21 Members of the Boston Police Department Honored for Bravery & Courage at the 29th Annual Trooper George Hanna Awards
29th Annual Hanna Awards
On Tuesday, October 23, 2012, police officers from around the state were honored and recognized for their dedication and devotion to duty at the 29th Annual Trooper George Hanna Memorial Awards for Bravery. This year’s ceremony, which honored 28 police officers including 21 members of the Boston Police, was held on the campus of the University of Massachusetts at Boston.
The George Hanna Award for Bravery – which is the highest medal a Massachussetts law enforcement officer can receive – is named in honor of Trooper George L. Hanna. On February 26, 1983, Trooper Hanna lost his life protecting and serving the citizens of our Commonwealth. On that sad and somber day, Trooper Hanna was shot and killed during a motor vehicle stop near the intersection of Routes 20 and 12 in Auburn. Three males were arrested, charged and later convicted of murder. All three are serving life sentences.
Trooper Hanna left behind his wife and three children. For his dedication and devotion to duty, his sacrifice and memory will forever be remembered and memorialized.
Said Governor Deval Patrick, “Every day, in countless ways, we are reminded of the crucial role police officers play in keeping our neighborhoods safe and we should never forget the dangers they face, the sacrifices they and their families make and the debt we owe to them.”
The following officers were honored during today’s ceremony:
Meritorious Recognition Bestowed Upon:
- Boston Police Detective Michael A. Kane
- Boston Police Officer Timothy Denio
- Boston Police Officer Charbel Kamel
Meritorious Recognition Group Awards Bestowed Upon
- Boston Police Lieutenant Gerard W. Bailey
- Boston Police Sergeant Michael C. O’Hara
- Boston Police Detective Todd M. Hartgrove
- Boston Police Detective Christopher A. Moreno
- Boston Police Officer Kevin R. Cooper
- Boston Police Officer Amyleigh P. DeVito
- Boston Police Officer Joseph M. Hynes
- Boston Police Officer Thomas Killion
- Boston Police Officer Yong W. Lee
- Boston Police Officer Darryl V. Tran
- Boston Police SWAT Team
Medal of Valor Bestowed Upon:
- Boston Police Officer Matthew F. Becker
- Boston Police Officer Daniel Casali
- Boston Police Officer Daniel G. Griffin
- Boston Police Officer Bruce W. Higgins
- Boston Police Officer Shawn P. Marando
- Pepperell Police Officer Steven Burke
- Massachusetts State Trooper Shawn McIntyre
- Woburn Police Department Officer Robert DeNapoli
Medal of Honor Bestowed Upon:
- Boston Police Officer Dennis J. Murphy
- Boston Police Officer Francesco G. Recupero
- Massachusetts State Trooper Stephen J. Gregorczyk
- Springfield Police Lieutenant Alberto Ayala
- Springfield Police Officer Raul Gonzales
- Springfield Police Officer Marcus Starks
- Woburn Police Officer Mark Gibbons
