The Allentown Police Department honored more than 50 officers and members of the public at a 90 minute commendation and award presentation ceremony and memorial service today at the Scottish Rite Cathedral. The event was held as part of the celebration of National Police Week. The department also honored other residents and businesses for their contributions or donations, elementary school student safety officers and a crossing guard.

The event concluded with Police Chief Roger MacLean and Allentown Fraternal Order of Police President Sergeant Timothy Snyder laying a wreath in front of the Scottish Rite Cathedral to honor former Allentown officers Leo Lichman Sr., Thomas A. Litak, Robert E. Snyder and Anthony Marakovits who died over the past year.

Allentown police officers receiving commendations for valor were: Robert Carbaugh and Ronald Schlegel.

Commendations for Bravery were awarded to Allentown police officers Lieutenant Dwight Steidel, Sergeant John Hill, Stephen Fiorillo, Mark Holubek, Joseph Koury, Jose Lebron, Jay Melber and Erik Ruff.

Four commendations for merit were awarded to Officer Jeffrey Wesneski. Two commendations for merit were awarded to officers Benjamin Iobst and Dale Stokes. Allentown police officers receiving commendations for merit were: sergeants Luis Acevedo, John Hill, Timothy Snyder and Paul Sparling; Andrew Beky, John Brixius, Yamil Castillo, Corey Cole, Thurman D’Argenio, Mark Dean, Matthew Diehl, Jason Ehl, Randy Fey, Stephen Fiorillo, Leonard Fritzinger, Jason Hillis, Joseph Iannetta, Stephen James, Matthew Karnish, Ryan Koons, Jason Krasley, Cory Marsteller, Andrew Moll, Kyle Pammer, James Stanko, Evan Weaver, Johan Wesley Wilcox, William Williams, Michael Yetter and Ed Zucal.

Three commendations for achievement were awarded to Officer Craig Berger. Two commendations for achievement were awarded to officers Joshua Baker and Ryan Koons. Allentown police officers receiving Commendations for Achievement were: Sergeant Peter McAfee, Robert Carbaugh, Stephen Fiorillo, Christopher Hendricks, Nicholas Lerch, Damien Lobach, Michael Lovett, Brian Moore, Todd Swope and Richard Wehr.

Civilians honored were John Achey, Melissa Alvarez, Jason Forte, Malbert Fritz, Thomas L. Green, Arthur Holmes, Robert Kehm, Kyle Miller, Jorge L. Rivera and Felipe Rosario.

The department also recognized contributions made by Lehigh Valley Kennel Club, Allentown Dog Training Club, Packaging Corporation of America, Indian American Association of Lehigh Valley, Tilted Kilt Pub & Eatery, Lehigh Valley CART, Chapman Lodge #637, Ronald W. and Mary Martello Miller and Stacy Bruce.

Twelve students were honored as School Safety Patrol of the Year award winners. They are: Rosamaris Jimenez of Central Elementary, Tyrique Pearyer of Cleveland Elementary, Bailey Antipas of Hiram Dodd Elementary, Brian Strawhacker of Jefferson Elementary, Yovany Alvarez of Lehigh Parkway Elementary, Justin Kostenbader of Mosser Elementary, Alex Walters of Muhlenberg Elementary, Itzanett Santiago of Luis A. Ramos Elementary, Emily Ghorm of Ritter Elementary, Evan Favors of Roosevelt Elementary, Rosalyn Pineda of Sheridan Elementary and Brian Nonnemacher of Union Terrace Elementary.

Fred Willenbecher was named the Crossing Guard of the Year.
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