(L to R) Deputy Chief Charles Femino, Chief Michael Cabral, Detective Mario Olivera and Deputy Chief Paul Upton.

By William Tauro

The following officers were honored Tuesday evening for their courageous, heroic, and exemplary actions during the year at the 2010 Somerville Police Award Ceremony Event.

The event took place at the Somerville Holiday Inn before a well attended crowd.

January 10, 2010 – Life Saving Medal – Domenic Pefine, James Slattery

On January 10, 2010, the defendant fled from police and ran on a frozen Mystic River. The ice cracked beneath him.  Officer Pefine and Slattery entered the frigid waters and were able to rescue the defendant and affect his arrest.

For their actions, which through disregard of their own personal safety, resulted in the saving of the defendant’s life.

January 22, 2010 – Honorable Service Award – Domenic Pefine, James Hyde, Kevin Shakelford, John Aufiero

Members of the Narcotic Unit were asked to assist in a residential break investigation.  Their teamwork and investigatory skills led to the apprehension of well known residential burglar.  Sgt Aufiero volunteered to assist Detective Pefine in the post arrest interview.  Utilizing his past experience and interview skills, Aufiero was able to obtain a confession the defendant that he committed at least 12 other breaks.

For their creditable actions, for their initiative and outstanding work in subsequently locating and apprehending the defendant, who had committed multiple residential housebreaks.

April 11, 2010 – Life Saving Medal – Robert Pasqualino, Alan Monaco

Police responded to 252 Medford Street in Somerville for a reported overdose.  Officer Pasqualino determined the male had a pulse but was not breathing.  Pasqualino took out his pocket mask and performed rescue breathing on the subject while assisted by Officer Monaco, until Fire/EMS arrived.  Victim was given Narcon for a heroin overdose and eventually revived.

For their actions, which resulted in the saving of the victim’s life.

April 29, 2010 – Combat Cross Medal – Captain John O’Connor:

On April 29, 2010, under the direction of Captain John O’Connor, Detectives Ernest Nadile, Ross O’Meara, and Kathryn Costa attempted to serve a warrant at 11 Woodbine Street in Somerville.  They were assisted by Somerville Officer Michael Holland and Massachusetts State Police Sergeant Timothy Babbin.

At one point Detective Kathryn Costa and Detective Nadile entered the residence and ascended the stairs leading from the front entrance to the second floor in an effort affect an arrest.

At the top of the stairs Detective Costa was confronted by the defendant who pointed what appeared to be a semi-automatic pistol directly at Detective Costa, yelling that he was going to kill the officers.  Detective Costa immediately tried to move away from the line of fire.  It was at this point that Captain O’Connor entered through the front entrance and with his weapon drawn, ordered the defendant to drop his weapon.  The defendant continued his threats that he was about to shoot officers.  After numerous orders to drop his weapon, Captain O’Connor fired one shot at the suspect, narrowly missing him.

For his individual act of heroism at eminent personal hazard of life while in combat with what was perceived as an armed adversary.

Life Savings Award  – Officer Albert Gee

On May 25, 2010, Somerville 911 received a cell phone transfer call from a frantic father, screaming for help for his choking baby.  That call was immediately broadcast to the appropriate sector cruisers.   While working a construction detail Officer Gee overheard this broadcast for a reported baby chocking.

Officer Gee immediately ran to assist.  He took the child from his mother’s arms and quickly administered several back thrusts to the child, dislodging a one inch diameter bathroom sink stopper which had been stuck in the child’s airway.  The child then began to breathe on his own.  Officer Gee was awarded the department’s Life Saving Award.

May 23, 2010 – Honorable Service Award – Timothy Sullivan, Oswaldo Martinez, Steven Jones

Officer Tim Sullivan attempted to stop a stolen car which was later abandoned at Waterhouse and Woodstock Streets.  Sullivan, along with other primary responding officers, Martinez and Jones, collectively canvassed the immediate area, spoke to persons who directed officers to the area of 66 Victoria Street.   Collectively these officers began a coordinated search of the area. Sullivan located the defendant hiding beneath a porch at 71 Garrison Avenue.    The suspect was apprehended at gun point.   At the time of arrest, the subject had discarded some of his clothing.  His discarded clothing was found by Officer Jones under a porch.  Other discarded clothing was located by Off Sullivan in a nearby trash barrel.   In a subsequent search of the stolen car, a loaded firearm and other clothing and gloves were located.  The clothing, gloves, and firearm retrieved were all consistent with items used to commit a robbery.  It is clear that Officer Sullivan’s actions interrupted the defendant’s plans.

