Chief Maloney Honored Again For Heroic Sacrifice

Greenland police officers joined the American Red Cross in honoring their fallen leader, who lost his life in the line of duty.

Police Chief Michael Maloney was killed in April after putting himself in harm’s way against gunshots during a search warrant. Four other officers were injured, but Maloney made the ultimate sacrifice while protecting his fellow officers and the public.

The memory of his bravery remains in the community, who came to the 2013 Red Cross Heroes Breakfast on Thursday to keep it alive.

“For us, it is just trying to  get people to remember,” said Greenland Sgt. Dawn Sawyer. “Greenland remembers, but we want the rest of the state to remember the sacrifice.”

She said that he lived every day doing whatever he had to to get things done and is his presence has been missed since that day.

“Nothing was too small for him, nothing was too big, he was going to do it,” she said. “You turned around and he was always there to do whatever needed to be done.”

Portsmouth Regional Hospital nurse director Georgette Shapiro presented the award at Thursday’s event, and she was there when Chief Maloney came to her hospital. She said that his passing has left a lasting impression on the community.

A message from Peg Maloney was displayed during a video presentation in her late husband’s honor.

“We are all trying in our own ways to move forward, just as Michael would want. He is never far from anyone’s mind heart and soul. Thank you from all of us. Myself, his children, stepson, parents, brothers and sisters alike are all grateful for this honor.”

Gov. Maggie Hassan attended the ceremony to call attention to all of the people who have stepped up in the moment or, like Maloney, prepared their whole lives to help others.

“It makes me proud to be governor of the granite state,” she said.

See the other local heroes that were honored this year on Red Cross' website.