Topsfield Police Officers, Dispatchers & K9 Recognized For Valiancy

On Friday, December 8^th the Topsfield Police Department held their annual awards ceremony at the Topsfield fair Grounds, Coolidge Hall in which they recognized the valiant work that our police officers and dispatchers perform each day. The Department as well as Senator Bruce Tarr, Representative Sally Kerans and Representative Kristin Kassner recognized 5 officers, 2 dispatchers and 1 K9 for their extraordinary work throughout the year.  

• Sgt. Eric Giordano received two (2) Outstanding Service Awards for going above and beyond his duties and responsibilities as a police officer helping a community member to feel safe and secure after being a victim of a criminal act in which his home was broken into. Sgt. Giordano took the time to cut out and board up the area that was damaged during the forced entry. 
• Sgt. Giordano was also recognized for going above and beyond the duties and responsibilities of a police officer to assist a community member in preserving their home after a water main break threatened to destroy the lower level of the household.  Sgt. Giordano put on a pair of rain boots that were provided by the homeowner to wade through the water to clear multiple drains to prevent the water from destroying the lower level of the home.
• Sgt. Eric Giordano, Detective Slattery and Dispatcher Ryan Ingerman received the Bravery Award for rendering service with the highest degree of alertness and judgement while putting their own life at risk when they extricated a victim of a motor vehicle accident that was semi-conscious and trapped in the motor vehicle while the engine compartment was smoking. Within 15 seconds after the victim was extricated and brought to safety the motor vehicle burst into flames. Dispatcher Ingerman provided critical dispatch instructions and updates that saved time which provided that extra 15 seconds in saving the lives of the victim and the officers. Their disregard for their safety to render care and extricate a victim to safety is admirable. Their actions prevented a tragic outcome which demonstrated their commitment to this profession and the community of Topsfield.
• Sgt. Eric Giordano, Officer Joseph Levasseur, Officer Dechene and Dispatcher Drew Firestone were provided with the Meritorious Award for rendering service with the highest degree of alertness and judgement while performing a difficult task resulting in the rescue of stranded youths in a canoe on the Ipswich River. These officers provided a well-organized unified command in strategically coordinating additional resources from local and state Police and Fire partners as well as resources such as drones, helicopters, and boats to locate and rescue the fatigued, dehydrated, and frightened youths. Their strategic and thoughtful actions prevented a tragic outcome and demonstrates their commitment to this profession and the community of Topsfield.
• Sgt. Brendan Gahagan was provided two (2) Meritorious Service Awards for rendering a service with the highest degree of alertness and judgement while performing a difficult task resulting in the apprehension of a suspect.  Sgt. Gahagan received information about a suspicious motor vehicle.  With his investigative skills and surveillance, Sgt. Gahagan was able to interrupt a criminal act involving a criminal group that spanned multiple states involving tens of thousands of dollars of stolen property. 
• Sgt. Gahagan and his K9 Aster were also recognized for rendering a service with the highest degree of alertness and judgement while performing a difficult task resulting in the seizure of explosives and guns and the apprehension of a suspect. Sgt. Gahagan along with his K9 Aster received information that a resident was manufacturing 3D Ghost guns and burying them on the property where he rented.  After working with the MSP and gaining permission from the property owner and the owner of the neighboring property Sgt. Gahagan and K9 Aster located a lock box full of explosives.  This led to a search warrant being executed for the home where multiple high-powered guns were located. 

The Topsfield Police Department would like to thank Senator Tarr, Rep. Sally Kerans, SB Chair, Marshall Hook, SB Vice Chair Rafael McDonald, SB Members Lynne Bermudez, Boyd Jackson, and Cam Brown, Town Administrator Kevin Harutunian for their continuous support of the police department throughout the year as well as what they do each day for this fine Town of Topsfield.