Detective Mario Oliveira is honored by Gov. Deval Patrick at the 28th Hanna Awards. – Photo by JoeBrownPhotos.com

By Andrew Firestone

When Detective Mario Oliveira stood in the great hall of the State House the other day, surrounded by gallantly dressed police and the music of bagpipes, he reflected on the generosity of spirit of those that helped him in his time of need. “The whole community has rallied around me and my family, and I can never repay them for that,” he said. “I’ll never forget what everybody did and it’s helped me heal and get back on my feet and resume my life.”

Oliveira was shot at point-blank range five times while exercising a warrant against Matt Krister, a 21-year-old gun seller a year ago. Krister shot Oliveira when he approached and opened the door to his car. Krister was then killed in a hail of gunfire.

But last Friday, November 18, Oliveira, now back to work, along with Lt. Gerald Reardon, Sgt. Joe McCain, Det. Ernest Nadill, and ATF agent Brian Higgins, were presented with the George Hanna Medal of Honor for bravery in the field.  The award was presented by Governor Deval Patrick, who said the award “recognizes officers whose actions have demonstrated bravery above and beyond expectations.”

Four Somerville Police Officers and one ATF agent are commended for their actions in last year's police shooting. – Photo by JoeBrownPhotos.com

“I’m honored to be here with a bunch great men and women who have done an equal job as me in heroics and bravery,” said Oliveira. “I’m honored to be here.”

Oliveira returned to work soon after recovering from the shooting, and now can be seen walking the beat, doing details and other duties an officer of the law is responsible for. “Everybody’s rallied around me rebound, and they’ve helped me get back to work and do something I love.”

Deputy Chief Michael Cabral, who was acting chief at the time of Oliveira’s shooting called Oliveira’s return “heroic and miraculous.”

“It’s great that he’s back to work after going through what he’s gone through,” said Cabral. “Most police officers don’t come back to work, especially after going through something like that.”

The Hanna Award is named for Trooper George L. Hanna, who was fatally shot in the line of duty in 1983.