Crime & Safety
Detectives Honored During Police Week
Two Essex County sheriff's detectives recognized for outstanding service.
Last week was National Police Week, which coincides with National Peace Officers Memorial Day on May 15.
Police around New Jersey held special events, including Essex County Sheriff Armando Fontoura. Among those officers honored were: Sheriff’s Detectives Pablo Valenzuela (2nd from left), of Nutley, and Benjamin Bell (center), of Newark. Both men were presentedwith Excellent Police Duty Medals during the National Police Week at a ceremony at the Essex County courts complex on May 17th.
While arresting someone on a bench warrant for not paying required support payments, the officers also arrested two male suspects who were in possession of heroin and ‘crack’ cocaine. The suspects were also armed with a loaded, .454 caliber Casull revolver which is traditionally used by guides in the American west to protect their client from grizzly bears and a .40 caliber Kel-Tec semi-automatic assault rifle.
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The officers were honored by Essex County Prosecutor Carolyn Murray and Freeholder Patricia Sebold, along with Fontoura.