Muhlenberg honors two officers for life‑saving response and on‑scene command

Muhlenberg Township recognized two police officers at its June 17 meeting for actions township leaders said saved lives and stabilized dangerous incidents. Chief (speaking at the meeting) recommended awards for Officer Malachi Schmidt for his April 14, 2024 incident command and for Officer Jason Walters for a life‑saving rescue on Nov. 6, 2023.

The chief told the board that members of the Muhlenberg Township Police Department were called to assist a neighboring borough in the 1400 block of Frees Valley Road on April 14 after reports of an unwanted subject. After an initial foot pursuit that included a neighboring officer discharging his service weapon when the suspect displayed a firearm, Officer Malachi Schmidt arrived, "immediately took the initiative and took charge of the scene, coordinated and supervised efforts between the responding personnel," and helped secure the location, the chief said. The board awarded Schmidt the Honorable Service Award for those actions.

On Nov. 6, 2023, officers responded to a report of a person standing on a bridge over Route 222 with a lariat or device tied around the neck and attached to the rail, the chief said. Officer Jason Walters kept a distance to avoid appearing threatening and built rapport; when the person moved toward the rail Walters grabbed and secured the individual, preventing a likely fatal fall. The board presented Walters with a Life‑Saving Award.

Commissioners praised the officers and emphasized that such recognitions reflect positively on the department and first responders generally. The presentations were followed by public thanks from board members.

The board moved on to the public portion of the meeting after the recognitions.