The Bensalem Township Council recently recognized two local police officers for their life-saving actions, writes Dino Ciliberti for Patch.
Police Officer Mark Wildsmith was honored as the Bensalem Township Police Department Officer of the Year for 2025.
Among his heroic actions were responding to a life-threatening incident, saving a veteran as a member of the Bucks County Veterans Response Team, performing the Heimlich maneuver to save a man, and arresting a suspect for carrying a modified handgun.
Wildsmith also contributed to the development of the department’s Jiu-Jitsu defensive tactics training program. He previously served as a Philadelphia police officer and in the United States Army.
Police Officer Kristopher Harley was also recognized for his actions at a local hotel.
When alerted that a child had drowned in the hotel pool, Harley arrived on the scene and began CPR. The child regained consciousness and is now fully recovered.
According to a post from the police department, both survivors attended the council’s latest meeting when the recognitions were awarded to express their thanks.
Read more about Bensalem’s Officer Mark Wildsmith and Officer Kristopher Harley, and their heroic deeds in Patch.
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