Burlington County 200 Club honors officers of valor

Two New Jersey State Troopers who defused a potentially deadly encounter near and Evesham Township school in December lead the list of officers commended for bravery and service in 2015 by the 200 Club of Burlington County.

The benevolent organization's annual Valor and Scholarship Banquet takes place February 18 at Merion Caterers in Cinnaminson.

NJSPD Detective Timothy P. Long and Trooper Philip J. Conza of Troop D are the recipients of this year's Honor/Valor Award for their apprehension of a teen who was believed to be sucidal near Van Zant Elementary. The off-duty officers, at the time, only had the strength of a report of an armed individual.

They ascertained that the youth held a toy replica of a firearm and had no designs on students, faculty or staffers. He reportedly told investigators that he hoped to draw police fire.

The incident led to tighter police security at the township's public schools. Township and school district officials divided the additional costs.

Mount Laurel PD Sergeant Leonard Werner, Evesham Police Chief Christopher Chew, and retired Lenola Fire Chief William Ruggiano will receive Distinguished Service Awards for their contributions to public safety through years of experience and leadership.

This year's Meritorious Service awardees are Palmyra PD Officer (now Sergeant) Stephen Coveleski and Florence Townshp PD Officer Nathan Tomkins, for lifesaving actions taken off-duty that resulted in criminal arrests, both while off-duty.

Coveleski took a lead role in the apprehension of Kyle Crosby, the Mount Laurel man who eventually admitted killing his wife and leaving her remains in a field in Maryland.

Contributions to public safety and the quality of life in Burlington County earn posthumous Distinguished Service awards for former Burlington County Emergency Management Director Kevin Tuno and Evesham Firefighter Earl Siegman.

Volunteers of the non-profit 200 Club of Burlington County devote their energies to providing financial support to the families of fallen or injured municipal, county and state police and fire personnel and emergency medical service workers.

They annually provide scholarships for higher educaiton and awards for advanced training and special recognition.