State and local law enforcement officers recognized for acts of bravery

WORCESTER — A dozen law enforcement officers from across Massachusetts were recognized Thursday for their acts of bravery and courage.

The 37th and 38th Annual Trooper George L. Hanna Memorial Awards for Bravery recognized troopers and officers for their work in 2019 and 2020.

The Hanna Awards honor the memory of Massachusetts State Police Trooper Hanna, who was killed in the line of duty in 1983.

The Medal of Honor, the state’s most distinguished law enforcement award, is presented to those who demonstrate extraordinary bravery and courage in the face of extreme risk and imminent danger to life or limb.

Boston Police officers William Hull and Mark Whalen, and Massachusetts State Police Trooper Stephen Torosian were recipients of the Medal of Honor.

Torosian was was wounded in an unprovoked attack in December, 2019 in Amesbury.

Medal of Honor recipient: Trooper Stephen Torosian

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Officers Hull and Whalen were recognized for their actions after a violent traffic stop in Roxbury in February of 2019, in which Officer Whalen was shot and wounded.

Medal of Honor recipients: Boston Police Officers William Hull and Mark Whalen

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The Medal of Valor, the Commonwealth’s second-highest policing honor, is awarded to police officers whose heroism in a single incident goes above and beyond the call of duty and demonstrates selfless bravery in the face of danger to themselves.

“Today’s Hanna Award recipients have distinguished themselves through extraordinary bravery, deserving of our appreciation and admiration. Their harrowing stories are a profound reminder of the life-threatening dangers police offers face with every call,” said Public Safety and Security Secretary Terrence Reidy.”

The officers receiving the Medal of Valor are from departments from across the state.

Massachusetts State Police: Trooper Peter R. Towle, Trooper Michael W. Palmer, Trooper John J. Lennon.

Metropolitan Police Special Tactics & Rescue: Sergeant Christopher H. Baker, Mansfield Police Department; Officer David J. Schepis, Mansfield Police Department; Officer Stephen T. Wallace, Jr., Braintree Police Department.

Pepperell Police Department: Sergeant Nick L. Parker, Officer Jus(n D. Zink.

Westborough Police Department: Sergeant Jonathan Kalagher.

Thursday’s ceremony was held at Mechanic’s Hall in Worcester. Due to limitations on gatherings last year, this year’s ceremony combined recipients from calendar years 2019 and 2020.

“These awards recognize police officers who exhibited remarkable heroism in the face of extreme danger,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “Their quick-thinking and decisive actions showed extraordinary courage and a deep commitment to helping others no matter the risk to themselves. Today’s recipients carry on the legacy of Trooper George Hanna, demonstrating exceptional police work grounded in the value of selfless service.”