Burlington Police Officer Aurise Miedico Honored with Trooper George L. Hanna Memorial Awards for Bravery

BURLINGTON — On behalf of the Burlington Police Department, Chief Thomas Browne would like to congratulate Officer Aurise Miedico on receiving a Medal of Honor at the annual Trooper George L. Hanna Memorial Awards for Bravery. Miedico received the honor for her heroic efforts to subdue a dangerous suspect during a mental health response. 

Gov. Maura Healey joined Deborah and Kimberly Hanna, daughters of the award ceremony’s namesake Trooper George L. Hanna, to present Officer Miedico with the Medal of Honor during a ceremony held at the Massachusetts State House in Boston on Wednesday, Oct. 14. Officer Miedico was one of 18 Massachusetts police officers who were honored. Honorees represented the police departments of Boston, Burlington, Everett, Fall River and Holyoke. 

In January 2022, the Burlington Police and Fire departments responded to a call involving a man experiencing a mental health crisis. Officer Miedico and Officer Roberto Reyes were approached by the man, who was armed with a knife. The officers backed away in an attempt to create distance, but he continued to approach them, prompting the officers to use less-than-lethal force in an attempt to subdue him.

The man then raised the knife above his head and charged at Officer Miedico. Officer Miedico attempted to create distance but was unable to do so before the individual came into striking range, prompting Officer Miedico to fire her duty weapon. 

“The entire Burlington Police Department is overwhelmed with pride in Officer Miedico for receiving this honor,” said Chief Browne. “In the face of danger, Officer Miedico acted with both commitment to duty and bravery. As a result of her heroic decision-making, she subdued an individual who may have caused harm to others. We once again congratulate Officer Miedico on this honor.” 

The Trooper George L. Hanna Memorial Awards for Bravery are held annually as the Commonwealth of Massachusetts recognizes acts of courage and professionalism among law enforcement officers from across the state. The awards are bestowed by the Governor and the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security. 

Hanna Award recipients are chosen by a selection committee of public safety and law enforcement leaders. After selecting individuals and teams as recipients, the committee reviews the facts of each nomination to determine whether the award should be classified as a Medal of Honor or a Medal of Valor. The Medal of Honor is the highest award for those who demonstrate extraordinary bravery and courage in the face of extreme risk and certain and imminent danger to life or limb.