A North Catasauqua Police Department officer was given a meritorious service award during the borough council meeting Jan. 5.

Officer Samuel Safadi received the award for “exceptional judgment, professionalism and restraint during a high-risk armed psychiatric emergency,” according to a news release sent to The Press Jan. 7.

In the news release, the department said, “Safadi responded to a call involving an armed suicidal male and, while initially operating with limited support and incomplete information, maintained command of the scene under imminent threat. Facing a subject who actively pointed a handgun at himself, Officer Safadi demonstrated remarkable composure, empathy and tactical discipline.

“Officer Safadi’s conduct reflects great credit upon himself and the North Catasauqua Police Department. His actions exemplify the highest standards of modern law enforcement service,” the news release continued.

The incident occurred Nov. 29, 2025, on Second Street in the borough. When Safadi responded to the call, he found “a male subject armed with a handgun and threatening self-harm,” the police department wrote on Facebook Jan. 6. “Officer Safadi effectively coordinated with multiple responding agencies, managed a prolonged armed standoff and maintained scene stability until additional resources arrived.

“Following the safe resolution of the incident, Officer Safadi continued to demonstrate diligence and professionalism by assisting in the securing of additional firearms from the residence, coordinating with family members and ensuring all weapons were properly safeguarded and documented,” the Facebook post stated.

“This is what modern policing looks like — courage without recklessness; authority balanced with compassion; (and) tactical discipline paired with humanity,” police department Chief Christopher Wolfer said on Facebook. “I am extremely proud of Officer Safadi’s actions and the professionalism he brings to this department every day.”

Safadi was successful in having the subject unload and surrender his firearm without death or injury to the subject, officers and public.

In the news release, the department credited this result from Safadi’s “calm communication and sustained de-escalation efforts.”

At the meeting, Wolfer presented the award to Safadi, with borough Mayor William J. Molchany Jr. congratulating.