Wilkes-Barre City promotes 4 officers; honors ‘hero’ with Mayor’s Award

July 12 – WILKES-BARRE – It was a ceremony within a ceremony.

Wilkes-Barre Mayor George C. Brown and Police Chief Joseph Coffay announced the promotions of four members of the police force Friday at City Hall.

And after they were sworn in with their families by their sides and received their shiny new badges, Mayor Brown made another presentation – and it was to the son of one of the newly promoted officers.

Promoted to the rank of lieutenant were Jamie Sheridan, Michael Twerdi and Christopher Maciejczyk; and Steve Lada was promoted to the rank of sergeant.

In 2023, Mayor Brown established the “Mayor’s Recognition Award” for outstanding dedication to the Wilkes-Barre City community. The award is given in recognition of “outstanding and exceptional emergency medical care and steadfast dedication to the safety and well-being of Wilkes-Barre residents.

Before Friday, the award was given to municipal employees who carried out life-saving measures.

“When life-saving techniques are used and we save a life, I will give the people who participated in saving that life a special mayor’s award,” Brown said last year when he established the award.

But on Friday, the Mayor’s Recognition Award went to a city resident – ​​Christopher Maciejczyk Jr., son of the newly appointed lieutenant.

“Christopher performed a heroic act on May 23 at Barney Farms,” said Mayor Brown. “A young woman was involved in a scooter accident and became unconscious and stopped breathing.”

Mayor Brown said Maciejczyk, who was playing baseball with his twin brother at the Barney Farms field, saw what happened and immediately ran to help the girl.

“I saw them get eliminated, so I went to see if they needed help,” Maciejczyk said. “I performed CPR and she responded quickly. She was breathing and regained consciousness.”

Maciejczyk said he never hesitated because he knew what to do. He said he received certification in life-saving techniques because he is a lifeguard at the Kingston Municipal Pool.

“I knew what to do,” he said. “I wasn’t nervous at all. I hope she’s okay.”

The girl Maciejczyk saved is Arraya Smith, 16, of Hanover Township. When reached by phone on Friday, Smith said she is very grateful for what Maciejczyk has done for her.

Arraya lives with her grandmother, Bertha Smith.

“I want to thank you,” Arraya said. “I don’t remember anything about the accident – I don’t even know what it looks like. I was told that he gave me CPR and for that I am very grateful.

Arraya attends Hanover Area High School and said he is doing well, having returned to his normal life.

“I’m fine,” she said.

Her grandmother said she was very happy Maciejczyk was around and helped her granddaughter.

“I can’t imagine what would have happened if they hadn’t been there,” she said. “And we are also grateful to the police officers and paramedics who responded so quickly.”

The four promoted officers

—Jamie Sheridan, 52, married, 5 children.

12 years of service; promoted to Sergeant in July 2022.

1990 graduate of Wyoming Area High School; attended King’s College for Criminal Justice; Act 120 Police Academy.

Specialized Training/Assignments: Community Policing Unit, Department Instructor, FBI-LEE DA Leadership Trilogy completed, Crisis Negotiator.

Awards: Luzerne County Head Start Outstanding Community Partner Award.

—Mike Twerdi, 42; married and with 2 children.

Degree in Criminal Justice.

He served in the Avoca Borough, Duryea Borough, Jenkins Township and Hellertown Borough police departments before joining the WBPD in March 2015.

Received accommodations for Officer of the Year and Excellence in Hellertown Borough Drug Trafficking; served on the Northampton and Luzerne County Drug Task Force.

Specialized Training: Crisis Intervention, FBI Crime Scene Investigation, NTOA Basic Swat, PSP basic and advanced homicide investigation.

Previous experience as supervisor and corporate management in the private sector.

Positions held in the department: Field Training Officer, member of the Emergency Services Unit and Detective of the criminal investigations division.

—Christopher J. Maciejczyk, 53, married with two children.

23 years of service.

Promoted to Sergeant 2013; Detective 2015

Graduated from Wyoming Valley West High School, 1988; King’s College, BA Criminal Justice; 1992 King’s College; US Army ROTC, 1992; Pa State Police Academy MPOETC Class of 2001.

Specialized training/duties: Patrolman from 2001 to 2013; Patrol Sergeant from 2013 to 2015; Detective from 2015 to present. Currently assigned to the investigations division, he primarily handles cases involving Special Victims/Child Abuse.

13 years of military service: US Army National Guard 1989 -1992; Regular Army officer — 1993 to 1998; US Army National Guard Officer — 2001 to 2005; Highest rank: Major.

—Steven Lada, 46; married, 1 daughter.

22 years of service.

1996 graduate of Meyers High School; Wilkes University — bachelor’s degree (sociology) 2020; Municipal Police Education and Training (Act 120} Lackawanna College (2003).

Specialized training/tasks: Rapid Deployment and Immediate Action (Active Shooter) (2005); FTO Field Training Officer (2014); CIT Crisis Intervention Team (2014); Certified breathalyzer test operator (2018); Advanced Rapid Response Training for Law Enforcement ALERRT (2019); Child Passenger Safety Technician (2023); 24+ credit hours of workforce education in Community Policing through National University and the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS). (2023-24).

Awards: Letter of Commendation (2007) for distinguished achievements in accordance with the best traditions of the police service on March 21, 2007; Letter of Commendation (2010) for distinguished achievements in keeping with the best traditions of the police service on June 19, 2010.

Contact Bill O’Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.