Sergeant Jaclyn Riccio, Officer Andrew Hochmuth, Officer Zack Mason, Officer Alicia Belli, and Victim Specialist Karen Edwards received a Distinguished Unit Citation from Chief Karl Knott during the February Police Commission Meeting.

On January 29, 2026, Sergeant Riccio and Officers Hochmuth, Mason and Bellie responded to a residence in Doylestown Borough for a well-being check. The resident is an elderly woman incapable of caring for herself, particularly given the extremely low single-digit temperatures on that day and the lack of heat and water. Captains Kreuter and Carlen also responded, as the department had made several attempts to provide assistance to this known resident.

Upon arrival, the officers discovered an open door and, after properly announcing themselves, entered the residence. They encountered severe hoarding conditions which included a deceased animal. They searched the home for the resident and were unable to locate her. The hoarding situation necessitated that the officers navigate carefully to avoid hitting the ceiling while stepping over large piles of miscellaneous debris. Unable to locate the resident inside, officers began to search the surrounding area for known locations that she had frequented in the past.

The department’s Victim Specialist Karen Edwards assisted by contacting individuals familiar with the resident in an effort to locate her. One contact informed VS Edwards that the resident often buried herself in the front room for warmth. Subsequently, Sgt. Riccio and her squad re-entered the home and began digging through piles of clothing, feces-covered items, books and boxes, ultimately discovering the resident. The resident was awake and alert. Emergency Medical Services were called, and the resident was transported to Doylestown Hospital for medical attention.

If it weren’t for the actions of Sgt. Riccio’s squad and VS Edwards, the resident may have succumbed to the severe cold and the appalling living conditions of her home.

The actions of this squad, working in tandem with Victim Services, exemplify their professional dedication and commitment to ensuring the safety of residents. The officers’ quick and professional response, even in challenging conditions, reflects positively on the department and themselves individually.