PAX Centurion - March / April 2015

Page 30 • PAX CENTURION • March/April 2015 617-989-BPPA (2772) On Thursday, March 13, 2014, Commissioner’s Commendations were awarded to Youth Violence Strike Force Detective Brian Smigielski and District B-3 Officers Clifford Davis and Stephen Puopolo: On December 14, 2013, Detective Smigielski was on patrol in the area of Blue Hill Ave and Morton St. when he heard what appeared to be multiple gunshots from different firearms. Simultaneously, operations broadcast a call for shots fired in the area of 7 Havelock St., a short distance away. As Detective Smigielski proceeded to location, he observed a motor vehicle, operating at a high rate of speed, flee the area. Detective Smigielski pursued the vehicle until it came to a stop in the area of Wood Ave. The individuals were ordered from the vehicle as Detective Smigielski approached. Both suspects fled the vehicle heading in opposite directions. Detective Smigielski gave chase and successfully detained one of the suspects. Following a vig- orous foot chase by Officers Puopolo and Davis, the second suspect was also detained. During this incident, officers were able to locate and recover two illegal firearms. For their courageous actions and ability to overcome the dangers that confronted them, we say thank you to Detective Smigielski and Officers Puopolo and Davis. On Thursday, March 13, 2014, Commissioner’s Commendations were awarded to District B-2 Officers Michael Burke and Eric Merner: On January 16, 2014, Officers Burke and Merner responded to a radio call for a person with a knife in the area of 82 Holworthy Street. On arrival, officers learned that the female suspect had a history of mental illness and substance abuse. The suspect armed herself with a knife, threatened several occupants of the building and retreated to a bedroom in the rear of the building. As Officers Burke and Merner attempted to approach the suspect, she barricaded the door and threatened to stab herself with the knife. The officers were able to pry the door open. Upon gaining entry, Officer Burke and Officer Merner were able to detain the knife- wielding suspect after a lengthy struggle. For their courageous action and putting their own safety at risk, we say thank you to Officers Burke and Merner. On Thursday, May 8, 2014, Commissioner’s Commendations were awarded to District A-1 Officers Edward MacPherson and Craig Jones: On March 16, 2014 Officers MacPherson and Jones, as well as additional area A officers, responded to a radio call for shots fired in the area of 121 Bunker Hill Ave. While on scene, Officers MacPherson and Jones focused their search to the area of Medford St. While canvassing the area, the officers noticed an individual walking quickly between the buildings on Old Ironside Way. As the officers approached the individual, they noticed that he matched the description of the suspect that was involved in the initial incident. As officers approached the individual, who appeared extremely nervous, he hunched over and attempted to pull away from officers. In an effort to prevent the suspect from fleeing officers attempted to detain him. At this time, Officer Jones felt a hard object, consistent with a firearm, in the suspect’s jacket. Officers im- mediately placed the suspect into custody. Officers MacPherson and Jones were able to recover a loaded black Ruger .45 caliber handgun as well as narcotics and a large amount of US currency. For their quick response and keen observation skills, we say thank you to Officers MacPherson & Jones. On Thursday, August 28, 2014, Commissioner’s Commendations were awarded to Members of the Crime Scene Response Unit Officers Peter Cazeau, Charlene Willoughby, and Michael Connolly for their actions in the following incident: On March 26, 2014, Officers Peter Cazeau and Charlene Willoughby responded to the scene of a building fire at 298 Beacon Street in which two Boston Firefighters. Officers Cazeau and Willoughby became the prime crime scene technicians tasked with the responsibility to document the condition of the scene and the evidence collected from it. Acting as a team, they spent the next five days working hand-in-hand with police and fire investigators in often treacherous conditions due to the structural condition of the building and the fear that the fire could reignite. On April 1, the officers were joined by Michael Connolly. The three tirelessly worked the scene using a 3-D scanning system known as FARO. The result of the scans allowed officers to virtually see the scene from every possible angle essentially allowing them to walk through the front door as Lt. Walsh and Firefighter Kennedy had done on the day of the fire. The completion of the work done by these three officers has been an exceptionally useful visual training tool for present and future firefighters. For their diligence to duty and excellent work , we thank them.