(Scotch Plains, NJ) – Fanwood First Responders were honored at the annual Father Nelligan Chapter of the Knights of Columbus annual Shield Awards on Tuesday night. The ceremony recognizes First Responders from Fanwood and Scotch Plains, including police, fire, and EMS, for exemplary community service, dedication, and bravery.
Those Fanwood First Responders honored were Fanwood Police Sergeant Tyler Flowers, Captain Brian Downing of the Fanwood Rescue Squad, and Firefighter Sean Manette.
Police Sgt. Tyler Flowers, of the Detective Bureau, was instrumental in the investigation and arrest of a Fanwood resident on various charges including murder, aggravated arson, and burglary. Besides his investigative experience, Sgt. Flowers plays various roles in the department such as being the departmental ARRIVE Together Program (which pairs police officers with mental health screeners to address behavioral health crises, reducing arrests and injuries) coordinator, a firearms instructor, and a Police Crisis Intervention (CIT) Team certified officer.
Police Sgt. Tyler Flowers with his Knights of Columbus Shield Award.
Fanwood Police officers with this year’s Shield Award Honoree Sgt. Tyler Flowers.
Captain Downing most recently surpassed 15 years of service at the Rescue Squad. As Captain for the past two years, he has provided steady, resilient leadership through a period of complex changes and decisions.
Captain Brian Downing of the Fanwood Rescue Squad with Squad President Patty Buckridee.
Firefighter Manette, who has served on the Fire Department for over 20 years, received the Achievement Award.
Firefighter Sean Manette with Assistant Fire Chief Steve Szanto.
Firefighter Sean Manette and members of the Fanwood Fire Department.
