Governor Honors Four Malden Police Officers for Bravery

Four Malden Police officers were recently given the annual Trooper George L. Hanna Memorial Award for Bravery at a Massachusetts State House ceremony presided over by Gov. Deval Patrick, according to a city press statement.

The local officers were recognized for their bravery during a March 23, 2012 robbery of a Saugus bank and the ensuing chase through the streets of Malden, according to the statement. 

State Reps. Christopher Fallon, Paul Donato and Paul Brodeur welcomed Mayor Gary Christenson and Police Chief Kevin Molis to honor the Malden officers, according to the statement. The governor presented Sergeant Richard Correale and Officers John Delaney and Robert Selfridge with Medals of Valor, according to the statement. Detective Michael Casaletto was awarded a Medal of Honor, the statement added.

"I could not be more proud of these devoted police officers," Christenson said in the statement. "I commend their bravery and quick action during the Saugus bank robbery and I appreciate what they do every day to keep our residents safe." 

The George L. Hanna Memorial Award for Bravery is named after Trooper George L. Hanna, who lost his life serving in the Commonwealth on Feb. 26, 1983, reads the statement. Hanna served nearly 10 years with the Massachusetts State Police, adds the statement. 

The Hanna Awards publicly recognized nearly two dozen officers of law enforcement who put their lives on the line, to ensure the safety of the community.