Portsmouth Officers Recognized for Saving Lives, Bravery and Community Spirit

PORTSMOUTH, RI—In this quiet, safe, island town known for good schools, prime real estate and a low crime rate, this happened in 2015:

A rookie cop just out of training was first to the scene and calmly arrested a man who just killed his wife with the murder weapon, a knife, within arm’s reach.

A sergeant brought a 63-year-old Newport man back to life when he stopped breathing by performing CPR and using an automated external defibrillator.

An officer grabbed a man about to hang himself from the Sakonnet River Bridge and pulled him to safety.

A patrol officer alone stopped 32 people driving drunk on town roads, preventing untold carnage.

A beloved community service officer who became the town’s first school resource officer also walked for 24 hours straight on Thanksgiving as part of remarkable fundraising effort.

A patrol officer worked aggressively to enhance police efforts in collaboration with citizens groups, and the Special Olympics.

On Wednesday at Glen Manor House, members of the Portsmouth Police Department, along with friends, family members and local officials gathered to recognize the aforementioned officers for their acts and accomplishments.

Portsmouth Police Chief Thomas Lee and Town Council President Keith Hamilton presented the awards.

The event marked the 3rd Annual Awards held by the department and it coincided with National Police Week, a week afforded for recognition of law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty.

This year, seven officers were recognized for their actions. They are as follows:

MEDAL OF VALOR: Probationary Patrol Officer Kyle R. Hurley

On September 8, 2015, Officer Hurley made the arrest of a domestic murder suspect after responding to an apartment for a noise complaint. Upon arriving at the call, Officer Hurley discovered that a homicide had occurred and the suspect was still on scene with the weapon used in the crime within his reach. Officer Hurley, who had just completed his field training one month prior to this incident, was able to keep his composure and utilize his training to apprehend the offender of this brutal crime.

LIFESAVING AWARD: Sergeant Stephen C. Burns

On April 19, 2015 Sergeant Burns performed CPR and utilized an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) to save the life of a 63 year old Newport man who had stopped breathing.

DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD: Patrol Officer Patrick J. O’Neill

On June 29, 2015, Officer O’Neill responded to the Sakonnet River Bridge for the report of a suicidal male attempting to hang himself. Officer O’Neill was able to quickly grab the man off the railing and pull him to safety.

MERITORIOUS SERVICE AWARD: Patrol Officer James C. Francis

Officer Francis has patrolled the roadways on the overnight shift being especially vigilant for motorists who are operating while impaired. During the past year, Officer Francis made thirty-two (32) driving under the influence arrests.

COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD: Patrol Officer Maddie L. Pirri

During the past year, Officer Pirri has eagerly worked with citizens’ groups, youth groups, Special Olympics, and has participated in several community events to strengthen the bond between the police and community.

CHIEF’S AWARD: Patrol Officer Scott E. Sullivan

Officer Sullivan has worked this past year to expand upon his community service efforts as the department’s first school resource officer. Officer Sullivan has worked with our Portsmouth youth during school hours and at after school events and functions. This past season, Officer Sullivan organized a 24 hour walk-a-thon to bring attention to the Portsmouth Police Toy drive and through his efforts, the department was able to assist 469 people and raise close to $36,000. He was honored this year by the RI Attorney General and received a Justice Award for his work in community service.

COMPETITIVE SHOOTING AWARD: Lieutenant George L. Grassi

During this years’ firearms competition Lieutenant George Grassi obtained the highest score during the event.