10/16/2026
Photos: Governor Healey Honors 18 Massachusetts Police Officers with Trooper George L. Hanna Memorial Awards for Extraordinary Bravery
43rd Annual Ceremony recognizes officers from Everett, Fall River, Burlington, Boston and Holyoke for courageous actions taken to protect Massachusetts Residents
BOSTON — Governor Maura Healey and Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll today honored 18 law enforcement officers from five Massachusetts police departments at the 43rd Annual Trooper George L. Hanna Memorial Awards for Bravery. The Hanna Awards are Massachusetts’ highest recognition for bravery in law enforcement, honoring officers who demonstrated extraordinary courage and put their own lives at risk to protect others.
This year’s honorees include the Fall River police officers who helped evacuate more than 50 residents from the Gabriel House assisted living facility during a devastating fire, an Everett detective who rescued a driver during an armed confrontation, and officers who responded to life-threatening situations in Burlington, Boston and Holyoke. Since the awards were established in 1983, 200 officers have been recognized for extraordinary acts of bravery.
During the ceremony, Governor Healey also announced a new Line-of-Duty Commonwealth Flag Policy to honor public safety personnel and members of the National Guard who lose their lives in the line of duty. Under the policy, Massachusetts will present a Commonwealth flag to the families of eligible personnel as a symbol of the state's gratitude for their service and sacrifice.
“Every day, police officers across Massachusetts answer the call to serve, often facing extraordinary risks to protect our communities. Today, we recognize 18 officers whose bravery and selflessness went far beyond the call of duty,” said Governor Maura Healey. “Their actions represent the very best of public service and the same commitment to protecting others that defined Trooper George Hanna’s life. I’m proud to stand alongside his family as we recognize these officers for their bravery and thank them and their loved ones for the sacrifices they make to keep Massachusetts safe.”
“Every day, police officers across Massachusetts make a commitment to serve and protect their communities, no matter the danger they may face,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “Today's honorees demonstrated remarkable courage when their communities needed them most. Their actions reflect the very best of public service, and we are proud to recognize their bravery. We also thank their families, fellow officers and loved ones whose support makes this work possible.”
“The Hanna Awards recognize the very best of law enforcement, honoring officers whose training, judgment, and bravery distinguish them in extraordinary circumstances,” said Public Safety and Security Secretary Gina K. Kwon. “While each recipient's story is unique, they share an unwavering commitment to protecting others and upholding the highest standards of their profession. I congratulate all 18 honorees on this distinguished recognition. Their actions carry forward the enduring legacy of Trooper George Hanna and serve as an inspiration to law enforcement officers across the Commonwealth.”
Under the new policy, Massachusetts will provide a state flag to the family of a police officer, firefighter, corrections officer, parole officer or National Guard member who dies in the line of duty. This includes those who are killed while performing their duties or who later die from injuries or job-related hazards they experienced while serving. The flag will be presented to the fallen individual's family in a commemorative display box. The policy will apply to qualifying deaths going forward.
The 43rd annual award ceremony is named in memory of Massachusetts State Police Trooper George L. Hanna, who was fatally shot on February 26, 1983, while conducting a motor vehicle stop in Auburn. He was survived by his wife, Marilyn, and their three children, Deborah, Kimberly and Michael. The annual ceremony honors his service and sacrifice while recognizing law enforcement officers who demonstrate exceptional bravery in protecting the public.
Governor Healey was joined by members of the Hanna family and the Hanna Award Selection Committee for the ceremony. Trooper Hanna's daughters, Deborah and Kimberly, presented the awards alongside Governor Healey, continuing their family's longstanding commitment to honoring the bravery and sacrifice of law enforcement officers.
Each year, state and local law enforcement agencies nominate officers for consideration by the Hanna Award Selection Committee. The committee awards the Medal of Honor to officers who demonstrate extraordinary bravery in the face of extreme risk and imminent danger to life, and the Medal of Valor to officers whose selfless actions go above and beyond the call of duty during dangerous circumstances.
