Chelmsford Police Officers Honored For Heroic Acts

CHELMSFORD, MA — Five Chelmsford police officers were recently honored for acts of bravery, including reviving two people and helping end a dangerous car chase. Sergeant Steve Fredericks, Officer Robert Brown and Officer Kristin Leary received "Outstanding Performance of Duty" awards, while Officer Ashley Gallant and Officer Nick Ziminsky received "Life Saving" awards at the department's annual awards event April 12

(Subscribe to Chelmsford Patch news alerts for breaking Chelmsford news and updates. iPhone/iPad users: download the new Patch app.)

Fredericks, Brown and Leary were recognized for helping end a police chase on July 18. Chelmsford police Chief James Spinney recounted the event:

"On July 18, 2016, Sgt. Fredericks was working a security detail at Varney Park while Officers Brown and Leary patrolled the area. Around 8:45 p.m., Chelmsford Police received a report that Tyngsborough Police were involved in a motor vehicle pursuit on Route 3 south.

When the pursuit continued into Chelmsford, Sgt. Fredericks and Officers Brown and Leary responded to aid Tyngsborough Police. The suspect vehicle eventually stopped in the parking lot of Sully’s Ice Cream Stand on Graniteville Road.

During the incident, Sgt. Fredericks and the suspect were injured. Despite his injuries, Sgt. Fredericks requested medical assistance for the suspect while Officer Brown and Officer Leary rendered aid until emergency medical services personnel arrived on scene."

Said Spinney, “This was an extremely difficult situation that demonstrated that anything can happen at any time. It was my honor to recognize these three officers for their outstanding performance in a high stress situation and for keeping focused, protecting the innocent and providing care for the injured.”

Gallant was honored for reviving a 48-year-old man found unresponsive at a residence July 24:

"On July 24, 2016, Officer Gallant, who joined the Chelmsford Police Department in 2013, responded to a residence on a report of an unresponsive 48-year-old man.

Upon arrival, she located the man sitting on the couch unresponsive. Officer Gallant moved the victim to the floor and began using an automated external defibrillator and oxygen to revive the victim.

After the fire department arrived, Officer Gallant continued with compressions and using the AED until the victim’s pulse returned. The man was transported to the hospital and is doing well today."

Ziminsky was honored for reviving a 76-year-old man found unresponsive at a residence August 12:

"On August 12, 2016, he responded to a residence in town for a medical emergency involving an unresponsive 76-year-old man.
Upon arrival, Officer Ziminsky located the victim, who did not have a pulse. After completing 30 compressions, he began using an AED on the victim. Officer Ziminsky continued to treat the man until paramedics arrived and stabilized the man, who is doing well today.

Said Spinney, “Officers Gallant and Ziminsky should be commended for using their training and skills to help save residents’ lives. Had it not been for their rapid response, focus and high quality of medical services, the outcomes of these situations could have ended a lot differently.”

Photo: From left to right: Chelmsford police Officer Kristin Leary, Sergeant Steve Fredericks, Officer Robert Brown, Officer Ashley Gallant and Officer Nick Ziminsky. (Credit: Chelmsford Police Department)

More Chelmsford police news

• Discipline or Abuse? Chelmsford Couple Accused Of Belt-Beating, Locking Away Children
• Chelmsford School Bus Driver Smoked Pot Before Field Trip: Police
• Prostitution Sting: Chelmsford Man Arrested In Lowell Bus