5 Chelmsford Police Officers Awarded

CHELMSFORD, MA – The Chelmsford Police Department hosted its annual awards ceremony April 11, recognizing five officers for their work protecting residents and property. The Chelmsford Police Foundation sponsored the ceremony.

Officer Aidan Gillis was recognized with the Meritorious Service Award of Recognition for outstanding performance of duty after his quick thinking in putting out a fire March 26. Gillis was on patrol when he saw smoke coming from a home around 3:15 a.m. and noticed a planter box on fire.

Gillis alerted the residents and extinguished the fire, preventing potentially catastrophic damage to the home, according to a department press release.

Officers Kristin Leary, Brian Gervais, Christopher Mauti and Craig Mead received the Meritorious Award of Valor for subduing a violent suspect during a domestic violence call last July. Police said the suspect struck an officer, threatened them and threw dangerous items at them. The officers were able to take him into custody without further incident.

"Each of these officers went above and beyond the call of duty and acted selflessly in the face of dangerous circumstances," Chief James Spinney said in a statement. "I’m proud of each one of them, and am happy to recognize them all for their commitment to the community of Chelmsford."

Image via John Guilfoil PR