Credit: Horsham Police Department.
The Horsham Township Police Department has announced that several officers have been awarded commendations for their outstanding service to the community.
"These dedicated officers have demonstrated a strong commitment to protecting and serving the residents of Horsham Township, going above and beyond the call of duty to ensure the safety and well-being of all individuals," the Horsham Police Department wrote. "Their selfless efforts have made a significant impact on the community, and their contributions have not gone unnoticed. The department is grateful for their hard work and dedication, and we are pleased to recognize their achievements."
Among those being recognized are three officers who played a critical role in a life-saving rescue during a house fire late last year.
On Saturday Nov. 23, 2024, Horsham Township Police officers responded to a house fire on Broadway Avenue. They were informed the caller’s mother was in a room next to a laundry room where the fire was burning. The mother was bedridden, and family members were unable to get her out of the house.
Officer Nicholas Tschepikiewski was the first to arrive and entered the home through the front door, but was unable to reach the woman due to heavy smoke conditions. Officers Tschepikiewski was joined by Corporal Robert Johnson and Officer Michael Costello shortly after, and the three officers made another rescue attempt through the rear of the house. They smashed a sliding glass door and made entry into the home and located the victim lying feet away from fire. The officers then slid the mattress, with the victim lying on it, out of the home and got her to safety.
In a statement, the Horsham Township Police Department praised their bravery, writing," Corporal Johnson and Officers Tschepikiewski and Costello exhibited uncommon courage, without consideration for their own safety to save the life of a resident."