For his creditable act, for his initiative and outstanding work in subsequently locating and arresting the defendant (Robert Brady), who had abandoned the stolen vehicle, and fled into a West Somerville residential area for concealment.

July 23, 2010

Awards including the SPD Medal of Honor and Purple Heart Medal – based on a recommendation by Lt. Gerry Rymill and the facts outlined below, the following officers are awarded specific commendations as follows:

Officer Dante DiFronzo, Officer Jose Ramirez, & Officer Marc DiFava

On Friday July 23, 2010, members of the Somerville Police Department responded to 10 Sycamore Terrace for a report of an emotionally disturbed female.

Officer Jose Ramirez and Marc DiFava were the first to arrive on scene. When officers arrived the suspect retreated into her second floor apartment.  When officers attempted entry, the female opened the door with a knife in her hand and stabbed both Officer Ramirez and Officer DiFava before retreating into her apartment.

Officer DiFronzo arrived on scene and eventually used force to gain entry into the suspect’s apartment.  Once inside he was immediately approached by the suspect who was armed with two knives. The suspect, who had retreated into a bathroom, initially complied with Officer DiFronzo’s instructions to drop her weapons. However, as she exited the bathroom she rearmed herself with a knife and lunged at Officer DiFronzo, cutting his hand.  Officer DiFronzo then discharged his department issued firearm once, mortally wounding the female.

Officer Dante DiFronzo:

For an outstanding act in the line of duty that went above and beyond what would be considered proper use of police action at eminent personal hazard of life; for his individual act of heroism at eminent personal hazard of life with advance knowledge of the risk involved, I award Officer Dante DiFronzo Somerville Police Department’s highest award that can be given to a Somerville Police Officer, that being the Medal of Honor.

In addition, for his individual act of heroism at eminent personal hazard of life while in combat with an armed adversary that resulted in himself being wounded in the performance of his official duties as a Somerville Police Officer.

Officer DiFronzo also received the Post 19 McQuestion Award as the 2010 Police Officer of the Year.

Officer Jose Ramirez: SPD Purple Heart. For being wounded in the performance of his official duties as a Somerville Police Officer during a violent confrontation with an armed adversary.

Officer Marc DiFava: SPD Purple Heart. For being wounded in the performance of his official duties as a Somerville Police Officer during a violent confrontation with an armed adversary.

October 31, 2010 – Community Service Award: – Captain Paul Trant:

On October 29th and 30th, 2010 the Somerville Police Department held a Haunted House for the Citizens in Somerville.  For nearly 20 years this event had not taken place.  It was not until Captain Trant, who on his own initiative, decided to plan this event for the Somerville Community.  Captain Trant reached out to the community for support, not only for decorations and donations, but for people to get involved and participate.

The Haunted House event was a huge success with a combined number of over 500 adult and children going through the west district substation. Over 300 bags of candy were given out.  There were no incidents or injuries and everything ran smoothly.

For distinguishing himself among his peers, by his actions in reinstituting a program that has significantly enriched the quality of life among the citizens of the community and by promoting the ideals of community service.

official recognition to:

Somerville Police Officers Walter Collette, Richard Lavey, Scott Gamble, Natasha Montina-Garcia, Neil Collins, Michael Capasso, Marc DiFava, Thomas Gardner and Sgt. William Rymill.

In addition, the following civilian members of the department volunteered their time; Pat Romano, Jen Caranfa, Sean Collier, Maureen Lewon and school crossing guards Carol Jean Cassidy and Joanne Keefe and the Somerville Auxiliary Police.

A letter of recognition for a job well done will be placed in each of their personnel files for future reference.

November 2010:  Unit Citation Medal: – Somerville Auxiliary Police Department

Each year the men and women of the Somerville Auxiliary Police Department (SAPD) volunteer their time and efforts to serve the citizens of Somerville.  Each auxiliary officer is required to work 2 cruiser nights per month, and one function per month.  Functions refer to road races, parades or other events within the City of Somerville. In addition, each officer is required to attend all department meetings and training classes.  The officers are not compensated, nor do they receive any health or disability insurance. Much of their volunteer work is conducted on holidays when many of us are enjoying our families on a day off.

