CHELMSFORD — Chief James M. Spinney is pleased to announce that 13 Chelmsford Police officers were honored for their efforts above and beyond the call of duty during a ceremony on Wednesday.
The ceremony, which is sponsored by Chelmsford Police Foundation, was held at Princeton Station on Wednesday, April 13.
Detective Robert Brown, Dispatcher Shawn Brewer, and Dispatcher Rich Demers all received a Meritorious Service Award for Outstanding Performance of Duty.
Detective Robert Brown was recognized for his work assisting the investigation of the missing person Judy Chartier, whose remains were recovered after 39 years.
Retired Deputy Chief Dan Ahern, Sgt. Frank Goode, Officer Chris Chipchak, Officer Ashley Gallant, Officer Derek Hill, Officer Keith Leczynski, Officer Ryan McCarthy, Officer Robert Murphy, Officer Riley O’Keefe, and Officer Ashley Rokas all were awarded a Meritorious Service Award for Lifesaving.
Deputy Chief Ahern and Officers Gallant, McCarthy, Murphy, and Rokas were recognized for helping save the life of a teenager who was struck by a train on Aug. 18, 2021. Dispatchers Demers and Brewer also were recognized for assisting with the communication efforts.
Sgt. Goode and Officers Leczynski and O’Keefe were recognized for the actions they took during a medical call in fall 2020 involving a five-month-old infant who was not breathing. The officers administered CPR and saved the child.
Officer Chipchak was recognized for the actions he took during a medical call in November 2021 in which a woman became unconscious from choking. Officer Chipchak performed chest processions and CPR and successfully dislodged the object.
Officer Derek Hill was recognized for saving a man that was struggling to stay above the water at Varney Beach in summer 2021. Officer Hill swam out to the man and brought him to shore.
Hans Hug, owner of Sonar Search & Recovery, and Bruce Stebbins were awarded certificates of appreciation for their efforts during the Chartier investigation.
“Congratulations to all the individuals that were honored today,” Chief Spinney said. “All of them have gone above and beyond the call of duty, and have served their community with dedication and distinction. I commend them for all their efforts and hard work during these emergency responses and investigations.”
###