WOPD Officer Honored for Military Service

This week, the West Orange Town Council honored one of their finest. 

Officer Neuman K. Paye was recognized for his service while a member of the United States Marine Corps Reserve.  Paye, an officer with the West Orange Police Department since 2009, served three tours of duty overseas; 7 months in Iraq in 2003, 1 year in Iraq in 2007 and 1 year in Afghanistan 2010.

"When duty calls, I'm here to serve, whether as the police or the military," Paye said at the ceremony.  "I love this country just like you love this country.  And this award from the township makes me happy because it comes from you the people."

Officer Paye has been a member of the Marine Corps Reserve since 2001 and is currently the rank of Staff Sergeant.  While on-duty, he earned the following medals: One Global War on Terrorism, Navy Achievement Medal, Medals for his service in Iraq and Afghanistan and a Certificate of Commendation.

"We all talk of how difficult things can be in all of our lives, but there is perhaps no more difficult a task to ask of anyone than to put their own life in harm's way by defending our freedoms," said West Orange Mayor Robert Parisi.