11/25/2025
This past weekend, Chief Mariani, Chief Dewald (Ret.), Lieutenant Dellicker, Detective Spaldo, and Officers Marin and Mendelsohn were formally recognized at the 128th Annual NJ State PBA Valor Awards.
This distinguished ceremony honors law enforcement officers from across the state whose actions exemplify professionalism, courage, and unwavering dedication to duty. We are proud to announce that Det. Spaldo was bestowed the Silver Medal of Valor Award, and Mariani, DeWald, Dellicker, Marin, and Mendelsohn each received the Unit Citation Award.
Byram Township Police officers responded to a 911 call on January 13, which led them to Camp Allamuchy. Upon arrival, officers encountered the sole occupant of a vehicle, who was armed with a handgun and was indiscriminately firing and threatening to shoot them. Efforts to deescalate the situation were initiated, including the involvement of our crisis negotiator; however, the attempts were unsuccessful, and during the encounter, the suspect again exited the vehicle and pointed the firearm at officers. At that point, the subject was struck once by police gunfire. The suspect was immediately rendered aid by officers, loaded into a patrol vehicle to meet Lakeland Emergency Squad en route, and transported to Hackettstown Medical Center.
We extend our sincere congratulations to each of them for this honorable achievement and thank them for their continued commitment to the residents of Byram Township.
A special thank you to all of the agencies who assisted on scene and during the aftermath, and to our dispatchers, the Sussex County Sheriffs 911 Center, who are our lifeline during these critical incidents and our everyday duties.
