Blackstone Police Officer Brendan Fitzpatrick, far left, and Officer Eric Lawler, far right, both received commendations from the Town of Blackstone for their heroic service in response to a mental health crisis. The officers posed for a photo with the Blackstone Police Chief Gregory Gilmore, center. (Photo Courtesy Blackstone Police Department)
BLACKSTONE — Two Blackstone Police officers located the man in severe emotional distress and leaning over the Canal Street Bridge. He was possibly armed with a knife.
They calmly engaged the distraught man in conversation, carefully building rapport. He revealed that he was unarmed and the officers safely escorted him away from the scene to receive hospital care.
Police Chief Gregory Gilmore is pleased to report that these two Blackstone Police officers were recently commended for their professionalism and compassion in response to a mental health crisis that could otherwise have ended tragically.
On Tuesday, Jan. 27, Chief Gilmore presented Officers Eric Lawler and Brendan Fitzpatrick with letters of commendation at a Blackstone Board of Selectmen meeting.
“I am honored to formally recognize Officer Eric Lawler and Officer Brendan Fitzpatrick for outstanding professionalism and commitment to public safety,” Chief Gilmore said.
The officers had already encountered the man the day before. They started a conversation with him.
Then on Dec. 4, 2025, Officers Lawler and Fitzpatrick responded to a call for service in the Main Street area for a man experiencing a mental health crisis.
Upon arrival that day, the Blackstone officers learned the man had rifled through a kitchen knife set before fleeing a residence, raising concerns that he may intend to harm himself.
Officers Lawler and Fitzpatrick immediately launched a search of the surrounding area, in an effort to locate the man. Within minutes, the officers found him leaning over the Canal Street Bridge, clearly in severe emotional distress.
Not knowing whether the man was armed with a knife, the officers calmly engaged him in conversation and slowly but surely de-escalated a very tense situation. The man eventually revealed that he was unarmed, and the officers cautiously approached and escorted him safely away from the bridge, remaining with him until rescue personnel arrived. He was later transported for hospital care and evaluation.
“Police officers today face many dangers and difficult situations like this one that are sometimes never brought to light,” Chief Gilmore said. “They often encounter individuals experiencing mental health emergencies who may act irrationally during times of distress. The selflessness, professionalism and compassion displayed by our officers in this life-threatening situation exemplify the highest values of our department.”
Chief Gilmore thanked the Blackstone Board of Selectmen for recognizing Officer Lawler and Officer Fitzpatrick, highlighting the difficult work Blackstone Police officers do every day to help their community.
“I’d like to commend Officer Lawler and Officer Fitzpatrick for their extraordinary actions, which prevented a tragic outcome and reflect highly upon themselves, their training and the Blackstone Police Department,” Chief Gilmore said. “Thank you to the Blackstone Board of Selectmen for taking the time to recognize our officers for all that they do to serve the Town, its people, its businesses and its visitors.”
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Blackstone Police Officer Eric Lawler, front left, and Officer Brendan Fitzpatrick, front right, both received commendations from the Blackstone Board of Selectmen for their heroic service in response to a mental health crisis. (Photo Courtesy Blackstone Police Department)
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