Trenton, NJ – In a ceremony held in December, Colonel Patrick J. Callahan announced that Sergeant Marc Nietubyc and Sergeant Roy Rohel Jr. were named the recipients of the prestigious 2024 Trooper of the Year Award. Both sergeants are members of the Technical Emergency and Mission Specialists (T.E.A.M.S.) North Squad and were recognized for their extraordinary bravery and commitment to duty during a volatile incident involving an individual in a mental health crisis.
On January 30, 2024, Sergeants Nietubyc and Rohel responded to a critical well-being check at a motel in Branchville Borough, Sussex County. The situation involved an individual experiencing a severe mental health crisis, armed with what appeared to be a rifle (later identified as an air rifle with an internal suppressor), and making threats of self-harm and violence.
The T.E.A.M.S. Unit, including Sergeants Nietubyc and Rohel, acted swiftly to secure the area and evacuate nearby rooms. The Crisis Negotiation Team attempted to de-escalate the situation by phone, but the individual remained uncooperative and hostile.
Over several hours, the T.E.A.M.S. Unit deployed various less-than-lethal tactics, including drones, robots, chemical munitions, and a Long-Range Acoustic Device. Despite these efforts, the individual emerged from the bathroom brandishing his weapon.
In a courageous act, Sergeant Nietubyc deployed two taser cartridges, while Sergeant Rohel utilized a Mark 9 OC canister. Both sergeants then left their positions of cover to subdue the suspect, fully aware of the potential danger. During the ensuing struggle, both sustained serious injuries from gunfire.
Even while wounded, Sergeant Nietubyc maintained remarkable composure and directed the arrest team to breach the suspect’s location, ultimately leading to his apprehension.
“Sergeant Nietubyc and Sergeant Rohel’s restraint and dedication deserve the honor of being named ‘Trooper of the Year’,” said Colonel Callahan. “Their commitment during this critical incident has undoubtedly made the State of New Jersey safer. Their remarkable efforts exemplify the New Jersey State Police’s core values of Honor, Duty, and Fidelity.”
The Trooper of the Year Award is the highest honor a trooper can receive within the New Jersey State Police. Recipients are awarded a red ribbon encased by a gold frame, which is worn on their Class “A” uniform.
