Dalton Officer Honored for Bravery
 |
Powell, with the aide of his partner Officer Deanna Strout, prevented a distraught man from shooting himself or others by grabbing his gun and subduing him.
For his bravery, Powell and other officers from across the state were recognized by Gov. Deval Patrick and Lt. Gov. Timothy Murray at the annual awards ceremony named for Trooper George L. Hanna Jr., who was killed in the line of duty in 1983.
Powell was alone at the Dalton Police Station on the morning of June 26, 2007, when Daniel Dewey rang the call bell, asking to speak to him. Powell stepped outside and the 20-year-old man drew a .44-caliber black powder revolver loaded with five rounds, cocked the gun's hammer, and put it alternately under his own chin and up to his head.
Powell immediately grabbed the revolver with his left hand, placing part of his hand between the gun's hammer and cylinder so it could not fire. For more than a minute, the officer struggled with the Dewey, trying to keep him from pointing the gun at either of them.
Using his free hand, the officer radioed for his partner, Strout, who responded in less than 30 seconds and, drawing her own weapon, repeatedly ordered Dewey to drop his. After three commands, he finally did so and was subdued by the officers.
While on the ground and being placed in handcuffs, Dewey repeatedly tried to reach for something underneath him. The officers later recovered what he may have been reaching for — two knives held in a sheath on his belt. Dewey is currently serving an 18-month sentence at the Berkshire County House of Correction.
Both officers have been recognized for their swift actions and were nominated for the Hanna Award, presented by the Executive Office of Public Safety.
This year's presentation of the Trooper George L. Hanna Jr. Memorial Awards for Bravery recognized troopers and officers involved in 13 separate incidents comprising a range of heroic actions, including apprehending armed suspects and subduing a gunman who had opened fire on police officers.
The ceremony in the House chambers at the State House, led by master of ceremonies Public Safety Secretary Kevin M. Burke, featured honor guards from the Massachusetts State Police, MBTA Transit Police and Somerville Police Department."Police officers report for work never knowing what may happen on any given day and, as these awards show, at a moment's notice must draw on their training, experience and courage to protect the lives of their fellow citizens," said Patrick at the event. "It is a special person who embraces that duty, and today we honor those officers who have acted heroically."
Murray thanked the loved ones of the honorees. "The support you give to these men and women, and the sacrifices and risks you accept, makes it possible for them to fulfill their calling to protect the rest of us."
Hanna had been a member of the state police for nearly 10 years when, on the night of Feb. 26, 1983, he was fatally shot by three assailants after stopping a motor vehicle in the town of Auburn. Hanna left his wife, Marilyn, and three children, Deborah, Kimberly and Michael. The Hanna Awards have become a symbol of prestige within the law enforcement community and the commonwealth.
Powell was awarded a Medal of Merit.
Also honored were:
Medal of Merit
Boston Police Department: Sgt. Michael J. Linskey, Officer Stephen D. Roe, Officer Matthew S. Ryan, Officer Horace N. Kincade, Officer Richard L. Medina, Officer Brian J. Linehan, Officer Brian C. Mahoney, Officer Terence S. Long
Malden Police Department: Capt. John Amirault, Sgt. Patricia Bailey
Milton Police Department: Lt. John E. King Jr.
Medal of Valor
Boston Police Department: Sgt. David S. Gavin, Officer Rance R. C. Cooley.
Massachusetts State Police: Sgt. Michael P. Sullivan, Trooper Kevin A. O'Toole, Trooper Carlos Rivera Jr., Trooper Nelson Zayas.
Springfield Police Department: Officer James Mazza, Officer Sean Condon, Officer Edward Ebberston, Officer Dennis Hackett, Officer Robert Mariani, Officer David Askins.
Somerville Police Department: Officer Kevin Shackelford.
MBTA Transit Police: Detective Robert C. Pavia
Medal of Honor
Boston Police Department: Officer Stephen P. Romano
Massachusetts State Police: Trooper Jimi Grasso
