Irvington Police Department

(pictured from left to right) 2006 Valor Award Recipient Officer Brian Rice, Chief Michael Chase, Mayor Wayne Smith and Essex County Sheriff Armando B. Fontoura.

Police Officer Brian Rice & K-9 “Bilko”
Irvington Police Department

On the evening of December 1, 2006, Officer Brian Rice and his partner, K-9 “Bilko”, were on patrol and were dispatched to the Belmont Glass Company, located on Ellis Avenue in Irvington, on a report of a robbery.

As Rice responded to the scene, he was further advised that one of the company’s employees reported to central police dispatch that two male intruders were still inside the building and that they were armed.

Rice, in full uniform and driving a marked unit, arrived on the scene and observed a vehicle parked in front of the glass company with its truck open. Believing this to be the getaway car, Rice strategically positioned himself away from the building so that he could monitor events. Moments later, two suspects, matching descriptions provided by dispatch, exited the glass company and walked directly toward Officer Rice in his marked unit. The suspects never noticed Rice until he exited his vehicle, drew his service weapon and ordered them to the ground.

Suspect #1 leaned over and placed a handgun on the ground next to a garbage can. When neither suspect obeyed Rice’s command to lie on the ground the officer called “Bilko” for assistance and the K-9 immediately exited the marked unit through an open window. K-9 “Bilko” immediately seized Suspect #2 by his leather jacket. With one suspect caught in the K-9’s mighty grip, both suspects now thought it would be in their best interest to obey Rice’s command rather than further tempt Providence… or “Bilko”.

As Suspect #2 went down to the ground, a weapon that appeared to be a shotgun dropped from his coat. Rice then ordered “Bilko” to release the suspect and to stand-by for further instructions as the officer covered both suspects at gunpoint.

With back-up officers now on the scene the suspects were handcuffed and checked for further weapons. Recovered at the scene was a .357 Magnum revolver, loaded with 4 rounds, and what was discovered to be a B-B gun.

Glass company employees positively identified the men as the two suspects who held them at gunpoint and stole their money and cell phones. During this incident, Officer Rice displayed outstanding courage when confronted by two armed suspects. He and K-9 “Bilko” also exhibited exemplary police skills, initiative and teamwork in the apprehension of the robbers.

The 200 Club of Essex County proudly presented Valor Awards to Officer Brian Rice and K-9 “Bilko”.

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