Trooper of the Year 2020's
"Honor Above All Honors"
2023
Detective Sergeant Michael Savnik #6967
This Award is bestowed upon Detective Sergeant Michael Savnik #6967 not for a singular investigation, but for the incredible investigative work that he put forth in 2023. Detective Sergeant Savnik's exceptional dedication and leadership within the Fugitive Unit, and the entirety of the Investigations Branch, in 2023 has positively contributed to the Investigation Branch's success in keeping shooting hits statewide under 1,000 as part of the "UlK" initiative.
Detective Sergeant Savnik's remarkable efforts are most evident through the collaboration and orchestration of 16 New Jersey Strategic Apprehension Fugitive Enforcement (NJ SAFE) details in 2023. As a direct result of these operations established by Detective Sergeant Savnik, 119 violent recidivist offenders/fugitives were taken into custody. These apprehended individuals collectively had over 50 prior shooting involvements as either victims or suspects, along with 107 prior gun arrests, 723 prior arrests, and over 200 prior felony convictions. The strategic and targeted approach of the NJ SAFE details under the direction of Detective Sergeant Savnik reduced gun violence in the targeted cities by 32 percent. Detective Sergeant Savnik's strategic approach to reducing gun violence in the State of New Jersey not only led to the aforementioned apprehensions but also dismantled a significant threat to public safety and saved countless lives.
In 2023, Detective Sergeant Savnik did not rest his laurels on the successful outcomes of NJ SAFE operations. He orchestrated the NJ SAFE details while simultaneously balancing his regular caseload through his assignment to the Fugitive Unit and United States Marshals Service New York/New Jersey Regional Fugitive Task Force. In addition to the arrests that Detective Sergeant Savnik orchestrated during NJ SAFE operations, he arrested 20 additional fugitives in 2023.
Detective Sergeant Savnik's selfless dedication to duty, even in the face of grave danger, showcases his unwavering commitment to public safety and his profession. In addition to his commitment to helping the Investigations Branch achieve its mission of keeping shooting hits statewide under 1,000 in 2023 and the notable apprehensions he has made in 2023, Detective Sergeant Savnik has maintained his commitment as an active member of the New Jersey State Police's Crisis Negotiation Team - North Squad; specifically, being deployed to assist in 6 crisis negotiations throughout the State of New Jersey.
Detective Sergeant Savnik has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the overall mission of the New Jersey State Police. His selfless efforts have brought great pride and distinction to himself and the Division. His commitment and dedication exemplify the core values of the New Jersey State Police: Honor, Duty, and Fidelity.
2022
Detective II Patrick Septer #7543
Detective Anthony Pompei #7917
During a one-year period, Detective II Patrick Septer and Detective Anthony Pompei, of the Crime Suppression Central Unit, spearheaded 107 criminal investigations, which resulted in the arrest of 232 suspects including 140 violent offenders with firearms. Both detectives led more than 60 percent of the Crime Suppression Central Unit's investigations and were involved in the dismantling of several heroin mill and "ghost gun" operations throughout the City of Trenton and the surrounding areas.
Between July 2021 and June 2022, Detective II Septer and Detective Pompei were instrumental in preparing and executing the majority of the 60 search warrants conducted by members of the Crime Suppression Central Unit. During these investigations, they not only targeted violent gun offenders in the City of Trenton, but also targeted large-scale heroin and cocaine distribution networks that go hand in hand with gun violence. They also implemented advanced violent crime strategies that have redefined policing violent crime in an urban setting and are contributing to the reduction of gun-related murders and shootings.
As a result of their outstanding efforts, they seized 151 firearms, more than 49,490 grams of marijuana, more than 4,640 grams of methamphetamine, more than 84,670 grams of cocaine, more than 530 grams of crack cocaine, more than 6,550 grams of heroin, more than 2,490 grams of fentanyl, more than 2,690 grams of ecstasy, $299,000 worth of vehicles, and more than $641,000 cash.
Detective II Patrick Septer and Detective Anthony Pompei's outstanding dedication and commitment are deserving of the honor of being named, "Troopers of the Year." Due to their investigative excellence and tireless pursuit of justice, violent criminals, dangerous drugs, and deadly firearms were removed from the streets undoubtedly protecting the residents of the City of Trenton and the surrounding communities. The remarkable efforts of Detective II Patrick Septer and Detective Anthony Pompei exemplify the core values of the New Jersey State Police: Honor, Duty, and Fidelity.
