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A ‘higher calling’

Council recognizes four officers who saved a man's life earlier this year

Courtesy of Moorestown Township
The council meeting included Mayor Nicole Gillespie (right) officially swearing in township police Lt. Andrew Weist. He and Sgt. Joel Mufalli were recently promoted.

Moorestown Mayor Nicole Gillespie swore in promoted officers Lt. Andrew Weist and Sgt. Joel Mufalli at council’s Sept. 18 meeting and cited four other officers for saving a man’s life.

Patrolmen Michael Toscani, Kevin Sloan, Brian Stovall and Joshua Graham were recognized for their response to an unconscious man who suffered a cardiac arrest earlier this year. They saved his life with CPR and an external defibrillator.

“Today’s climate in law enforcement battles every day to make sure that we’re protecting and serving and doing our job,” said Patrick Reilly, township police director. “ … When a police officer raises his hand and he says, ‘I swear to God,’ at the end, it’s a higher calling.

“These men and women go out and lay their lives down for a total stranger, so it’s a noble call,” he continued. “It’s what they chose. We believe that the majority of police officers enter their career with the goal of helping the community they serve, and that would be Moorestown for us.”

Later in the meeting council member Sue Mammarella mentioned the launch of the township’s residential energy efficiency outreach program – part of its participation in the Sustainable Jersey-PSE&G Energy Efficiency Partnership Program – in her report. According to the township’s website, the partnership is designed to help residents and businesses better manage energy use and leverage PSE&G’s energy efficiency programs and incentives.

“We’re asking that when everything is up and running, (for people) to hopefully sign up,” Mammarella said.

For more information on the energy program, visit www.energyoutreachnj.com/moorestown.

Following Mammarella’s meeting remarks, Deputy Mayor Quinton Law praised Toscani, Sloan, Stovall and Graham for their heroic actions, and expressed gratitude for Weist and Mufalli.

“I would like to take a moment to circle back to the officers and thank them for their service, their heroism, and their courage to put their lives on the line for all of us here in Moorestown,” Law noted. “It’s really special every year when they come in and we swear in new officers, and we’re just appreciative of all of the work that they do.”

Gillespie, Mammarella and council member David Zipin echoed Law’s comments in their closing remarks.

“It’s humbling to hear that story …” Zipin observed of the officers’ rescue. “I can’t imagine how rare all of that is, but it’s just worth recognizing both the promotions and also that incredible opportunity.”

“ … It makes me also very grateful and proud to have the police we do, and that they can save a life … ” Mammarella said.

To view the Sept. 18 meeting in its entirety, visit https://www.moorestown.nj.us/129/Agendas-Minutes-Meetings-Recordings.

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