Suffolk police honors officers, civilians

Modesty seemed to be a common trait among police officers and civilians honored at the Suffolk County Police Department's 46th annual awards ceremony in Brentwood Wednesday.

"That is our job," said Matthew DeMatteo, a Suffolk police officer. He received the meritorious police service award for rescuing Sarah Thalhammer, 11, of Sayville, after she fell through the ice in the Great South Bay in January.

"I've said in the very beginning and it sounds cliche but it really is my job," he said. "I mean if somebody is in distress we're there to help. We work for you -- the community, the citizens of Suffolk County."

The event, held during National Police Week, honored 69 sworn officers and three civilians who police say acted heroically and selflessly to protect others.

Lt. Richard Ullrich and Sgt. John Cerato received the exceptional police service award for initiating the New Year's Day pre-dawn evacuation of more than 2,000 Shirley residents living near a propane gas leak. After the leak was stopped several hours later, residents returned to their homes.

Christopher Manganello is one of three civilians honored at the ceremony. He was given the public service award for helping catch a truck driver involved in a vehicular homicide and second-degree manslaughter in Melville in January.

Manganello, a fire dispatcher and volunteer from Huntington Station, was on his way to a rescue when he noticed a truck with front-end damage.

Because he thought the truck may have been involved in an accident, Manganello alerted police.

"I'm grateful for the family that the guy was caught. That they have closure and that the guy is off the road but I think that there are lot of people here that deserve a lot more than I," he said after the ceremony.

Nicholas Mango, chief of patrol and chairman of the awards committee, said: "We have a tremendous number of officers that are so motivated and just have a passion to go out and help the public."Nicholas Mango, chief of patrol and chairman of the awards committee, said the 17-member panel meets every month to review names submitted by commanding officers and a recommendation committee.

The awards committee questions and investigates nominees, and talks to witnesses, before a vote is taken.