Det. Tim O’Hanlon (with plaque) was named officer of the year in the township for 2025. He led investigations of motor-vehicle thefts in the area.
Medford police and a large portion of South Jersey were plagued by a series of motor-vehicle thefts in 2024 and ’25.
In one instance, officers responded to a middle-of-the-night incident on Tuckerton Road where a resident’s vehicle was stolen.
“What began as a seemingly routine stolen motor-vehicle report,” began Police Chief William Dunleavy, led to the successful identification of an organized theft ring that targeted not only Medford, but Delran, Delanco, Evesham, Maple Shade, Moorestown, Mount Laurel, Pine Hil, Gloucester Township, Camden City, Woodbury City, Cinnaminson, Lumberton, Westhampton, Philadelphia and state police jurisdictions.
Leading the charge was Det. Tim O’Hanlon.
“Det. O’Hanlon recognized the scope of the theft ring,” Dunleavy said, noting the detective’s outstanding work, unwavering resolve and significant contribution to public safety. As a result, O’Hanlon was awarded the Exceptional Duty Medal.
The award was just one of many distributed during a council meeting on April 14, when the township recognized the “outstanding dedication, professionalism and service” of its officers and partners. Each award came with a call of service, whether to a fire, cardiac arrest, theft, burglary and/or welfare check.
O’Hanlon also received numerous certificates of merit and a letter of commendation and was named Medford’s 2025 officer of the year.
“Each year, the command staff nominates three candidates that they believe are most deserving of the (officer of the year) honor,” Dunleavy explained, adding that the department looks for candidates who demonstrate the goals and objectives of the police department.
In 2025, O’Hanlon was assigned to the Criminal Investigative Bureau, where he consistently demonstrates professionalism among all personnel, his work and interactions with his peers, the chief noted.
“He embodies the agency’s motto of integrity, respect and fairness,” Dunleavy added, “in the way he delivers law-enforcement services to the community.”
Mayor Mike Czyzyk offered his appreciation.
“Hearing what you guys and gals do every day, it’s awe inspiring,” he said. “We really appreciate you being out there.”
The honorees are:
Officer of the Year
• Tim O’Hanlon
Meritorious Service Medal
• Sgt. Greg Blash
• Cpl. William Ruskowski
• Officer Paul Kostue
• Officer Carlos Perez
Exceptional Duty Medal
• Det. Tim O’Hanlon
• Det. Dylan Juengert
Honorable Service Medal
• Officer Timothy Shockley
CPR Medal
• Cpl. John DiBiase
• Cpl. William Ruskowski
• Officer Paul Kostue
• Officer Daniel Matthews
• Officer Joshua Meeks
• Officer Shane Snyder
• Officer Alex Begolly
Certificate of Merit
• Lt. Joseph Canuso
• Lt. Patrick Robey
• Sgt. Nicole Fellona
• Sgt. Amanda Mack
• Sgt. Greg Blash
• Cpl. John Sabados
• Cpl. William Ruskowski
• Officer Joshua Meeks
• Det. Tim O’Hanlon
• Officer Paul Kostue
• T/O Fred Scheer
• T/O Thomas Riordan
• Officer Garrett Lange
• Officer Carlos Perez
• Officer Ryan Fullmer
• Officer Elvin Marmolejos-Valdez
Letter of Commendation
• Cpl. John Sabados
• Det. Tim O’Hanlon
• Officer Ryan Fullmer
The department also recognized officer Sierra Gates and analyst Kyle Moyer of the Evesham Township police for arresting a suspect in a series of smash-and-grab burglaries in both Evesham and Medford. Also recognized was officer Sharon Vargas of Burlington County Central Communications.
“We are incredibly proud of the hard work, courage and commitment demonstrated by each of these individuals,” police said in a Facebook post. “Their efforts make a lasting impact on the safety and well-being of our community every day.
“Thank you to all of our officers, staff, and partner agencies for your continued dedication to serving Medford Township.”
