Sgt. John Egan, second from right, was presented with the 106th Precinct’s Cop of the Month award by his commanding officer, Deputy Inspector Joseph Courtesis, right, and 106th Community Council President Frank Dardani, second from leftIn recognition of his excellent police work, Sgt. John Egan was honored with the 106th Precinct’s Cop of the Month award for December 2009.
On Friday, Oct. 30 at 2 a.m. Egan was at the precinct’s front desk when he heard a report on the police radio of an unruly crowd of more than 100 individuals in front of the Chemistry Lounge, located at 98-07 Liberty Ave., in Ozone Park.
Arriving at the scene, Egan witnessed an individual frantically swinging a knife at the crowd, which included police officers. Several cops with guns drawn ordered the suspect, who had already stabbed two people, to drop the knife.
The knife-wielder refused and continued to swing the weapon back and forth to clear a path for his escape. Egan, who by then had gotten behind the individual, tackled him, wrestled the knife from his hand and placed him under arrest.
“Sgt. Egan’s actions exemplify extreme bravery,” said Deputy Inspector Joseph Courtesis, adding, “He put his own safety at risk to protect his fellow officers [and the public].” Courtesis noted that considering the extreme situation, Egan probably also saved the alleged perpetrator’s life.