The 2026 Hanna Award Medal of Valor recipients are:
Detective Daniel Wall, Jr., Everett Police Department
In July 2025, Detective Daniel Wall, Jr. responded to a dangerous incident involving an armed individual who had fled police, crashed a vehicle in Everett and attempted to take control of other vehicles. When the individual attempted to seize a garbage truck while armed with a knife, Detective Wall discharged his fi***rm to protect the driver. Despite being shot, the individual entered the truck and struggled with the driver. Detective Wall climbed into the cab and pulled the driver to safety before the suspect drove away in the truck. The suspect subsequently crashed the truck in Boston, where Detective Wall and a Massachusetts State Trooper apprehended him and provided emergency medical aid. Detective Wall is recognized for his decisive actions to protect another person's life during an extremely dangerous situation.
Members of the Fall River Police Department
Sergeant Shane Galus
Sergeant Adam Talbot
Officer Mohammed Adelakun
Officer Collin Almeida
Officer Brandon Andrade
Officer Logan Arruda
Officer Taylor Carreiro
Officer Tre’Quan Gardner
Officer Nicholas Kennedy
Officer Jeffrey Louis
Officer Jimmie J. Page
Officer Christopher Silvia
Officer Jacob Swenson
In July 2025, 13 members of the Fall River Police Department responded to the devastating fire at the Gabriel House assisted living facility. Despite heavy smoke, intense flames and rapidly deteriorating conditions, officers repeatedly entered the burning building to rescue residents, many of whom had significant medical and mobility challenges.
Officers climbed fire escapes, carried residents down multiple flights of stairs and improvised evacuation methods using blankets and emergency equipment. Working alongside fellow first responders, they helped evacuate more than 50 residents while putting their own lives at risk. These officers are recognized for their extraordinary courage and lifesaving efforts during one of the most challenging emergencies faced by the Fall River community.
The 2026 Hanna Award Medal of Honor Recipients are:
Officer Aurise Miedico, Burlington Police Department
In January 2022, Officer Aurise Miedico and a fellow Burlington police officer responded to a 911 call involving an individual experiencing a mental health crisis and armed with a knife. Officers attempted to create distance and used less-lethal force as the individual approached. When the individual charged at Officer Miedico with the knife, she discharged her fi***rm. Officers and firefighters immediately provided medical assistance, but the individual later died at the hospital. Officer Miedico is recognized for her courage in the face of an immediate threat to her life.
Officer Jose R. Valenzuela, Boston Police Department
In March 2025, Officer Jose Valenzuela was off duty at a crowded Boston restaurant when an armed individual entered and threatened a group of teenagers. Officer Valenzuela immediately intervened, placing himself between the individual, the teenagers and other customers. He identified himself as a police officer and repeatedly ordered the individual to drop the knife. When the individual continued the attack, Officer Valenzuela discharged his fi***rm to stop the threat. He then called 911 and provided medical aid. Officer Valenzuela is recognized for his quick response and courage in protecting members of the public from a violent attack.
Officer Gerard Colpoys, Boston Police Department
In September 2025, Officer Gerard Colpoys was shot while on patrol in Boston after an individual fleeing police suddenly turned and opened fire. Fellow officers returned fire, apprehended the individual and provided emergency medical assistance to both Officer Colpoys and the injured individual. Officer Colpoys is recognized for his bravery and service in the face of extreme and life-threatening danger.
Officer Steven Negron, Holyoke Police Department
In July 2025, Officer Steven Negron and his partner encountered an individual suspected of a previous shoplifting incident at the Holyoke Mall. When officers attempted to speak with the individual, the person fled, drew a fi***rm and fired at the officers. Officer Negron returned fire, stopping the immediate threat to officers and members of the public. He then provided emergency medical assistance to the injured individual until paramedics arrived. Officer Negron is recognized for his bravery and decisive response during a dangerous armed confrontation.
Press Release courtesy of the Governor's Office:
Photos courtesy of Holyoke Police Sergeant Jeffrey Joniec
