October 13, 2006

HEALEY PRESENTS HANNA MEMORIAL AWARDS FOR BRAVERY

Top law enforcement honors given in the spirit of Trooper George Hanna

 

Lieutenant Governor Kerry Healey today presented George L. Hanna Awards for Bravery to 53 police officers from across the Commonwealth who earned the honor due to their exemplary service over the past year.

 

Named for fallen Massachusetts State Trooper George Hanna, the awards are presented annually to members of law enforcement who go above and beyond the call of duty and perform heroic acts of bravery when faced with life and death decisions. Now in their 23rd year, the awards have become a prestigious symbol of service within the Massachusetts law enforcement community.

 

“It is my privilege to honor these remarkable heroes with an award that recognizes their incredible acts of service and valor,” said Healey. “We are grateful to these officers and the thousands of other dedicated men and women who put on the uniform each day to keep us safe in our communities.”

 

Healey presented the awards at a State House ceremony where she was joined by Trooper Hanna’s widow, Marilyn, and Secretary of Public Safety Robert Haas.

 

“It is an honor to acknowledge the individual acts of bravery, courage and dedication displayed by these distinguished police officers,” said Haas. “Like Trooper Hanna’s actions, the heroic actions of these officers serve as a reminder of the serious risks that our law enforcement professionals face each day as they work to ensure the public safety of the Commonwealth’s citizens.”

 

There are three types of Hanna Awards:

 

 

Medal of Honor - the highest award that the Commonwealth can bestow upon a police officer. The Medal of Honor is awarded to sworn department personnel who have performed specific acts of bravery, or who have performed acts of extraordinary courage above and beyond the call of duty, with disregard for their own personal safety;

 

Medal of Valor - established to honor sworn department personnel who have performed acts of extraordinary heroism above and beyond the call of duty; and the

 

Merit Award - recognizing sworn department personnel who have performed meritorious acts of bravery, courage and performance beyond the call of duty.

The process of selecting honorees begins with a request from the Secretary of Public Safety to each police chief in the Commonwealth asking for nominations for the award. The Heroic Selection Committee, comprised of members of the law enforcement and public safety community, reviews each nomination and determines the award recipients who appropriately represent each award level.

 

 

###

 

 

- Full list of honorees listed below -

 

 

 

George L. Hanna, Jr. Memorial Awards for Bravery

 

Friday, October 13, 2006

 

House Chambers – State House

 

Award Recipients

 

 

Medal of Honor

 

Boston Police Department

 

Officer Al S. Young

 

Officer Ebenezer S. Sealy

 

On October 3, 2005, Officer Young and Officer Sealy were assigned to monitor patrons at closing time in the Theater district. Just after closing, the officers heard the sound of gunshots coming from a nearby parking lot. Upon approaching the parking lot, the officers were confronted by a suspect who began firing a weapon at them.

 

After seeking cover, and after the hundreds of pedestrians had dispersed, the officers returned fire. The suspect fell to the ground suffering fatal gunshot wounds. At this time the officers were physically attacked by 10-15 males, until assistance arrived. The suspect had shot and killed a man just prior to Officer Young and Sealy’s arrival.

 

Boston Police Department

 

Officer Luke Taxter

 

Officer Matthew Morris

 

On December 2, 2005, Officer Luke Taxter and Officer Matthew Morris, working in plain clothes observed a masked gunman shooting in the direction of a group of people huddled at a bus stop on Blue Hill Avenue. The officers took positions blocking his escape path while the gunman continued to fire shots at the bus shelter. After several verbal commands from the officers to stop, the suspect finally ended the standoff, dropped his weapon and surrendered. The suspect was placed under arrest for assault with intent to commit murder.

 

 

Medal of Valor

 

Boston Police Department

 

Officer Kevin p. McGoldrick

 

On the evening of July 27, 2005, Police Officer Kevin P. McGoldrick was off duty and traveling in his motor vehicle when he observed an armed robbery in progress. The officer stopped and announced his presence causing the suspect to flee on foot into the Carney Hospital’s parking lot.

 

During the pursuit the suspect turned and aimed what appeared to be a handgun at Officer McGoldrick. In response, the Officer took aim with his service revolver resulting in the suspect being placed under arrest and the recovery of a handgun, ammunition clip and a ski mask.

 

Boston Police Department:

 

Officer Neil F. Murphy (ret.)

