This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

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.

Find out what's happening in Belleville-Nutleywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The officers were honored by Essex County Prosecutor Carolyn Murray and Freeholder Patricia Sebold, along with Fontoura.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?

To request removal of your name from an arrest report, submit these required items to arrestreports@patch.com.