METHUEN — Three Methuen police officers have been recognized by the Methuen Exchange Club for their efforts to bring a potentially critical incident to a successful conclusion in September.
Sgt. Matthew Morel, and Officers Jesse Fabian and Dannery Serrano were honored as Police Officers of the Year at a ceremony on Nov. 19 at the Irish Cottage.
On Sept. 21, the three officers responded to a parking lot on Broadway following a report of an assault and encountered a hostile suspect. Officers attempted to de-escalate the situation, but the suspect refused and made gestures consistent with fleeing and harmful threats against the officers and the public.
Sgt. Morel and Officer Serrano utilized less-than-lethal Tasers to prevent further escalation and were able to safely detain the suspect. Officer Fabian ensured additional coverage to protect those involved. Their actions ensured their own safety, protected the safety of those in the area, and demonstrated restraint, composure, and professionalism.
“Their teamwork, discipline, and courage successfully neutralized the threat and prevented what could have been a devastating outcome,” Chief Scott McNamara said. “This illustrates the essence of what it means to wear the badge: to make split-second decisions with empathy, to prioritize life even under extreme duress, and to exemplify the highest ideals of law enforcement.
“Their actions serve as a powerful reminder of our commitment to protecting and serving our community with honor and integrity,” Chief McNamara said.
Methuen Police later determined the suspect, age 17, had been reported missing and had outstanding arrest warrants.
Sgt. Morel joined the department in 2015 and has worked in both the Drug and Gang Unit and the Patrol Division. He was promoted to Sergeant in September. In 2016, then-Officer Morel and Officer William Kannan were honored as Officers of the Year in 2016 for their swift arrest of a suspected bank robber.
Officer Fabian came to the department in 2023, having served on the Lawrence Police Department for six years, working in the Patrol and Gang Units, Community Policing, and Special Operations Division. He has worked both on the Crisis Intervention Team in the Lawrence Public Schools and as a therapeutic mentor at Lahey Behavioral Health. He additionally serves the Merrimack Valley community as a boxing trainer at the Lawtown Boxing Gym, coaching young adults and instilling discipline, resilience, and respect.
Officer Serrano joined the department in 2022 and works the early night shift in the Patrol Division. Officer Serrano previously worked as a therapist, assisting children and adults diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disabilities. Through this work he has developed specialized skills in behavioral support and crisis management. He has served nine years in the U.S. Army National Guard, and is a Sergeant assigned to the 772nd Military Police Company in Taunton.
The Methuen Exchange Club, chartered in 1983, is a civil non-profit that works to further child abuse prevention, Americanism, and community service throughout the community.
The club annually recognizes firefighters and police officers as selected by each department’s chief. The club also recognized Lt. Eric Moreau as Methuen Firefighter of the Year. Attendees included Acting Mayor D.J. Beauregard, City Councilor Ron Marsan, and State Rep. Ryan Hamilton.
Chief McNamara thanks the Exchange Club for its continuing support and recognition of Methuen’s first responders.
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