 

At 1:05 am, on July 15, 2005, Police Officer Neil F. Murphy was assigned to Bowdoin Street in Dorchester when he heard the sound of gunfire. As other units announced a gunshot victim, Officer Murphy observed two young males fleeing the area. Officer Murphy attempted to stop the two suspects when they took off on foot in different directions.

 

After observing an object in one of the suspect’s hands, Officer Murphy pursued him. A brief struggle ensued and Officer Murphy placed the suspect under arrest and recovered a loaded semi-automatic firearm.

 

Brockton School Police Department:

 

Officer Mark F. Noone

 

On June 17, 2005, Police Officer Mark F. Noone was off duty and on his way home when he heard the sound of multiple gunshots. Officer Noone observed a suspect running from a convenience store parking lot where he had just shot two men.

 

Officer Noone, with no place to hide for cover, jumped from his car and pursued the suspect through the streets. After losing the suspect momentarily, the officer spotted him climbing a fence. Officer Noone was able to pull the suspect down and place him under arrest for murder. A subsequent search of the area turned up the murder weapon.

 

Massachusetts State Police Department:

 

Trooper Stephen P. Johnson

 

On October 17, 2005, Trooper Stephen P. Johnson assisted at a motor vehicle stop involving a vehicle with three male occupants. Suddenly one male passenger jumped from the vehicle causing Trooper Johnson to pursue. As he captured the suspect the trooper felt what he thought to be a gun on the male.

 

During a violent struggle the trooper had to pry the gun from the suspect’s hand. The suspect broke free and attempted to flee again, dropping the firearm. Trooper Johnson was able to warn his fellow Trooper of the firearm and proceeded to tackle the suspect to the ground. After placing the suspect under arrest and in handcuffs, Trooper Johnson recovered the firearm which was cocked and had one round in the chamber.

 

Medford Police Department:

 

Sergeant Edward Durham

 

On June 5, 2005, Sergeant Edward Durham responded and took command of a scene where a distraught female held a five week old baby against her chest, with a large knife pressed into the baby’s neck. While the woman threatened to kill the baby if the police did not leave, Sergeant Durham cleared the kitchen and continued to talk to the woman.

 

After an hour of negotiating, Sergeant Durham distracted the woman and then grabbed the knife and wrestled the baby away from her. The EMT’s were able to treat the baby on scene and then transport her to the hospital. The woman was arrested and ultimately was sent to a state hospital for a psychiatric evaluation.

 

Tewksbury Police Department

 

Officer Brian O’Neill

 

Officer Douglas Pratt

 

On March 1, 2006, Officer Brian O’Neill and Douglass Pratt responded to a scene where the suspect of an armed robbery had crashed his vehicle into a telephone pole. The suspect was able to escape the accident scene on foot and the officers made pursuit. Officer O’Neill was able to tackle the suspect and bring him to the ground.

 

A struggle ensued and the suspect pulled Officer O’Neill’s revolver from the holster and fired the weapon striking the Officer in the leg. Officer Pratt reacted quickly and grabbed the suspect’s hand, prying the gun away. The suspect was arrested and charged with assault and battery by means of a dangerous weapon.

 

Worcester Police Department:

 

Officer George Catarius

 

Officer Michael Foley

 

Officer Daniel Dowd

 

On January 30, 2005 after responding to a call regarding a man with a gun, a Worcester police supervisor was shot at while attempting to place the suspect under arrest. Several hours later, Officer Catarius, Officer Foley and Officer Dowd responded to a call regarding a carjacking by a suspect fitting the same description.

 

After a vehicle pursuit, the suspect aimed and crashed his vehicle into a police cruiser, trapping another officer. Knowing the suspect was armed, Officers Catarius, Foley and Dowd approached his vehicle carefully and after prying open the driver’s door, were able to place the suspect under arrest. The suspect was charged with the attempted murder of a police officer as well as carrying an illegal firearm.

 

 

Meritorious Conduct

 

Boston Police Department:

 

Officer John D. Conway

 

Officer Dean C. Bickerton

 

On May 20, 2005, Officer John Conway and Officer Dean Bickerton were in plainclothes patrolling a known drug area. While conducting a motor vehicle stop in a high drug traffic area, one of the passengers jumped from the vehicle and reached to his waist. Officer Bickerton attempted to frisk him, finding a weapon.

