From left, Heather Grimmer accepts her certificate for service from Niagara County Auxiliary Police Assistant Chief Rob Shepherd and Chief Bryan Barish. Looking on are Town of Niagara Police Chief Jim Suitor and his wife, Jackie. (PHOTOS BY SCOTT LEFFLER / ENP STAFF)

BY SCOTT LEFFLER
scott.leffler@eastniagarapost.com

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Lance Froelich NCAP Officer of the Year

PENDLETON — The Niagara County Auxiliary Police force put in 7,486 hours of work in 2014, assisting paid police forces in Niagara County and saving the county $235,776 while doing so.

The 27-member team, under the direction of Chief Bryan Barish, served as additional manpower at events throughout the county all year long from Barker to the Town of Niagara and were thanked at their annual awards dinner by Town of Niagara Police Chief Jim Suitor Saturday night at the Tonawanda Sportsman's Club.

Barish doled out awards to members of the unit who had accrued enough hours, including 15 members who had worked at least 200 hours a piece — all without financial compensation. Barish himself put 882 hours into leading the team.

Lance Froelich was awarded with the honors of rookie of the year, as well as officer of the year. He worked 442.5 hours in 2014. Special service awards were granted to Master Bob Heisner, Holly Schotz, Sgt. Chris Toland, Aaron Wilson, Capt. Wayne Lombardo, and Suitor.

Barish displays one of the many tokens of appreciation given to members, an  embossed notepad.

Other recognition was given to: (total hours of service)

• Wayne Lombardo (697)
• Aaron Wilson (528)
• Donald Speaker (413.5)
• Chris Toland (412.5)
• Arthur Fijalkowski (402)
• Robert Shepherd (388.5)
• Heather Grimmer (371.5)
• Adam Wind (353.5)
• Jared Wojciechowski (330.5)
• Michael Bartolotta (236.5)
• Conrad Janik (226.5)
• Tony Steward (225.5)
• Steve Hausrath (211.5)
• Mike Nikonowicz (173)
• Luke Kantor (168)
• Barry Darin (156.5)
• Russell Sprung (155)
• Chris Janik (149)

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