Plymouth Township honors officers for courage during violent attack
Nearly two dozen police officers, dispatchers and administrators were honored Monday night for their actions during a violent incident in Plymouth Township.
It happened back on October 24 when a suspect allegedly rammed police vehicles in a hotel parking lot and seriously injured an officer.
Standing ovations filled the room as Plymouth Township recognized those who worked to apprehend the suspect, care for injured officers and keep the public safe.
"They protected so many bystanders that weren't even aware that they were in jeopardy. I mean, they literally used themselves as shields to safeguard other people," Chief John Myrsiades said.
Investigators say the suspect intentionally drove into police cruisers in a Plymouth Meeting hotel lot and struck Officer Jake Hennessey, leaving him with significant injuries to his leg.
Hennessey, who discharged his service weapon during the attack, received a commendation of valor.
"Getting better each day. Still, it's a long journey. Still planning to come back, but it's gonna take time," Hennessey said.
The officer, who has been on the job for two years and still faces another surgery, told the crowd he was moved by the support he's received.
"It's hard to describe, seeing how many people care about you. Obviously, no one wants to go through something like this, but seeing how many good people there are in the world really, really helps me out through this whole process."
The incident disrupted what should have been a milestone for Hennessey and his wife.
"Our wedding date was November 1, which was a week and a day before this incident. Unfortunately, the wedding that my wife planned had to get postponed. We were still blessed to be able to have a little ceremony in the backyard of her parents' house," he said. "To still be able to share that moment with her meant a lot to both of us, and we're still gonna do something in the future."
Hennessy said the recognition belongs to the entire team.
"It's not just me, it's everyone that was working that day, everyone that helped save my life, everyone that helped save my leg, they're all really deserving of it too."
He added that the experience underscored the closeness of the department.
"It was something, you know, that everyone talks about that I'd never really experienced," he said. "You go to work with people and it could be your last day working with them. It was really awesome for me because when I was in the hospital, I had a coworker with me 24/7. I was never alone, even through the night, so that really helped me through the whole process."
Twenty-three additional officers and dispatchers were also recognized for their work on Oct. 24.
Chief Myrsiades said the response reflected the character of the entire department.
"While it was a dark day for our agency, it also served as our finest hour," he said.
He noted the swift action of officers and administrators alike.
"It wasn't just the officers on the road, these are officers and administrators that were inside that immediately came out. That's what they're trained to do. It doesn't really matter what their job is at this point in their careers. We're all there, we care, and at the drop of a hat we respond."
The chief also added that the department is eager to see Hennessey recover.
"We're glad he's got the youth and the strength to heal quickly and come back to us," he said.
