DALLAS TWP. — Two Dallas Township Police officers, one current and one former, were given American Police Hall of Fame awards Tuesday.
The Police Hall of Fame recognized ex-Officer Taylor Dunn, who now resides in Florida, and current Officer John Mendygral for actions taken in separate incidence in January 2017.
The officers were nominated for the honor by John Bergen, a 20-year member of the American Federation of Police and Concerned Citizens, which is a trustee group to the American Police Hall of Fame, said Susan E. Maloney, an administrative assistant for the township police department.
“Mr. Bergen nominated the two officers after seeing an article in the paper where the officers were recognized for their quick thinking and efforts that resulted in protecting the community,” Maloney said.
Dallas Township Police Chief Douglas Higgins presented Mendygral with the General Commendation Award for his apprehension of a felon actively involved in a burglary at Fino’s Pharmacy in Dallas on Jan. 9, 2017.
Dunn was honored with the Life Saving Award for his actions Jan. 2, 2017, which saved residents Terry Hutchinson and Thomas McCormack, near-fatal victims of carbon-monoxide poisoning. Dunn, along with Dallas Borough Police Officer Michael Kretchmer, also re-entered the building to save the victims’ dogs, Higgins said.
Accepting the award on Dunn’s behalf were his parents, Maryann and Boyd Dunn.
Both officers were awarded Letters of Commendation by former Dallas Township Police Chief Robert Jolley in February 2017.
Chaplain, manager
Chief Higgins also announced Pastor Matthew Jonathan Tarr, of High Point Baptist Church in Larksville, will serve as chaplain for the police force. Tarr and his family reside in Dallas.
“Years ago, when first responders responded to an emergency, there was always clergy and we’ve kind of gotten away from that over the years,” Maloney said.
Tarr will assist police by helping to calm victims and their families as well as supporting officers.
“As you all see what goes on in the world today, there are a lot of tragic incidents — school shootings, fatal accidents — our department is lacking in the clergy to assist us,” Higgins said.
In other news …
Supervisors approved a panel’s recommendation to appoint township Roadmaster Martin Barry to the township manager position.
A five-member panel, comprised of two residents and three township supervisors, reviewed and discussed eight applicants before making the recommendation, Supervisor Chairman Frank Wagner said.
Barry will retain his position as roadmaster while also serving as township manager, Supervisor Vice Chairman William Grant said.
“Martin’s salary will remain the same as it is now,” said Grant.
Also, Chief Higgins advised residents to lock their vehicles overnight due to a rash of break-ins in the vicinity of Upper and Lower Demunds roads.
Plus, municipal offices at 2919 Route 309, are scheduled to move into the new municipal building, at 105 Lt. Michael Cleary Drive, on Friday, June 15, Grant said.
“Offices will close on June 15 and open on Monday, June 18, at the new building,” Grant said.
The Police Department will remain located in the current municipal building until renovations are completed in the basement of the new building to accommodate the officers’ needs, Grant said.
