NEWBURYPORT — City Marshal Mark Murray is pleased to announce that he recognized two Newburyport Police Officers for going above and beyond the call of duty recently.
At Monday night’s City Council meeting, Marshal Murray singled out Officers Charles Vorderis and Michael Falite for their efforts to help a person in need last weekend. On Sept. 6, the pair responded to the area of 76 Storey Ave. for an initial report of a medical emergency involving an infant in a vehicle parked on the center median.
Upon arrival, Officers Falite and Vorderis learned that there was no medical emergency, but did determine that the woman driving the vehicle was in need of help. She was traveling from Maine with her four children and was bound for a relative’s home in New Jersey.
The driver, who was pregnant, indicated to officers that she was running low on gas and that she had pulled over in order to ask for money on the side of the road.
After determining that all the children were well cared for, the officers used their own money to fill the woman’s gas tank and provide food for her and her children. They also provided her with information about resources for additional support before sending the family on their way to complete their trip.
“A police officer’s job description can change dramatically from one day — or even one call — to the next,” Marshal Murray said. “In this instance, these officers encountered someone who simply needed a helping hand, and I’m proud of Officer Vorderis and Officer Falite for stepping up to provide this family with some much needed support.”
Marshal Murray provided both officers with a letter of commendation for their actions.
