KINGSTON TWP. — Police officer Michael Prokopchak Jr. was presented the Medal of Valor by the township police department at the supervisors meeting Wednesday.
Kingston Township Police Chief Michael Moravec honored Prokopchak for his heroism and acts of merit when responding to an armed robbery call on Dec 27, 2015, at Back Mountain Tobacco in Dallas.
“During the robbery, a male suspect brandished a silver hand gun,” Moravec said. “Officer Michael J. Prokopchak responded to assist the Dallas Borough Police Department.”
Prokopchak located and confronted the suspect, Moravec said. Prokopchak ordered the suspect to stop and show his hands, he said.
His commands were ignored.
“The suspect then turned toward Prokopchak, pulled a hood over his head and reached into a bag, ” Moravec said. “The offender produced a silver pistol and began to raise it.”
“The suspect then placed the pistol to his own head and said he would take care of it,” Moraved added.
The suspect walked away from Prokopchak, Moravec said.
Prokopchak then took a rifle from his patrol car and pursued on foot while relaying information about their location to responding officers, he said.
The chase ended when the 25-year-old suspect shot himself in a wooded area near Route 415 across from Weis Market in Dallas.
After recounting the scenario, Moravia presented Prokopchak with the Medal of Valor.
“I feel very humble,” Prokopchak said. “It (his actions) is something anyone of these guys (other police officers) would do.”
Prokopchak, a 15-year Kingston Township police officer, attributed his ability to stay calm, clear thinking and quick actions to training programs provided by the police chief and township supervisors.
In other news …
• Supervisors reminded residents the Winter Parking Ordinance is in effect until March 31, 2017. The ordinance prohibits parking on municipal roads between 10 p.m and 6 a.m. during snow storms and for eight hours after the storm ends.
The next supervisors meeting is scheduled for 7:30 pm. Jan. 11, in the municipal building.
