TRR photo by David Hulse Police officers honored in Eldred for their efforts at the April 19 fire included, from the left, Lumberland constables Steve Crum and Jason Hettler, State Police Sgt. Anthony Lupardo, Highland Constable Bob Maas, state troopers Thomas Loewke and Vincent Boyd. Troopers Troy Parucki and Jason Mattice were unable to attend. (Click for larger image)

Area cops honored for lifesaving efforts

By DAVID HULSE

ELDRED — Eight cops, whose efforts saved the life of a Barryville couple during a late-night April 19 fire, were honored by the Town of Highland on May 14.

A packed audience, including the families of the officers, looked on at the Town Board meeting as Supervisor Allan Schadt introduced the proceedings, saying, “I have the honor of presenting several awards to people who say things like ‘I was only doing my job,’ or ‘anyone in a similar circumstance would have done the same thing,’ or simply, ‘it’s no big deal.’”

The supervisor read aloud the TRR April 25 account of the fire by way of a citation for the eight officers.

	TRR photo by Dave Hulse Sullivan County Legislator Kathy LaBuda and Lumberland Supervisor John LiGreci, from the right, look on as Highland Supervisor Allan Schadt made presentation of a special certificate of Commendation to Highland Chief Constable Bob Maas. (Click for larger image)

Despite their modesty, Schadt said their actions had made them heroes in his eyes and those of Dave and Dorothy Sherman, the couple they extricated from their burning home. “I’m sure when these officers were getting ready for their patrols, the last thing on their minds was that they were going to put their lives on the line for someone that they probably didn’t even know. But that’s what they did,” Schadt said.

The eight Lumberland constables, Steve Crum and Jason Hettler, State Police Sgt. Anthony Lupardo, Highland Constable Bob Maas, state troopers Thomas Loewke, Vincent Boyd, Troy Parucki and Jason Mattice received certificates of recognition from Schadt, on behalf of Highland, and from Sullivan County Legislator Kathy LaBuda.

In addition, Maas was awarded a framed commendation that concluded, “as a token of a grateful community’s regard for Highland Constable Robert W. ‘Bob’ Maas, who did act and respond with intelligence, strength and speed, which undoubtedly was vital in saving the lives of two residents of this community.”