Catasauqua police officers were recently publicly commended for their lifesaving efforts and for their years of service.

At the Sept. 4 meeting of the Catasauqua Borough Council, borough Police Chief Douglas Kish presented two Life Saving Awards.

Patrol Officer Rebecca Saborsky received her award for her quick and decisive action during a stabbing incident at the Catasauqua Municipal Park & Playground. She is credited with saving the injured person and getting him proper medical treatment even though she was in a tenuous environment, surrounded by juveniles who had caused the disturbance.

Patrol Officer Arthur Williams received a Life Saving Award for rescuing two people from a building fire on Second Street. Williams was on a routine patrol and noticed smoke coming from the building. He entered the building and rescued one resident. When the flames grew too intense, he went to the back of the building and rescued another resident.

Kish commended both officers and offered his thanks for the action they took and a job well done.

Mayor Barbara Schlegel also congratulated each of the officers.

Kish presented service awards to Patrol Officers Scott Dergham, Jason Sedgwick, Arthur Williams and Anthony Struss for five years of service. Patrol Officers Patrick Best and Raymond Anthony received service awards for 10 years and Elwood Buchman received an award for 15 years service.

PFC John Wiseman, who is also the canine officer, received a service pin for five years service, PFC Christopher Wittik received a 10-year award and PFC John Lakits received his 35-year service award.

Kish and Schlegel also extended their thanks and presented a commendation to Bill and Ruth Roher who donated funds through Hounds On Working Leashes (HOWL) to secure a bulletproof vest for Jack, the borough's canine.

Members of the HOWL organization, who attended the meeting, are looking for additional contributions to aid police department canine units. James and Lori Kutz head the local organization, Robert Ford is the vice-president and Roger Scherer is one of the directors.

"These vests are very expensive and we just don't have the funds in our budget," Schlegel said. "We thank the Rohers for their generosity and support."