From small acts of kindness to life-saving acts, the efforts of 80 Camden County Police Officers were honored at the department's biannual award ceremony Thursday. Watch video
CAMDEN -- Each of the 80 Camden County police officers gathered at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception on Thursday afternoon had a story, or two, or five.
More than 150 moments, ranging from small acts of kindness to life-saving interventions, were honored at the department's biannual award ceremony. The accolades and now-regular event are part of what Chief Scott Thomson calls a concerted effort to reward officers who exemplify a goal Thomson has stressed many times since the county took over policing in the city more than two years ago -- to have his force act as "guardians before warriors."
"It's a cultural shift," said Thomson before the award ceremony, featuring NBC10 anchor Vai Sikahema as presenter, got underway.
Here are three stories that stood out from the pack:
'A sea of red and blue'
It was around 11:30 p.m. on July 1 when Detective Prince Reed was shot. Reed, a member of the county force since its May 2013 inception, was driving through the intersection of Park Boulevard and Kenwood Avenue working a surveillance duty when a bullet struck his left forearm. His first thought was to get out of the range of fire. But his second wasn't to get to a hospital -- it was to find the shooter.
"Any person who fires on a car shouldn't be on the streets," Reed said before Thursday's award ceremony began. "That drove me to look for him."
Despite the blood gushing from the wound -- "You can imagine the sea of red and blue," Reed recalled -- he circled the block, came back around to the scene, got out of his vehicle, and began to hunt for the suspect. There was no sign of the shooter, however, and Reed was soon brought to Cooper University Hospital where he was treated and released later that evening.
The manhunt that ensued resulted in the suspect's capture a day later, said Reed, who stressed the role other officers and agencies had in tracking him down.
"It's a very humbling experience," Reed said as he reflected on what could've been a life-changing, or ending, event. "You never know how things can turn out."
Greetings from Guantanamo
Before the awards got underway, all eyes were on four officers on the screen at the front of the room.
The group of military reservists were telecast into the ceremony from Guantanamo Bay in Cuba, where they're serving out lengthy deployments while on leave from the department. While they may not have been accepting accolades for any specific moment of heroism, Thomson said it was important they are recognized for their willingness to leave their families, friends, and job behind to fulfill their duties, especially as the holidays approach.
Thomson gave them a warm welcome, and while the connection was spotty at times, stressed to the group that they are not out of mind while they are out of sight.
"We're letting them know we appreciate it," said Thomson.
The not-so-secret bike
Sgt. Dan Pope never wanted anyone to find out.
It was mid-summer, and the 15-year veteran responded to the scene of a traumatic accident in the city where a 4-year-old riding her bike was struck by a reckless ATV rider. The crash left the girl with a broken collarbone, broken shoulder and a destroyed bicycle.
Seeing the wreckage, Pope felt compelled to do the one thing he could think of to help -- buy her a new one.
Pope went straight to Walmart, purchased a brand new bicycle with his own money, and brought it to the girl the same night. She was ecstatic, he said, and managed a smile through the pain.
"I wanted her to still be able to have these great summer memories of riding bikes that we all have," said Pope, who added he wasn't thrilled word of his good deed later made it to his superiors, which led to his recognition at Thursday's ceremony.
"No one was supposed to find out about it," said Pope. "It's not why I did it. It was just something for her."
The only thanks he needed was a sight that soon became frequent at summer's end -- the girl, now healed, back behind the handlebars.
"She's definitely gotten some riding out of that bike," he said, with a smile.
Michelle Caffrey may be reached at mcaffrey@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @ShellyCaffrey. Find the South Jersey Times on Facebook.