West Long Branch Police Officers Receive 200 Club Award

Four West Long Branch policemen's hard work during the winter blizzard that blanketed the borough in nearly 3 feet of snow was recently recognized.

The four officers—Sgt. Brian Ellis, Ptl. Brian Burton, Det. Scott Rockhill and Ptl. Jason Buono—received the prestigious Club 200 Award during a ceremony held at Spring Lake Golf Club on May 13. Officers from across Monmouth County were awarded for various acts of bravery and outstanding police work by the association. 

The 200 Club of Monmouth County is an association dedicated to providing financial assistance to the families of public safety and rescue personnel who have been killed in the line of duty.

A nomination letter detailing the efforts of the officers was sent to William Wingard, chairman of the Annual Awards Committee, in February. The department later received word that the officers would be receiving the awards this year.

The letter describes an incident which occurred at 5:35 a.m. on Dec. 28 when a 54-year-old woman who was in "respiratory distress" needed help. Even though the streets were unplowed and several abandoned vehicles made their trek difficult, the officers still were able to make it to the woman's house and get her to the hospital. She was taken there with the use of a police SUV, as an ambulance was unable to make it to the house because of the poor road conditions.

The woman later wrote a "thank you" letter to the police officers who helped save her life.