Two Springfield police officers have been recognized at recent Township Committee meetings.
Lieutenant Ryan Westover, received a proclamation from the Township Committee at the June 14th meeting. Mayor Alexander Keiser presented Lt. Westover with the proclamation and he was accompanied by his wife, son and his parents. He was also honored at the 53rd Annual 200 Club of Union County Valor Awards 2022 Luncheon, where he received the 200 Club of Union County Medal of Valor for his act of heroism.
“Lieutenant Westover, we’re so thankful for you being on the force. Not only are you always available when I need you but you make yourself available to the entire community and we’re internally grateful for your support. ”
-Mayor Alexander Keiser
On March 11, 2021, Lt. Westover assisted two New Jersey State Troopers with a minivan that had gone off the roadway and struck a tree head on. One of the state troopers was attempting to extinguish the vehicle flames and the other was attempting to pry open the driver’s door. Lt. Westover gained entry into the vehicle, through another door and joined the trooper inside the vehicle to remove the driver, who had been pinned in the driver’s seat. The driver was successfully extracted from the vehicle and taken to a safe location.
At the June 28th meeting, Officer John Laurencelle was promoted to the rank of Probationary Police Sergeant. Laurencelle is a longtime Springfield resident and graduated from Jonathan Dayton High School in 2001. He became a member of the Springfield Police Department in 2011. He was accompanied by his wife Laura; a Springfield teacher, their daughter Melanie, and other extended family.
“As a member of the First Aid Squad, he spent a week at Ground Zero following the 9/11 attacks. Shortly thereafter, John enlisted in the Army National Guard, where he has served for over 18 years, with one tour in Afghanistan, and has achieved the rank of First Class Sergeant. – He’s an experienced field training officer, firearms instructor and a qualified FBI crisis negotiator. – We look forward to having the best department we can in the county. John, thank you very much and congratulations. ”
-Springfield Chief of Police John Cook
Congratulations and thank you both for all you do for Springfield.