This year, the Somerville Auxiliary Police participated in numerous events including:

Natural disasters such as Hurricane Earl;

Major road races including assistance with the Boston Marathon, as well as other road races within the City; and

Community events such as the Trum Field Fireworks, Federal Realty Fireworks, the Memorial Day Parade, various SomerStreets events (lower Broadway, Shore Drive, Somerville Ave), Octoberfest in Davis Square, Honkfest Festival and Parade, and the Halloween Haunted House to name a few.

In recognition of their highly credible accomplishments, which often bring public acclaim to the Somerville Police Department.

This award is presented to Somerville Auxiliary Police Chief Jerry Carvalho on behalf his officers.  Any Auxiliary Police Officer with a total of 500 or more volunteer hours during the 2010 calendar year is authorized to wear the department’s Unit Citation Medal.

Chief’s Achievement Award – Officer Robert Ankenbauer

This year’s award is presented to an officer who works tirelessly 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 52 weeks a year.  Regardless if this person is sick, on vacation, or involved with family emergencies of his own, this officer is always there when needed. This year’s recipient is Officer Robert Ankenbauer.

Officer Ankenbauer is always there to keep our computer systems up and running.  Bob’s efforts have never been as important as they were in the days and weeks following the catastrophic flooding of the Public Safety building on July 10th.

Bob was here on that Saturday evening shortly after the devastating flood destroyed our radio and telephone infrastructure as well as seriously damaged our electrical systems.  Bob was the key point of contact for getting our radio system up and running within a few hours.  He prevented the accidental loss of our stored data when the electrical contractor was about to totally shut down power to exchange transformers. He set up temporary computers at Everett Emergency Communications until the State 911 trailer became available.  He then assisted with the set-up of the State 911 Mobile trailer and made it work for us for nearly two months.  He set up temporary computers for Detectives at the Tufts Police station and arranged for Verizon Wireless to deliver a “Cellular Repeater on Wheels (CROW) to boost the wireless signal so that the detectives could operate laptops and phones from inside Tufts Police Headquarters without any additional cost to the City.  He did all of this while still maintaining all of our desktops, laptops, phones and mobile phones as well as his NEMLEC responsibilities.

There is probably no other person in the Somerville Police Department who is irreplaceable other than Bob Ankenbauer.  For his dedication and professionalism.

Artie Regan Award – Officer Maryanne Manfra

Each year the department honors one officer with the Artie Regan Award. The original document which created the Arthur Regan award reads in part:

“The purpose of this award would be to acknowledge the work of someone in the community who by their actions, go beyond what is expected to make this community a better place.  The award could be given to either a police officer or a civilian. The award would not need to be directly related to law enforcement, but should reflect actions which make Somerville a better or safer place to live and work”.

This year’s Artie Regan Award recipient is Officer Maryanne Manfra.

Officer Manfra worked throughout the year within the schools. Maryann went above and beyond in help implement the Cycle Kids Program, which included citywide implementation with new bicycles for nearly every school in Somerville.  The program is meant to teach fifth graders how to operate bicycles safely.  It has been widely recognized not only by Mayor Curtatone, but far beyond the boundaries of Somerville, and has been cited as a model for other communities.

Maryann was the contact person with Ace Wheelworks, who provided the bikes at a discounted rate.  She personally delivered the bikes to every participating school, not just her own, and did the vast majority of the training in most schools.

Officer Manfra is both deserving and worthy of acknowledgement for her efforts with Cycle Kids.

For her actions in which she went above and beyond what should be reasonably expected and for her dedication to the community.

November 2, 2010

SPD Purple Heart Medal and Medal of Honor – Detective Mario Oliveira:

On November 2, 2010, Detective Mario Oliveira was shot multiple times while serving an arrest warrant on Gibbons Street in Somerville and the 21-year-old suspected gun dealer was mortally wounded by police returning fire.   The incident is the first time in at least 23 years that a Somerville Police Officer has been shot in the line of duty.

For being wounded in the performance of his duty during a violent confrontation with an armed adversary, he is award the SPD Purple Heart.

For his individual act of heroism at eminent personal hazard of life while in combat with an armed adversary, and for his highly unusual accomplishment under adverse conditions with a high degree of hazard to life and limb to himself in a combat situation where death or injury to him or others was prevented, he also awarded the Somerville Police Departments Medal of Honor.

