For Immediate Release

Friday, Sept. 16, 2016

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net

Ipswich Police Officers Receive Awards from Union for Outstanding Work

IPSWICH — Chief Paul A. Nikas is pleased to announce that several officers from the Ipswich Police Department received the President’s Award from the Massachusetts Coalition of Police (MassCOP) Union yesterday for their outstanding and lifesaving work while on duty.

Sgt. Charles Ciccotelli, Sgt. Eric Copithorne, Patrolman Mark Ruggiero, Patrolman Matthew Mayer, Patrolman Brian Reed and Patrolman Matthew Bodwell, from MassCOP Local 310, were recognized at the 37th Annual MassCOP Convention in Hyannis on Sept. 15. During the three-day conference, officers who performed admirably in the field were given the President’s Award.

Sgt. Ciccotelli, Patrolman Reed and Patrolman Mayer received their awards for responding to a domestic disturbance where they encountered a man with a loaded gun. They were able to talk the man into a peaceful resolution with out causing harm to himself or others.

Sgt. Copithorne and Patrolman Ruggiero earned their awards for providing CPR to an infant that was not breathing. Their quick resuscitation saved the infant’s life.

Patrolman Bodwell was presented with the award for responding to a suicidal man who was armed with a knife. Patrolman Bodwell was able to disarm the man and get him help without injury.

“On behalf of the entire department I congratulate these six officers for their hard work and dedication to Ipswich and its residents,” Chief Nikas said. “This is well deserved recognition and a fine example of community policing at its best.”

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