Crime & Safety
Police Officer Receives Award For Sayville Ice Rescue
Suffolk County Police Officer Matthew DeMatteo is honored at a ceremony for his ice rescue in January.
The Suffolk County Police Department honored 69 sworn members of the department who have preformed their duties exceptionally and three civilians who have acted heroically during the 46th Annual Awards Ceremony held on May 18 at the Van Nostrand Theatre on the Brentwood campus of Suffolk County Community College.
Police Officer Matthew DeMatteo received the Meritorious Police Service Award for rescuing 11-year-old Sayville resident Sarah Thalhammer who in the Great South Bay. DeMatteo crawled on the ice to reach the girl and brought her safely back to shore back in January.
Also honored were Lieutenant Richard Ullrich and Sergeant John Cerato, who received the Exceptional Police Service Award and Huntington Station resident Christopher Manganello who received the Public Service Award.
Find out what's happening in Sayville-Bayportwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
“The heroic behavior of these outstanding individuals serves as an inspiring model for us all,” said Police Commissioner Richard Dormer. “It is my honor to recognize the efforts of these exceptional men and women for their service to the Suffolk County community.”
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
