HACKETTSTOWN, N.J. (Warren County) — Several members of the Hackettstown Police Department were recognized Thursday evening during a Town Council meeting for lifesaving actions, exceptional duty and outstanding service to the community.
Officer Holly Whitmore received a Lifesaving Award for her actions on Oct. 10, 2025, when she responded to a report of a victim who had been run over by a train car. According to the department, Whitmore assessed the victim and administered lifesaving bandages and oxygen until additional help arrived.
Officer Alex DiCairano and Officer Anthony Cossio were each awarded a Lifesaving Award for their response to an unconscious victim on June 15, 2025. Police said the officers assessed the situation, applied an automated external defibrillator and performed CPR, helping save the victim’s life.
The department also presented Exceptional Duty Awards to Detective Jeffrey Anderson, Detective Juan Ocampo, Officer Holly Whitmore and Chief Aaron Perkins for their response to an April 4, 2025 incident involving a man reportedly armed with a rifle near Hackettstown Medical Center.
According to the department, the officers helped secure the scene and assisted in the suspect’s arrest under potentially dangerous circumstances.
Detective Juan Ocampo was additionally recognized with the Chief’s Award, the department’s Officer of the Year honor.
Police cited Ocampo’s investigative work throughout 2025, noting that he handled cases while serving as the department’s sole detective for several months, attended numerous trainings and remained on call from May through December, all while balancing his professional responsibilities and welcoming a new addition to his family.
