Updated: 6 hours ago
By Barbara A. Preston | Posted Dec. 4, 2025
Montgomery officials will honor several police officers as heroes on Thursday, Dec. 18, at 7:30 pm at the town hall in Skillman. The officers risked their own lives in the line of duty this year by rescuing a woman from a smoke-filled burning home; saving a dog from an icy pond; rendering lifesaving aid to a stabbing victim and then safely apprehending and arresting the suspect — who was charged with attempted murder.
On November 7, 2025, Montgomery Township Police Officer Vanessa Hunter arrived on the scene to witness a burning, smoke-filled home on Opossum Road. Hunter, along with the assistance of Sgt. Jim Ward, Officer Ryan Martinez, and one of the resident’s sons, carried a disabled 79-year-old female resident to safety. The act of heroism undoubtedly saved her life.
From left: Montgomery police officers Vanessa Hunter, Sgt. Jim Ward, and Ryan Martinez.
Photo courtesy of the Montgomery Police Department.
The Montgomery police officers responded alongside Montgomery Fire Company No. 1 and No. 2, the Rocky Hill Fire Department, Princeton Fire Department, Hillsborough Fire Department, Plainsboro Fire Department, RWJ Emergency Medical Services, and Montgomery Emergency Medical Services to a house fire at 322 Opossum Road.
The police officers were the first on the scene and were able to rescue the woman. "Their actions exemplify the highest ideals of public service, bravery, compassion, and dedication to the community," according to the Montgomery Township proclamation that will be read aloud at the Township Committee Meeting.
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On May 17, David Watson (center) of the Whiskers Watson Animal Hero Awards Foundation presented Officer Sal Intili (left) and Sgt. John Colucci (right) with medals and award certificates for rescuing a dog that fell into a frozen pond in Montgomery Township in January.
Photo by Barbara A. Preston
Two Montgomery Township police officers earned awards eariler this year for rescuing a dog from a pond in the Cherry Valley Country Club. The dog had escaped from a neighbor's backyard and fell into a frigid pond by the golf course on Jan. 21, 2025.
Officer Salvatore Intili walked out onto the ice wearing a personal flotation device and retrieved the dog by grabbing its safety harness as Sgt. John Colucci held a safety rope, authorities said. The dog was brought to a Montgomery animal hospital to be checked and made a full recovery, Montgomery police said.
David Watson of the Whiskers Watson Animal Foundation, said "The officers risked their lives to save the life of a Golden Retriever dog that fell through the ice into the frigid waters of a pond. Their actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of police service and kindness towards animals and reflect great credit upon themselves, their community, and the Montgomery Township Police Department.
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The Montgomery Township Committee Proclamation to be read aloud at the Thursday meeting states, "The safety and well-being of the residents of Montgomery Township are safeguarded daily by the dedicated members of the Montgomery Township Police Department, whose commitment to duty often places them in situations requiring extraordinary courage, selflessness, and professionalism.
"On January 21, 2025, Sgt. Colucci and Officer Intili, with the assistance of Sgt. Adam Verducci, Det. Tom Connell, Officer Tim Dubovick, and Officer Garrett Stratton, responded to an emergency involving a dog that had fallen through the ice of a nearby pond, and through their coordinated and courageous efforts successfully rescued the animal from perilous conditions, demonstrating compassion and teamwork beyond the call of duty."
Police arrested the suspect, Brian Pyke, in the lobby of the Holiday Inn on Route 1 in South Brunswick.
On June 16, 2025, Officer Christopher Parlow, Officer Troy Gonzalez, and Officer Delio Coutinho
responded to a Willow Run residence for a report of a male suffering from a stab wound and immediately rendered lifesaving medical aid to the victim. Simultaneously, Sgt. Tim Giaccone, Sgt. William Wilkes, Det. Tom Connell, and Det. Jesse Peterson undertook efforts to identify and locate the suspect, which culminated in a pursuit ending at a hotel lobby in South Brunswick where Sgt. Adam Verducci, Det. Connell, Officer Alexander Santamorena, and Officer Kyle Chin assisted in safely apprehending the suspect and taking the individual into custody, thereby ensuring public safety.
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To bring a successful conclusion to the investigation, Det. Joe Ceccato, Det. Connell and Det. Peterson executed search warrants, collected crime scene evidence, and conducted follow up interviews of witnesses and the victim.
Township Committee members will commend and recognize the Montgomery Township Police Department officers for "their exceptional acts of heroism, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to protecting life and property," during this unusual stabbing incident in Belle Mead.
Township Committee expresses its "sincere gratitude and pride in these officers, whose actions bring honor to the Montgomery Township Police Department and reflect the very best of law enforcement service."
