Sgt. named employee of year MIDDLETOWN - Sgt. Richard Deickmann has been named Middletown's Employee of the Year for his successful negotiating with a man who was contemplating suicide in his driveway with a shotgun. On May 1, Middletown received a 911 call that a 60-year-old man was sitting in a vehicle in his own driveway with a shotgun to his head contemplating suicide. Sgt. Deickmann, the lead negotiator in the case, was successful in talking the emotionally distressed individual into surrendering in spite of the subject discharging his shotgun during the course of three-plus hours of negotiation. Sgt. Deickmann had responded to the call after being contacted while off duty and was part of a 59-member team of responding officers. Among those who responded were 39 Middletown officers, including the Emergency Services Unit and the Monmouth County Sheriff's Emergency Team. Eight civilians provided radio contact and nine emergency medical services personnel were also at the scene, according to Police Chief Robert Oches. Deickmann's dedication and devotion to his job in this instance not only saved the life of the troubled individual, but that of other officers and volunteers who responded to the scene, Deputy Chief Eugene Hannafey wrote in the nomination letter. Sgt. Deickmann is the Squad 5 road supervisor for the Patrol Division. Prior to his promotion to sergeant in 2006, he had been assigned to the Detective Division for more than 12 years and was responsible for conducting major crime and narcotics investigations. Deickmann, who joined the Middletown Police Department in 1983, has received numerous awards including a combat cross and Distinguished Service Award. He has an associate degree in criminal justice from Brookdale Community College and holds several certifications including crisis/hostage negotiator.