2021
Detective Jacob Schor #7928
On Tuesday, April 13, 2021, Detective Jacob Schor was called to investigate an attempted homicide in Fairfield Township, Cumberland County. Through his hard work and determination, he was able to locate witnesses that were able to provide credible information leading to several vehicle descriptions and the descriptions of potentially involved parties. While canvassing the area, he was also able to locate surveillance cameras that captured footage of the suspect's vehicle. The videos revealed several unique features that would aid Detective Schor in locating and positively identifying the vehicle.
At the crime scene, Detective Schor was able to locate a shell casing in the vicinity of the initial incident. During the investigation, he quickly learned that the crime scene spanned three and a half miles. The meticulous processing of the enormous crime scene led to the recovery of multiple shell casings and bullet fragments, all linked to the same crime, and after conducting a multitude of interviews and recovering numerous items of evidentiary value, he was able to begin reconstructing the incident. Detective Schor was able to corroborate the attempted homicide and obtain descriptions of two vehicles and one of the suspects involved in the incident but was still actively attempting to identify the main suspect.
On Friday, May 22, 2021, a mass shooting and triple homicide occurred in Fairfield Township, Cumberland County. Through data analysis of the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network, multiple shell casings recovered from the crime scene revealed that one of the firearms used was the same firearm that was discharged in the attempted homicide the month prior. Detective Schor canvased the area for surveillance cameras and located footage of a vehicle that he quickly identified as the vehicle from his attempted homicide investigation due to the vehicle's unique features. The video revealed clear footage of the driver of the vehicle which ultimately led to a positive identification of the suspect.
Through various investigative means, Detective Schor was able to locate the vehicle and link it and the driver to the scene of the attempted homicide. Detective Schor's persistence, dedication, keen interviewing, and investigative skills proved to be invaluable in solving this crime which ultimately led to a violent suspect being arrested and charged.
Detective Schor's outstanding dedication and commitment are deserving of the honor of being named, "Trooper of the Year." Due to his investigative excellence and tireless pursuit of justice, a violent criminal was removed from the streets undoubtedly protecting the residents of that neighborhood and community. The remarkable efforts of Detective Jacob Schor embody the core values of the New Jersey State Police: Honor, Duty, and Fidelity.
2020
Detective Richard Hershey #7752
On Saturday, April 25, 2020, a violent home invasion occurred at the Harding Woods Trailer Park in Pittsgrove Township, Salem County. During the incident, five suspects forced entry into a residence where they assaulted a female victim by kicking, punching, and striking her with objects, causing serious injuries. After the assault, the suspects stole the victim's cell phone and departed the scene.
Detective Richard Hershey #7752, from the Troop "A" Criminal Investigation Office, responded to the Harding Woods Trailer Park to investigate the crime. After processing the scene, Detective Hershey responded to Inspira Medical Center to interview the victim, who was able to provide the names of her assailants. As he was conducting the interview, several of the victim's family members were engaged in a series retaliatory attacks in Bridgeton City against those they believe were involved in the assault.
Detective Hershey returned to the trailer park to conduct witness interviews. As he was speaking to the witnesses, a caravan of 5 vehicles and 15 occupants returned to enact revenge against the family members of the victim. Several armed members of the group exited their vehicles and confronted Detective Hershey. Despite identifying himself as a New Jersey State Trooper, the suspects continued to advance towards him, at which point he drew his weapon to defend himself and the witnesses. Three suspects fired from a vehicle at Detective Hershey, striking him in his abdomen. Despite being critically wounded, he was able to strike the fleeing vehicle with his handgun to leave a distinguishing mark to assist with later identifying the vehicle. Unable to walk and bleeding profusely, Detective Hershey managed to crawl to cover and calmly call 911 to request assistance and emergency services.
During the exchange of gunfire, the suspects fired 13 rounds at Detective Hershey with many of the bullets striking nearby residences that were occupied at the time. Three men were ultimately charged in the shooting of Detective Hershey, while 18 have been charged overall in connection with the investigation, which included the home invasion.
Detective Hershey's outstanding dedication and commitment are deserving of the honor of being named, "Trooper of the Year." His heroic actions undoubtedly protected the residents of that neighborhood and prevented further tragedy. The remarkable efforts of Detective Richard Hershey embody the core values of the New Jersey State Police: Honor, Duty, and Fidelity.
