Mayor John McCormick opened the Woodbridge Township meeting by naming Police Officer Russell Van Lew Officer of the Quarter for the third quarter of 2024 and praising recent life‑saving and patrol work by the department. McCormick said Van Lew, a three‑year veteran assigned to radio patrol, responded to "509 calls for service," conducted investigations and assisted in arrests under "New Jersey criminal statutes." He singled out a July 9, 2024, incident at the mayor’s summer concert in which Van Lew, described as a New Jersey state‑certified EMT, and colleagues Stephanie Lege and detective Eric Manreslet administered CPR and care that helped a concertgoer regain consciousness en route to Robert Wood Hospital.

Officer Van Lew emphasized the team effort behind the recognition, saying the award was "for everybody" and thanking partners and coworkers. McCormick also recounted an Oct. 1, 2024, patrol in Avenel in which Van Lew located a stolen vehicle and engaged in a pursuit that led to arrests.

The council additionally presented a life‑saving citation to Officer Angel Martinez for an Aug. 26, 2024, response on Hoover Way, where Martinez and partner Jason Hernandez Genal were first on scene to a 40‑year‑old man with large lacerations to the neck and chest. McCormick said officers applied combat gauze and constant pressure to stabilize the patient for hospital transport. Officer Martinez thanked his team and reiterated that the work is a "team effort." Police Director Bob Hubner praised the department and said the honored officers "set the standard."

No formal council action was required for the recognitions. The council and administration used the occasion to thank first responders and to highlight department community activities, including recent food drives and holiday assistance programs.