Five Chelmsford Officers Presented with Meritorious Service Awards for Going Above and Beyond the Call of Duty

Police Chief James M. Spinney presented five Chelmsford Police Officers with Meritorious Service Awards for going above and beyond the normal call of duty. The officers were recognized at the annual awards breakfast, sponsored by the Chelmsford Police Foundation, at the Princeton Station on Wednesday, April 8, 2015.

“These officers represent the finest standards of policing, and their commitment to public safety and serving their community is evident every day,” Chief Spinney said. “I am proud to serve alongside each of them.”

The following officers were recognized:

PATROL OFFICER PAUL RICHARDSON

For his response and actions related to a medical emergency call involving a male party how had overdosed on heroin. Officer Richardson located a male victim lying on the floor unconscious. Officer Richardson observed that the subject appeared blue in color and was not breathing.

Officer Richardson quickly recognized the signs of opiate overdose and properly administered nasal narcan (naloxone) to the victim. Within seconds the victim regained consciousness, and was communicating with medical personnel.

SERGEANT JEFF BERNIER AND SERGEANT GARY HANNAGAN

For their leadership, dedication, and volunteer efforts to the Chelmsford Police Athletic League.

Sergeant Bernier and Sergeant Hannagan have been real corner stones of the P.A.L. program since its inception. Sergeant Jeff Bernier and Sergeant Gary Hannagan were presented with meritorious service awards for COMMUNITY SERVICE.

SERGEANT TODD AHERN AND DETECTIVE JEFF BLODGETT

For their dedication to duty seeing a very involved and complicated case to conclusion involving a murder-for-hire plot. After a lengthy investigation a meeting was set up consisting of the defendant and an undercover officer posing as a hitman.

The defendant had a conversation with the undercover officer and was negotiating prices for the killing of a female. The defendant also suggested possibly beating the victim so badly that she would be unable to attend an upcoming court appearance. The defendant was ultimately arrested and charged with solicitation of a felony as well as other charges.

Courtesy Photos:

The Chelmsford Police Honor Guard Left-to-right: Detective Craig Walsh, Patrolman Robert brown, Patrolman Nick Ziminsky. Sergeant Jason Poor, Patrolman John Tays.

Chelmsford Police Foundation President John Harrington.

Retired Chelmsford Police Chief Raymond McCusker (left) with John Harrington.