Within the past year, Liverpool Police Officer Gerald E. Unger helped save two lives. Over his six years with the LPD, Unger has consistently earned praise from his superiors for his interrogation skills and for his willingness to take extra steps to solve a case and make arrests.
Last month his efforts also earned him two prestigious local awards.
At the Village Board meeting on June 15, LPD Chief Donald Morris presented Unger with the Liverpool Police Benevolent Association Officer of the Year Award. Soon after he was also named the 2015 Liverpool Elks Club Police Officer of the Year.
In 2014, Unger was assigned to “C” watch, from 3 to 11 p.m. This is typically the busiest shift within the department.
While working the “C” watch, Unger handled 623 calls for service and arrested 115 suspects, resulting in two felony charges, 193 misdemeanor charges and four violation charges. He also made three warrant arrests and seven DWI arrests, while writing 438 traffic tickets.
“Officer Unger’s statistics are impressive,” Morris said, “but I’m certain that’s not the main reason why Jerry was selected for the Liverpool PBA award. The officer is chosen by his peers. Jerry is a very dedicated officer. He takes pride in his work. He’s always available to assist other members of the department and is respected by our members and the community he serves.”
Unger began his law enforcement career when he joined the LPD in 2009. Before long, he became a certified breath-analysis operator, a breath-analysis instructor, a New York state general topics instructor and a New York state field training officer.
“Jerry is utilizing his position as a police instructor to better our department and other Central New York police agencies,” Morris said.
Unger also received the 2014 Liverpool Elks Lodge Officer of the Year Award, the 2014 Onondaga County Traffic Safety Advisory Board’s Overall Performance Award and the CNY Chiefs of Police Law Enforcement Commendation Award.
“We are fortunate to have Officer Unger as a member of the Liverpool PD,” Morris said. “And I would be remiss if I failed to mention that Jerry also served our country with the U.S. Navy from 1992 until 1996.”
