Two Goshen Police District officers honored for life-saving efforts | News, Sports, Jobs

“I work with exceptional people in the police force and a few of these guys have done a really outstanding job over the last few months and two have done far more than was necessary,” said Police Chief John Calko.

Sergeant Domenico Marchionda received the department’s Lifesaving Award for his role in saving the life of a Salem resident who was involved in an accident involving a department patrol car at the intersection of State Route 165 and U.S. Route 62 during an emergency response in February that left both drivers hospitalized. Calko said Marchionda was first on the scene and provided emergency medical care to prevent the driver, whose foot was partially severed, from bleeding to death. He noted that Marchionda is a big proponent of training in tourniquet application and “Stop the bleeding” Protocols within the department.

“He’s the one who put us all on tourniquets and”Stop the bleeding,“He always carries three or four tourniquets. Luckily, he went to her and found that she had an arterial bleed. He put a tourniquet on her and she was taken to the hospital. When the doctors got there, they told me, ‘Your sergeant saved her life.’ If it hadn’t been for him, she would have died.” said Calko.

Calko also recognized Officer Jacob Rohr for his role in preventing a woman experiencing a mental health crisis from self-harming in May, presenting him with a citation for bravery. Calko said Rohr helped a family member of the woman pick up a firearm and held it securely until further help arrived.

Sergeant Domenico Marchionda (right) of the Goshen Police District received the department’s Lifesaving Award from Police Chief John Calko on Tuesday for his role in saving the life of a Salem resident who collided with a department patrol car at the intersection of State Route 165 and U.S. Route 62 during an emergency response in February. Both drivers were hospitalized. Calko said Marchionda’s quick response and efforts prevented the woman from bleeding to death before paramedics arrived. (Photo by Morgan Ahart)

“On May 31, Officer Rohr was called to the home of a woman who was about to commit suicide. She had a gun to her head and was about to end her life. Officer Rohr, with his bravery and courage, assisted a family member and was able to gain control of the weapon and relinquish it so she was not harmed.” said Calko. “He ultimately held her down until she could be taken to the hospital and examined. Family members came to the station and spoke highly of him, the Green Township trustees spoke highly of him, and I’m honoring him tonight with a Valor Award.”

Other police business included the hiring of new full-time Officer Aaron Cirbus, who Calko said would fill the full-time position left vacant when another officer moved to a part-time position.

Calko also reminded residents that the annual Community Day will be held on July 27 starting at 2 p.m. at the Goshen Center Ruritan Park, located at 15110 W. Middletown Road, hosted by the Goshen Police District and the Goshen Center Ruritan Club. The event will kick off with the annual police vs. fire softball game between the Goshen Police District and the Damascus Volunteer Fire Department, and Calko said there will be free food and drinks after the game, as well as family activities throughout the day. Calko also said there will be an American Red Cross blood drive sponsored by the Cleveland Browns on July 27 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Goshen Police administrative meeting room, and that donors will receive a Browns T-shirt while supplies last and can be entered into a drawing for a signed football and four tickets and pregame passes to the Browns’ preseason home game against the Minnesota Vikings on Aug. 17.

The next meeting of the Board of Trustees will take place on August 13th at 6:00 p.m.