicide. Because of their professionalism and action, it, took an Orange County jury less than two hours to find the driver guilty of manslaughter. Authorities said the officers remained focused on the task at hand as they dealt with the grim scene and the family of the deceased, who lived only 100 yards away, and with relatives there as volunteer firefighters. The day’s keynote speaker was John McGloughlin, the 21-year resident who retired from emergency services at the World Trade Center after his injuries on Sept. 11. He was trapped inside on of the buildings for 22 hours, making him the last to be rescued. “We live in troubled times,” he said. “There is more danger and the unpredictable threat of foreign terrorism today than when I first signed on. Today we remember those who gave theirs so we can live in peace. McGloughlin also acknowledged the professionalism of those recognized for their actions: “Most people don’t realize that it’s just another day at the office.”