Lehigh Township Police Chief Scott Fogel presented department commendations to several of his officers at the June 13 supervisors meeting. He said it is his favorite thing about his job.

The commendations go to those officers who have demonstrated their skill and dedication during a specific incident, Fogel said.

In April, Officer Peterson Myrthil showed exemplary community relations skill and effort. He is the newest full-time officer and has displayed an acute ability to relate to the community, Fogel said.

Without direction or order, he took it upon himself to take time above and beyond typical work as a police officer. He was on patrol at Danielsville Park and introduced himself to a group of children and their coach, Justin Scholl, during soccer practice. He then spent time playing with the children.

A few weeks earlier, he played basketball with youths at the Berlinsville court, Fogel said.

Officer Jonathan Roth has logged more than 50 volunteer hours properly fitting automotive child safety and booster seats, as well as working with the driver safety program CarFit. He also has trained other officers on the force and from nearby areas.

Roth volunteers at Camp Cadet on his days off.

Fogel said providing these services is an integral part of community commitment.

Officers were dispatched to Treichlers for the report of an infant who was unconscious and unresponsive at a day care center operating out of a home. First responders, including Roth, attempted to provide lifesaving treatment but with no benefit.

After conducting an assessment, Roth called Detective Matthew Enstrom, Fogel said. During a 12-month investigation by Enstrom, violations at the day care were discovered. Through coordination with other organizations, the case was brought to a grand jury, which recommended charges against the day care operator for endangering the welfare of children and recklessly endangering others.

Although it did not save the child’s life, Fogel said, it safeguarded the lives of numerous other children.

An indictment was returned against day care owner Sharon Ballek.

Officers Philip Mirabile and Craig Ball responded to an assault in Treichlers involving a firearm and knife with one person stabbed and shots fired. Through an investigation, both weapons were found by Ball and a projectile was found lodged in a house wall.

An ex-boyfriend had forced entry into the home, police said. He had previously been arrested for another violent crime and was identified as Andrew Silfies, who fled the scene. Due to the officers’ efforts, he was caught within 18 hours, Fogel said. Silfies waived a preliminary hearing and was remanded back to prison.