National Law Enforcement Memorial and Museum Announces August 2021 Officers of the Month

Manchester Township Police Department officers safely disarm knife-wielding woman

WASHINGTON, D.C. (September 23, 2021) — The National Law Enforcement Memorial and Museum (NLEMM) is pleased to announce August 2021 Officers of the Month, Patrol Officers Anthony Iliadis and Arthur Cronk, of the Manchester Township (NJ) Police Department. These officers worked together to safely and successfully disarm a woman wielding a knife.

The incident began when a woman was seen walking around a neighborhood with a large knife and stabbing the hood of an occupied vehicle, which elicited the police response.

Ptl. Anthony Iliadis arrived on the scene and engaged the woman in conversation, repeatedly asking her to drop the knife. As he continued to address the woman, Ptl. Arthur Cronk approached her from behind and was able to successfully grab the knife from her hand. Neither Cronk nor the woman were injured.

The 74-year-old woman was charged with possession of a weapon, as well as possession of a weapon for unlawful purpose and criminal mischief. During their investigation, police learned that the woman had stabbed the hood of a random motorist’s vehicle and was in the process of walking to confront a nearby family member. She was then sent to a local medical center for an evaluation. “We are delighted to present these officers with this award for their bravery and quick thinking,” said Marcia Ferranto, CEO of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund. “We are grateful for their service and for the opportunity to, once again, highlight the wonderful stories of our law enforcement community.”

The Officer of the Month Award Program is sponsored by the Police Unity Tour and recognizes federal, state, and local officers who distinguish themselves through exemplary law enforcement service and devotion to duty.

About the National Law Enforcement Memorial and Museum (NLEMM)

Established in 1984, the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund is a non-profit organization dedicated to honoring the fallen, telling the story of American law enforcement, and making it safer for those who serve. The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial (LawMemorial.org) contains the names of 22,611 officers who have died in the line of duty throughout U.S. history. The National Law Enforcement Museum (LawEnforcementMuseum.org) expands and enriches the relationship between law enforcement and the community by sharing true stories of service and sacrifice from across the nation. Through immersive, educational exhibitions and insightful programs, we preserve the history of law enforcement for generations to come.

About the Police Unity Tour

The Police Unity Tour is a four-day bicycle ride from New Jersey to Washington, DC, whose mission is to raise public awareness about law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty, and to raise funds for the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund. The Tour is made up of nine chapters consisting of nearly 2,600 members nationwide. Since its inception, the Police Unity Tour has donated more than $30 million to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund. 

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