Jennifer Tabakin, Town Manager
Town Hall
334 Main St.
Great Barrington, MA 01230
For Immediate Release
Thursday, Sept. 14, 2017
Contact: Chief William Walsh Jr.
Phone: 413-528-0306
Media Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net
Great Barrington Police Officers Honored For Bravery
GREAT BARRINGTON — Chief William Walsh is pleased to announce that several Great Barrington Police officers were recognized at a ceremony Tuesday for their bravery and commitment to public safety.
In February, Great Barrington Police Officers Jonathan Finnerty and Jason LaForest, along with Stockbridge Police Officer Donald Hopkins, responded to a domestic incident in which the alleged aggressor was intoxicated and threatening violence against the officers.
Following a 40-minute effort to get the suspect to come down from a perch where he had positioned himself, armed with an ax that he later threw at them, the officers were able to successfully take him into custody without further incident. As a result of their efforts, all three were awarded the Great Barrington Police Department’s Medal of Valor
Also honored at the ceremony were Sgt. Adam Carlotto, Officer Samuel Stolzar, Massachusetts State Trooper Brian Clay and Firefighter Richard Aloisi, who all risked their own safety last December by entering a burning home multiple times in an effort to rescue a resident who was trapped inside.
For their work, the Great Barrington officers and State Trooper were awarded the police department’s Medal of Valor, while Firefighter Aloisi was awarded the department’s Letter of Appreciation.
“Each of these individuals earned these honors by going above and beyond the call of duty and put their lives on while helping to protect the lives of members of the public,” Chief Walsh said. “They all displayed tremendous courage and commitment to protecting their community, and I am proud of them all.”
Recently-retired Reserve Officer Richard Congdon was also recognized for his 18 years of service to the town.
“Officer Congdon was a valuable member of the department and an incredibly competent officer who will be missed,” Chief Walsh said.
The Great Barrington Police Department also awarded three citizens with Certificates of Appreciation for their support of the department:
- Sandra Lopez
- Jane Aredale, President and CEO of Aredale Minerals and Cosmetics
- Southern Berkshire Emergency Medical Services and its president, James Santos
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