NJ: Delaware River Port Authority Honors Officer of the Year

On May 28, the Delaware River Port Authority conferred the annual Officer Christopher Milito Award at a ceremony held at the DRPA headquarters in in Camden.

Officer Jessica Gabe was named 2013 Police Officer of the Year. Other honorees were commended and recognized for heroism, bravery and meritorious service. The awards are named in honor of DRPA Corporal Christopher Milito, who died in the line of duty in 2010. Members of the Milito family were on hand to present the award.

Officer Gabe was selected as the 2013 DRPA Police Officer of the Year for her leadership, work ethic, academic achievements and consistently superior professional performance.

“Saving lives, protecting our customers , employees and assets is what our Public Safety department does very well,” says DRPA’s Chief Executive Officer John Hanson.

“Officer Gabe has the willingness to work hard, and grow professionally. She’s a positive role model for all of us at DRPA and we’re extremely grateful for her service.”

Public Safety’s Chief of Police Jack Stief agrees. “Officer Gabe shows leadership beyond her years and epitomizes what this award is about. Because of her work ethic and constant determination to improve, she’s earned the respect of her colleagues. She deserves this honor.”

Officer Gabe, who lives in Broomall, Pennsylvania, began her DRPA Public Safety career in 2010 upon completion of basic training at the Camden County Police Academy. After graduation from Marple Newtown High School, she headed to West Chester University where the seed for a career in law enforcement was planted,

“Once I began to take courses in criminal justice, I knew where I belonged, “ says Officer Gabe. “When the opportunity to attend the academy presented itself, I jumped at the chance, even though it meant leaving college.”

Determined to succeed and to never stop learning, she returned to WCU part time and received her Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice in 2013.

At DRPA, Officer Gabe expanded her skills and became a member of the High Angle Rescue Team, a unit that requires not only training, but patience and cooperation.

“High angle work requires a team effort,” says Gabe. “In this job, I have colleagues who are not just my brothers and sisters but who are also my teachers. By continuing to build new skills, I hope I can help them as much as they’ve helped me.”