 

The suspect grabbed the revolver and pointed it at the officers, yelling he was going to shoot them so he would not go back to jail. Officer Bickerton lunged at the suspect grabbing both hands, while Officer Conway radioed for help before joining the struggle. The officers were able to gain control of the weapon and place the suspect under arrest.

 

Boston Police Department:

 

Officer Joseph Singletary

 

On January 22, 2005, Officer Singletary responded to a repeat call for an estranged husband shooting at his wife’s house. Due to deep snow blocking the roadway, the officer approached the victim’s house on foot. Officer Singletary observed the suspect driving a vehicle in the direction of responding officers. After attempting to stop the suspect, the officer was struck by the vehicle.

 

The vehicle slid into a snow bank with Officer Singletary holding onto the driver’s door. As the officer observed the suspect with a firearm he reached though the window and struggled for possession of the weapon. After a violent struggle, the suspect was subdued and the fully loaded firearm secured.

 

Boston Police Department:

 

Sergeant Wayne Lanchester

 

On February 18, 2005, Sergeant Wayne Lanchester responded to shooting on Townsend Street in Roxbury. Sergeant Lanchester observed the vehicle that was described over the radio and pursued it. The pursuit ended when the four suspects jumped from the vehicle and fled.

 

Sergeant Lanchester began a foot pursuit of one suspect and chased him through several streets, through backyards and over fences. Finally, the sergeant was able to overtake the suspect and after a violent struggle, secured the fully loaded handgun and place the suspect under arrest.

 

Boston Police Department

 

Lieutenant Steven M. Ciccolo

 

On September 3, 2005, Lieutenant Steven Ciccolo, a morning watch patrol supervisor, responded to a call regarding a man with a knife sitting on a porch. While Lieutenant Ciccolo attempted to disarm the unresponsive male, the man suddenly awoke and attacked him. After a violent struggle, Lieutenant Ciccolo was able to free himself by rolling away and kicking the suspect. The suspect was then placed under arrest by assisting units.

 

Boston Police Deparrtment

 

Officer Kenneally

 

On the Expressway, Officer Kenneally made a motor vehicle stop for numerous violations. One occupant, wanted on warrants, jumped out of the vehicle and began to violently strike the officer. The suspect was then able to suspend himself over a barrier to an approximate 40 foot drop to the expressway below. Officer Kenneally was holding on to the suspect’s belt as the suspect yelled he was going to commit suicide and take the officer with him. Officer Kenneally was able to pull the suspect back over the wall where he was placed in custody.

 

Boston Police Department

 

Lieutenant Matthew J. Spillane

 

On Tuesday, November 9, 2005, Lieutenant Matthew Spillane was off duty when he observed a male brandishing a gun and firing it randomly into the Jackson Square MBTA station. Lieutenant Spillane was unable to corner the suspect in the busy MBTA station so he continued to follow the suspect to a less populated areas. After a foot chase, with the assistance of other units, the suspect was placed under arrest and the gun was also recovered.

 

Braintree Police Department

Officer Brian Adams

 

On Wednesday, August 17, 2005, Officer Brian Adams was called to assist EMS where he was confronted by an extremely agitated man holding a double-edged knife. The man had already attempted to assault the EMT’s and fire fighters on scene. Officer Adams engaged the suspect in dialogue while moving everyone away. After several minutes the officer was able to divert the attention of the suspect, in that moment Officer Adams was able to disarm the suspect, take him to the ground and place him in handcuffs.

 

Massachusetts State Police Department

 

Trooper Thomas M. Berteletti

 

On the evening of September 30, 2005, off-duty Trooper Thomas M. Berteletti came upon a motor vehicle accident where he observed a tractor trailer on the side of the road and then a flash of flames from the nearby woods. Trooper Berteletti rushed into the woods to find a vehicle fully engulfed in flames, and extracted the unconscious driver from the vehicle, saving his life.

 

Dennis Police Department

 

Officer Nicholas Patsavos

 

On the evening of March 7, 2005, Officer Patsavos arrived on scene after a woman had jumped into the Bass River and was floating face down in the water. With no thought to the frigid temperature, Officer Patsavos entered the water and took hold of the woman bringing her safely to shore. The victim, in a semi-conscious state was transported to the hospital and made a full recovery.

