Barnstable County Sheriff Majors Win Medal Of Valor Award

WORCESTER, MA — In May 2022, two crisis negotiators were largely responsible for keeping what was already a tragic event limited to one death. Now, both received an honor for their work that day.

Barnstable County Sheriff Majors Kevin Fernandes and Louis Langton received the Medal of Valor Group award from Executive Office of Public Safety and Security Secretary Terrence Reidy on Tuesday.

The duo were recognized for their de-escalation efforts during a May 10 murder in which a man had killed a woman inside her Falmouth home and was threatening to kill himself as well.

Read more: Woman Found Shot To Death Inside Falmouth Home After Police Standoff

Officers responded to 49 Old Main Road after receiving a call saying someone had been shot at that house. Upon arrival, they found a woman had been shot in a bedroom upstairs, and a man had barricaded himself in the home with a gun, then Cape and Island District Attorney Michael O'Keefe confirmed at the time.

After police found the woman dead inside the home, they began negotiating with the suspect, who was standing outside holding the gun to his own head and threatening officers during an hours-long standoff. The standoff occurred in a heavily developed residential neighborhood across from an elementary school, sheriff's officials said.

Both men are part of the Cape Cod Regional Law Enforcement Council SWAT Team. Fernandes is the team leader of the Crisis Negotiation Team and Langton is a trained crisis negotiator.

Fernandes, who has been with the Barnstable County Sheriff’s office for 19 years, said suicide intervention involves empathy.

"You try to convince someone that whatever they have done, it is a permanent fix to a temporary problem," he said.

This is his third medal of valor award.

"Major Fernandes’ and Major Langton’s dedication and bravery helped end a terrifying situation without any additional loss of life," said Sheriff Donna Buckley. "They exemplify professionalism and preparedness. We are all extremely proud of them."

The state Office of Public Safety and Security gives out medals of honor, medals of valor and special recognitions to correctional officers annually. This year, 26 officers received awards.