Morris County Sheriff Edward Rochford honored a group of Morristown Memorial Hospital security officers on Monday, April 18, 2011 for their actions in a recent incident at the hospital that highlighted the extensive training and skill level of Atlantic Health’s security force.

Sheriff Rochford presented Cpl. Margaret Dilley and Officers Michael Tavares, Philip DeFrank Jr., and Anthony Cirelli III, with plaques commemorating their service, which Rochford said went, “over and above the call of duty.”

The officers responded one day in early March to the hospital’s Emergency Department, where a detective from the Sheriff’s Department had brought a prisoner for evaluation. While at the hospital, the prisoner became combative. According to the sheriff’s department, the hospital’s officers used techniques to restrain but not physically harm the prisoner while protecting staff and patients in the Emergency Department.

“They did what we would want any police officer to do, and without having to ask for it,” Rochford said of the techniques used by the hospital officers. “They were perfect. It is a true testament to how they train.”

Alan J. Robinson, director of protection and security services for Atlantic Health added: “In recent years, we have made a proportionate investment in training programs to appropriately increase our security officers’ skills set in providing security for our medical staff, patients, employees and anyone who comes to our hospitals. These officers represent our best practice in this regard, and the Sheriff’s commendation of their efforts is greatly appreciated”.

The presentation by the sheriff is the latest in recent honors bestowed upon Atlantic Health’s Security and Protection Services. In November, Atlantic Health was recognized by Security Magazine for its safety, with Morristown Memorial achieving an impressive ranking in the 2010 Hospitals and Medical Sector category. It was the third year that Atlantic Health had been recognized in the magazine. The magazine’s recognition drew the attention of Gov. Chris Christie, who in March 2011 sent a letter to Robinson, congratulating Atlantic Health for the achievement.