 

 

Meritorious Group Award

 

North East Massachusetts Law Enforcement Council Swat Team

 

On, August 4, 2005 Swat Team was called to assist the Pepperill Police Department where a man was barricaded in his home, possibly with weapons. The NEMLEC Swat Team was called in to assist and create a perimeter around the suspect’s house. After the perimeter had been created, the suspect began shooting at the police. Following a dangerous standoff, the Swat Team breached the suspects home and placed him under arrest with no injuries.

 

Chief Richard Stanley, North Andover

 

Lieutenant William MacKenzie, Commanding Officer, Andover police Department

 

Sergeant Paul Cooper, Officer in charge, Chelmsford Department

 

Lieutenant Steven Chaput, Dracut Police

 

From the Waltham Police Department:

 

 

Officer Steven McCarthy, Waltham Police

 

Officer Jeffrey Callahan, Waltham Police

 

Officer Chuck DiChiara, Waltham Police

 

Sergeant Timothy McDonough, Burlington Police

 

Sergeant Carmine Vivolo, Somerville Police

 

Sergeant Roy Mulcahy, Concord Police

 

Sergeant Carl Fuller, Winchester Police

 

Sergeant Daniel Unsworth, Watertown Police

 

Officer James Fay, Lowell Police

 

Officer William Monahan, Belmont Police

 

Officer Sean O’Leary, North Reading Police

 

Officer Mark Saia, Peabody Police

 

Officer Thomas Heller, Stoneham Police

 

Officer Paul Dorsey, North Reading Police

 

Boston Police Department

 

Sergeant Kevin O’Brien

 

Police Officer Patrick J. Donovan

 

Police Officer Shannon McLaughlin

 

At approximately 9:30 p.m. in the East Boston section of the city, Sergeant Kevin O’Brien and paid detail officers Patrick J. Donovan and Shannon McLaughlin responded to a call for which a man had been shot. Arriving at the residence in question, the officers opened a door at which time a violent struggle ensued between Sergeant O’Brien and Officer Donovan and the suspect who was armed with a firearm. As the suspect was being placed under arrest, Officer McLaughlin observed and placed another suspect in the rear of the apartment under arrest. A loaded .45 caliber semi-automatic handgun was recovered and both suspects were booked for murder.

 

Boston Police Department

 

Police Officer Anthony Williams

 

Police Officer Daran S. Edwards

 

Police Officer David J. Miller

 

On August 23, 2005, Police Officer Anthony Williams and Police Officer Daran S. Edwards were on patrol near Blue Hill Avenue when they observed a suspicious male riding a bicycle. As they stopped and attempted to talk to the male, he fell off his bike, and upon rising was pointing a gun at the officers.

 

The suspect fled toward Franklin Park, where a perimeter around the dark, unlit park was set up and a canine unit was requested to assist. Police Officer David J. Miller and his canine partner, Maximus, arrived and tracked the suspect through the dark shrubs, finally locating the suspect in the center of the golf course. Also recovered was a 9mm semi automatic pistol with 8 live rounds and 1 in the chamber.

 

Boston Police Department

 

Sergeant Thomas J. Teahan

 

Sergeant Richard J. Houston

 

Police Officer Jean Pierre Ricard

 

On December 26, 2005, Sergeant Thomas J. Teahan, Sergeant Richard J. Houston and Police Officer Jean Pierre Ricard responded to a report of an armed robbery of a merchant in Egelston Square. After securing the perimeter the officers began to canvas a nearby neighborhood. The officers approached a house known for gang activity and observed movement from inside the locked first floor porch.

 

After conducting a forced entry of the porch, a violent struggle ensued between the officers and four suspects. The officers were able to place the suspects under arrest and recover a semi-automatic firearm and the stolen merchandise.

 

Boston Police Department

 

Operation “Cloak and Dagger”

 

DISTRICT B-3 Representative Captain Timothy Murray

 

During the year 2005, District B-3 which patrols the neighborhoods of Mattapan and parts of North Dorchester, implemented a new deployment plan, Operation Cloak and Dagger. The basic premise of this deployment plan was to stress warrant arrests, drug arrests and gun arrests. It was a district-wide initiative to target the most wanted individuals and fugitives, who presented the greatest threat to the community.

 

As a result of this plan, District B-3 made more than 100 firearm related charges, over one thousand warrant arrests and more than 500 drug arrests. District B-3 led all of the Boston police districts in drug arrests and warrant arrests, as well as removing over 100 firearms from the streets of Mattapan and Dorchester.