Worcester Police Officer to Be Honored with Medal of Valor
Tuesday, September 29, 2015
Last October, Officer Bennes was conducting a routine motor vehicle stop on Belmont Street. The driver was unlicensed and the car was unregistered. The passenger, 18-year-old Johnathan Beeman was carrying a firearm. During the patdown, a struggle for the gun between Bennes and Beeman ensued.
According to the Worcester Police Department, Officer Bennes was punched, kicked and bit during the fight for the gun. Bennes was unable to radio for assistance as he tried to place Beeman under arrest.
32-year-old Daniel Papagno, an active duty Staff Sergeant, left his vehicle to assist Officer Bennes. Papagno was able to control Beeman and Officer Bennes was able to put Beeman under arrest.
The two men were presented with awards in November for being able to successfully avoid what could have been an awful tragedy.
Officer Bennes was given the Exemplary Service Award for Valor, one of the highest honors of the WPD, for demonstrating extraordinary bravery and heroism.
Staff Sergeant Papagno was given the Chief of Police Citation for his selfless action in helping Officer Bennes control the suspect.
The ceremony will be held today - Tuesday, September 29 - at 10:00 AM in the House Chamber of the Massachusetts State House. Governor Baker will be presenting the awards to police officers from across the Commonwealth who have distinguished themselves beyond the call of duty. The awards are given in honor of Trooper George Hanna, who was killed in the line of duty in 1983 during a traffic stop in Auburn.
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