200 Club Honoring Six Brave Police Officers Today

The Monmouth County 200 Club will bestow its highest honor, the Valor Award, on six police officers today during their annual awards luncheon which is taking place at the Spring Lake Golf Club from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m.

“The 200 Club of Monmouth County is proud to recognize the outstanding achievements of first responders. Today, we honor more than 100 first responders for exemplary service to our community. Among them are six police officers receiving our highest honor, the Valor Award, in recognition of particularly exceptional bravery, putting their own lives at risk to save and protect others. They deserve, and have earned, our utmost respect and gratitude,” said Kim Guadagno, president of the club.

Of the six officers receiving the valor award, four are members of the Asbury Park Police Department.

• Officers Timothy Griswold and John Sarno, Asbury Park Police Department’s Street Crime Unit, arrested a gunman who was carrying a semi-automatic pistol after a dangerous foot pursuit through the many obstacles of backyards and adjoining streets.
• Officer Daniel Savastano, Asbury Park Police Department’s Street Crime Unit, conducted a field stop on a group and detected a concealed handgun, a foot pursuit ensued leading to the suspect’s arrest.
• Sergeant Alastair Sweeney, Asbury Park Police Department’s Street Crime Unit, managed to disarm a gunman after a foot pursuit and violent struggle.

From the Long Branch Police Department, Officer George Samol wrestled a suspected murderer for his gun at the crime scene, disarmed him, and arrested him without incident.

Officer Adam Sosnowski, of the Manalapan K-9 Unit saved the life a distressed resident by avoiding  suicide by cop.

The 200 Club of Monmouth County’s main mission is to provide financial assistance to families of first responders who die or are seriously injured in the line of duty. Last Thanksgiving, The 200 Club gave $15 thousand dollars to the widow of NJ State Trooper Joseph Erb who died after decades of suffering from injuries sustained in the line of duty.

Each year, The 200 Club of Monmouth County also awards college scholarships to deserving children of first responders. In 2018, The 200 Club gave more than 100 students college scholarships totaling $109,000. To date, the club has given out more than $2 million in college scholarships.

The 200 Club of Monmouth County was founded by Bill Wingard and other Monmouth County philanthropists in the 1970s, when each pledged an annual donation of $200.

The organization is governed by officers who serve a two-year term and a Board of Trustees. It is a 501(c)3 charitable organization with about 1000 members. Community support allows The 200 Club of Monmouth County to continue its mission. To make a donation or apply for membership, please visit our website at www.monmouth200club.com