by Amatulla Zakir

The city’s police department commended two police officers on May 11 for saving the life of a prisoner.

“If it were not for the actions of these two officers, a real tragedy would have occurred to a prisoner in our custody and in our care,” said Lt. Michael S. Cabral, the department’s award coordinator.

The Life Saving awards were given to Sergeant John Marino and Officer Anthony Manzelli.

“On April 17, Officer Manzelli while assigned as a station officer, had occasion to enter the cell block area to check on the well being of the male prisoners,” Cabral said.

“While checking the cells, Officer Manzelli observed that the male in cell four had wrapped one end of his shirt around his neck and the other through the grate of the cell block light, in an apparent attempt to hang himself. Officer Manzelli immediately ran out to the booking area and requested assistance,” Cabral said.

“Sgt. Marino and Officer Manzelli entered the cell and found the prisoner choking and gasping due to his shirt obstructing his airway. Officer Manzelli began to remove the shirt from the prisoner’s neck while Sgt. Marino tore the shirt down from the cell light grate. This immediate action opened his airway and he then began to breathe normally,” he said.

A Meritorious Service Award was also given the same week to Officer Michael Murphy for an exemplary attendance record.

“The award was presented for five consecutive years of perfect attendance,” Cabral said,