Burlington County Chiefs of Police Association |
Richard K. Dreby Award |
The Richard K. Dreby award is presented to a person who has performed outstanding service to the association. Originally named simply the President's award, it was changed in honor of Past President Chief Richard K. Dreby who represents the best this organization has to offer. He has remained very active and instrumental in the organization serving on many committees and as a trustee.
Recent recipients of the award are:
2013
Captain Gerald Valenta Willingboro Police Department presented by President Scott Pearman
On Thursday, January 30th, 2014 Captain Gerald Valenta of the Willingboro Police Department was presented the Richard Dreby Award for Service. Captain Valenta was recognized for his dedicated work for our Annual Police Memorial Service where Captain Valenta organizes those agencies that provide Honor Guards, Officer’s, Vehicles, etc. to Honor Federal, State and Local Law Enforcement Officers who have made the Ultimate Sacrifice for the safety and protection of our Nation and its people. Captain Valenta has done this for many years and looks forward to helping the association putting this together and never waivers from the task at hand even though we wish this type of tragedy never happens or happened.
2012
Chief Stephen C Fazekas Florence Township Police Department presented by President Paul Tursi
Affectionately known as Fuzzy by his peers, Chief Fazekas was recognized for his dedicated work on many of the association's committees. He served on the Academy Committee and the Ways and Means committee running the annual golf outing, the association's most important fund raiser. He was responsible for formulating our countywide emergency response plan for school emergencies. With the closing of the County Police Academy, Chief Fazekas worked with the Prosecutor's office to insure that we are able to offer our police officers the best continuing education possible. He also dedicates his time as a firefighter and EMT. Chief Fazekas retired March 2012 but activity continues on as a trustee.
2011
Captain Robert Scara Burlington County Prosecutor's Office presented by President Frank Martine
Captain Scara was recognized for both his military and law enforcement careers. During his time in the US Army’s Criminal Investigation Command (CID) he served tours in Korea, Vietnam and Germany. He is credited with developing a CID Supervisor’s Course and an Advanced Investigators Course for the US Army’s CID personnel. He retired from the United States Army as Chief Warrant Officer (Grade 4) and joined the Burlington County Prosecutor's Office in 1978. He was assigned to and supervised numerous units within the office and served as Chief of Detectives from 1987 to 1989. Units included Major Crimes and Homicide, Sexual Assault and Internal Affairs Units. As a certified polygraph operator he assisted in hundreds of investigations. A graduate of the Federal Bureau of Investigations National Academy (FBINA) Session #110 and served as the Director of the Burlington County Police Academy from 1994-1998. He continued thereafter instructing both certified officers and recruits as a senior instructor. He retired from the Burlington County Prosecutor's Office at the rank of Captain with over 55 years in law enforcement.
Captain Scara continues to be a mentor to law enforcement and will always assist to improve the overall public safety effort in Burlington County. His dedication to all concerned has never been questioned and his loyalty to get the job done should be mirrored by all.
2010
Detective Sergeant Jack Smith Burlington County Prosecutor's Office presented by President Frank Martino on behalf of President John Lazzarotti
2008 Chief Rickard K. Dreby Palmyra Police Department presented by President Joseph Conlin
2007 Mitchel C. Sklar Executive Director New State Association of Police Chiefs present by President Michael King
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