Woburn Police Officer Mark Gibbons Awarded Congressional Badge of Bravery

A Woburn officer who returned fire at a suspect after a fellow officer was shot was honored yesterday.

United States Senators Elizabeth Warren and William M. Cowan, Congressman Edward Markey, United States Attorney Carmen M. Ortiz, and U.S. Marshall John Gibbons recognized Woburn Police Officer Mark Gibbons with the Congressional Badge of Bravery award during a ceremony at the U.S. Federal Courthouse today.  Officer Gibbons was honored for his heroic acts following a jewelry store robbery in Woburn.

On Sept. 6 of 2011, Officer Gibbons responded to the Four Corners jewelry robbery in which Officer Robert DeNapoli was shot several times by a suspect. The suspect fired at Officer Gibbons multiple times, putting three rounds into the driver’s side of his cruiser. Officer Gibbons returned fire and shot the suspect, Antonio Matos, who was captured and hospitalized. Matos has since been sentenced on charges stemming from the robbery and shooting.

Following the shooting of Officer DeNapoli, Officer Gibbons responded to the area of the suspect’s last known location. 

 Officer Gibbons was able to strike the suspect multiple times and then disengage temporarily.  He exited his cruiser and took up a tactical position. More gunfire was exchanged and Officer Gibbons was ultimately able to neutralize the suspect.  Officer Gibbons radioed in his position and maintained cover over the wounded suspect, issuing verbal commands, and ultimately taking him into custody.

Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren praised the officer during the ceremony.

"Throughout this Commonwealth and across the country, the men and women of law enforcement put themselves at risk to serve and protect their communities," said Senator Warren. "Today we thank them all for their service by recognizing one of their very best. Officer Gibbons, for your courage in the face of a serious threat, fortitude in a moment of uncertainty, and action in defense of the public, I am proud we can honor you today with the Congressional Badge of Bravery."

Interim Senator Cowan spoke to Gibbons' bravery in the face of danger. 

“In the face of danger, Officer Gibbons showed a tremendous amount of bravery and sense of duty.  It’s moments like this that we’re reminded how our law enforcement officials put their lives on the line every day to keep our communities safe, and they deserve our gratitude.  I want to thank him for his extraordinary service, dedication and commitment to the City of Woburn and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts,” said Senator Cowan.

 “Officer Gibbons exemplifies what it means to be a police officer and protector of the public.  His incredible bravery helped save lives, and I am proud to join the people of Woburn in honoring this hometown hero,” said Congressman Markey added. 

To honor law enforcement officers’ acts of bravery, Congress created the Federal Law Enforcement Congressional Badge of Bravery and the State and Local Law Enforcement Congressional Badge of Bravery, a release states. A member of Congress may present a Law Enforcement Congressional Badge of Bravery to federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement officers who are recommended by either the Federal or the State and Local Law Enforcement Congressional Badge of Bravery Board.