Detective Sergeant Joseph McCain:

During the Gibbons Street incident, Sergeant McCain stood only a short distance from Detective Oliveira when the armed suspect opened fire. Sergeant McCain instinctively used his police training and reacted by returning fire, thus neutralizing the suspect’s actions and the threat of additional harm to himself or others.

For his individual act of heroism at eminent personal hazard of life while in combat with an armed adversary, and for his outstanding act in the line of duty that went above and beyond what would be considered proper use of police action, Detective Sergeant Joseph McCain is awarded the highest award that can be given to a Somerville Police Officer, that being the Medal of Honor.

Sergeant Gerald Reardon:

During this same incident, Sergeant Reardon also stood a short distance from Detective Oliveira when the armed suspect opened fire. Sergeant Reardon also instinctively used his police training and reacted by returning fire at the suspect, thus neutralizing the suspect’s actions and the threat of additional harm to himself or others.

For his individual act of heroism at eminent personal hazard of life while in combat with an armed adversary, and for his outstanding act in the line of duty that went above and beyond what would be considered proper use of police action, Sergeant Gerald Reardon is awarded the highest award that can be given to a Somerville Police Officer, that being the Medal of Honor.

Detective Ernest Nadile:

Detective Oliveira’s wounds were substantial and caused him to bleed profusely at the scene.  He lost a considerable amount of blood and could have bled to death.  Immediately after Detective Oliveira was shot, Detective Nadile, along with a civilian who lived close by, administered first aid to Detective Oliveira.  Nadile administered direct pressure to Oliveira’s chest wounds and continued to render aid in the ambulance enroute to the hospital.  On the way, Nadile continued to talk with Mario in an effort to keep in conscious.

For his acts performed in the line of duty, which thorough disregard of his own personal safety and prompt and alert actions, more likely than not contributed in the saving of Detective Oliveira’s life, I award Detective Nadile the SPD Life Saving Medal.

Community Service Award

Over the last year, members of the Community Policing Unit have worked tirelessly to improve the quality of life for the residents of Somerville. They have voluntarily adjusted their schedules on numerous occasions to assist the department in meeting the needs of the community without incurring the overtime cost normally associated with this coverage.

They have been involved in every major community event within the City of Somerville over the last twelve months, such as: Family Fun Day, Trum Field Fireworks, Mystic Fireworks, SomerSTREETS (East Broadway, West Broadway, Shore Drive, Somerville Ave) Memorial Day Parade, Honkfest, Oktoberfest, and Tufts Field Day to name just a few. In addition, these officers have been heavily involved in the Somerville Public Schools. They have worked closely in building ties with School Administrators, Staff, Teachers, Parents and Students in creating a safe environment for students to learn. They attended PTA meetings, disciplinary hearings and mediation sessions with troubled students and parents to resolve issues prior to them involving the Criminal Justice System. They have instructed students in public safety courses such as stranger danger, anti bullying, railroad safety and participated in city sponsored afterschool programs. Their actions have significantly improved the relationships between the Somerville Police Department and the children in our community.

For their individual and collective efforts in enriching the quality of life for the residents of the City of Somerville.

Sergeant John Auferio

Officer Nicholas Stiles

Officer Leo Martini

Officer Alan Monaco

Officer Christopher Ward

Officer Scott Gamble

Officer Marianne Manfra

Officer Neil Collins

· OTHER AWARDS WHICH WERE NOT PHYSICALLY HANDED OUT IN THE PAST:

2009:

Meritorious Service Award:

Lieutenant Carmine Vivolo for having attained perfect attendance for a five-year consecutive period.

2009:

Life Saving Award:

Officer Guerdy Legros – for an act performed in the line of duty, which, through disregard of his own personal safety or prompt and alert action, resulted in saving a life.

2008:

Meritorious Service Award:

For his outstanding work conducted in a 2008 sexual assault investigation.   Sgt Mulcahy while assigned to the Domestic Violence Unit began an investigation with a sexual assault victim who had been repeatedly assaulted by a MS-13 gang member.  With the assistance of Sgt Mulcahy, the victim was relocated out of state due to a threat on her life.  The investigation revealed this victim had endured years of sexual abuse at the hand of the defendant starting at the age of five thru eighteen.

Sgt Mulcahy appeared before the grand jury.  The defendant was indicted on numerous accounts of sexual assault. After hours of testimony, the defendant was found guilty on all charges.  If it were not for Sgt Mulcahy’s diligent and tireless efforts in this investigation, the victim would not have received the justice she deserved.