NEW YORK -- A decorated Ocean Township, N.J., police officer who learned last week that she is pregnant has been denied a request to go on light duty despite a recommendation from her doctor, a published report said.

According to the Asbury Park Press, Patrolwoman Sonia Henriques made the request to Police Chief Antonio V. Amodio Jr. after learning she is a little over two months pregnant.

She said she was concerned about putting her unborn child at risk while on patrol duty in Monmouth County.

According to the newspaper, at a township meeting Monday night, Mayor William F. Larkin said local officials should come up with a policy to deal with a police officer's pregnancy.

Last month, Henriques was awarded a medal of valor from the Monmouth and Ocean County Intelligence Bureau. In the early morning hours of Dec. 6, she persuaded a person who had pointed a loaded gun at her to calm down and ultimately surrender.

Henriques appeared at the Monday night meeting with Patrolman Bruce Friend, president of Police Benevolent Association Local 57, who appealed to the mayor to intercede on her behalf.