Gov. Deval Patrick Awards Medals of Valor to Danvers Police Sgt. and Officer

Sgt. Peter Z. Shabowich and Officer Justin D. Ellenton of the Danvers Police Department were among 25 law enforcement officers and one K-9 from state and local law enforcement agencies honored by Governor Deval Patrick in a ceremony on Wednesday held in Boston.

“In recognition of the courageous and selfless actions these heroes displayed, Massachusetts owes them a debt of gratitude,” said Governor Patrick. “This award recognizes officers whose actions have demonstrated bravery above and beyond expectations and for that they are to be commended.”

Police Chief Neil F. Ouellette commended his officers on receiving the George Hanna Medal of Valor for their actions last year, which saved the lives of their fellow officers.

Sergeant Peter Shabowich and Officer Justin Ellenton each received the medal for their quick thinking on August 23, 2013, when an armed suspect was attempting to stab Sergeant Paul Stone. The suspect, who was wanted on serious felony warrants, and had just been involved in an attempted armed robbery of a neighbor, rushed toward officers in a menacing manner, with a knife. The officers took immediate, difficult action, relying on their training, to save the life of Sergeant Paul Stone and several other officers who were in jeopardy.

In the words of Sergeant Paul Stone: “Officers Shabowich and Ellenton saved my life.”

This incident rapidly unfolded into a life-threatening encounter for all of the police personnel involved. Officers Shabowich, Ellenton, Dana Martin, Kevin Wood and State Trooper Dale Jenkins Jr, under the direction of Sergeant Paul Stone, were placed in a no-win situation, which resulted in taking a young man’s life.

“As police officers, we take no joy in our solemn responsibilities. We never want to be in a position where we are forced to take another person’s life, but our training teaches us to react when we have no choice,” Chief Ouellette said. “Officers Shabowich and Ellenton did not make a decision; they reacted to a situation, and they saved the lives of police officers that day.”

Sergeant Shabowich joined the Danvers Police Department in May of 1990, and Officer Ellenton joined the Department in June of 2004.

The 31st annual presentation at the Massachusetts Statehouse included 11 awards to 25 police officers, one posthumously, and one canine. MIT Officer Sean A. Collier was shot and killed while on active duty on campus during an encounter with the suspects of the Boston Marathon bombing.

“We expect a great deal from our law enforcement professionals and they know that those expectations come with the job”, said Public Safety Secretary Cabral. “We should therefore always take the opportunity to recognize and show appreciation for extraordinary acts of sacrifice and courage.”

Trooper George L. Hanna was a 10 year veteran of the Massachusetts State Police Department. On the night of February 26, 1983, he was mortally wounded during a traffic stop in Auburn. Hanna left behind a wife and three children. This award, named in his honor, has become a symbol of prestige within the law enforcement community and the Commonwealth.

This year’s award winners are:

Meritorious Recognition

Officers John R. Bernard, Joshua O. Hilton and Paul J. Scali of the Lynn Police Department who subdued a violent suspect who seized an officer’s gun and fired shots at police following a physical struggle.

Sergeant Bret H. LaBelle, Detective Amy Erlandson-LaPointe, Officers Skye A. Robinson,Matthew H. Conley, Wilfredo Coriano, Sean A. Daniely and Steven D. Roe of the Boston Police Department who pursued a violent suspect who refused to surrender following a traffic stop. The officers’ encounter revealed the suspect’s unauthorized use of a rental car, the recovery of a police scanner and a loaded concealed firearm.

Medal of Valor

Officer Christopher E. Alberini and Dax (K-9) of the Ashland Police Department are credited with saving the lives of several fellow officers as they tried to apprehend a threatening suspect. During an attempt to arrest a suspect on active warrants, the suspect fled into a house and hid. Repeated commands to give himself up to authorities were ignored and Officer Alberini and his canine Dax were called to assist. Dax located and engaged the suspect, who had armed himself with a shotgun and several rounds, hiding in the attic. Officer Alberini followed and upon seeing the suspect’s weapon at the ready drew his service weapon and fired, hitting the suspect twice in the torso. Officer Chris Alberini and his canine partner Dax prevented the suspect from using his shotgun on officers who most certainly would have climbed into the attic space to search for him.

Sergeant Peter Z. Shabowich and Officer Justin D. Ellenton of the Danvers Police Department joined in a search for a man suspected of an attempted armed robbery who was located at his apartment. Realizing he had been located by authorities, the suspect armed himself with a knife and attacked the officers. One officer sustained a cut to the arm. The suspect then went after another officer attempting to stab him. 

Sergeant William F. Hinchey of the Pembroke Police Department was among several officers who responded to 911 calls for a deeply disturbed family member who intended to end his and other family members’ lives. Officers arrived to find a man in a basement bedroom that smelled strongly of gasoline and propane. The suspect, who was deaf, was clutching a propane canister and cigarette lighter threatening to blow up the entire house. With no regard for his own safety, Sgt. Hinchey ordered his officers out of the house as he attempted to deflate the situation. With help from a family member who could sign, he communicated with the suspect and managed to secure the lighter and his hands, thereby avoiding a potentially deadly and destructive tragedy.

Trooper Michael H. Baker of the State Police Detective Unit assigned to the Franklin/Hampshire District Attorney’s Office attempted to serve a search warrant on two suspects suspected of selling large amounts of narcotics at his apartment building. With credible information that one subject made numerous threats he’d shoot anyone trying to disrupt his narcotics business, Troopers entered the apartment where Baker found one suspect pointing a rifle at him. Despite repeated orders to drop the weapon the request was ignored. Fearing for his own life and those of others, Trooper Baker discharged his weapon at the suspect, neutralizing the threat. The other suspect immediately surrendered. A large quantity of narcotics was discovered during the search.

Massachusetts State Police Brockton Gang Unit Troopers Erik V. Telford and Francis M. Walls were meeting with a potential confidential informant who wanted to turn in a handgun. While the meeting was underway in their cruiser, a slow moving car drove past their cruiser and fired shots into the informant’s car. When the shooter realized the informant’s car was empty, he exited his vehicle and began walking toward the cruiser while firing at its occupants before fleeing. While Trooper Walls returned fire, he also radioed Brockton Police regarding the incident. With Brockton PD’s assistance, a manhunt ensued and led to the arrest of all three suspects. The capture of these dangerous suspects is due to the courageous acts of Trooper Walls and Trooper Telford, despite this extremely stressful encounter.

Medal of Honor

Watertown Police Officers John C. MacLellan, Joseph B. Reynolds, Timothy B. Menton and Sergeant Jeffrey J. Pugliese, Massachusetts State Police Trooper Christopher J. Dumont, and MBTA Officers Richard H. Donohue and Lucas J. Kitto receive Medals of Honor. They are being recognized for their bravery and heroic actions in the chaotic and deadly circumstances following the ambush and murder of an MIT Police Officer as a nationwide manhunt was underway for the perpetrators of the terrorist rampage that occurred at the Boston Marathon finish line in April 2013.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology Officer Sean A. Collier is awarded the Medal of Honor posthumously. Collier was shot and killed on duty while parked on campus as he encountered the Marathon bombing suspects. His ultimate sacrifice set in motion the events that would lead to the police response resulting in the death of one alleged terrorist and the capture of another.