For Immediate Release

Friday, March 3, 2017

Contact: Captain Richard Flynn, PIO
Office: 781-316-3907
Cell: 781-844-1224
Email: rflynn@town.arlington.ma.us

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

Arlington Police Department Honors Officer and Employee of the Year at Annual Awards Ceremony

ARLINGTON — Chief Frederick Ryan is very proud to announce that the Arlington Police Department recognized several members of the department for their commitment, service and lifesaving work over the past year.

Employees of the Police Department and the Town of Arlington gathered on Thursday evening at The Sons of Italy Function Hall on Prentiss Road for the annual ceremony. Opening remarks were given by Diane M. Mahon, chair of the Arlington Board of Selectmen, and Town Manager Adam W. Chapdelaine.

This year, the Arlington Police Department named Officer Robert Smith the 2016 Officer of the Year.

A young officer with just four years on the department, Officer Smith has consistently displayed the highest quality of police services, and he constantly performs his duties at a level that exceeds the expectations of his supervisors. Of note, his aggressive and intelligent investigative efforts led to the quick arrest of a suspect in the April 2016 armed robbery of a local cafe. He was also involved in a standoff with a mentally ill man who brandished a large knife at police recently, threatening to kill them. Officer Smith and other officers on scene used the latest de-escalation techniques to bring the incident to a close without injury to anyone involved.

“Officer Smith takes great pride in his work as a police officer, and it shows every day,” Chief Ryan said. “He is professional and polite in dealing with the public, and he is an excellent ambassador for the Arlington Police Department.”

Additionally, Special Projects Clerk Jessica Walsh was named the 2016 Employee of the Year. 

In 2016, Walsh worked tirelessly with the Arlington Police Department staff to resurrect the Arlington Citizens Police Academy, which ran for eight weeks. Walsh coordinated scheduling, arranged numerous training courses, and worked diligently to make the academy a great success. She is also a vital part of the Arlington Police Opiate Outreach Program, which has been active in working to combat the heroin epidemic that has spread across Middlesex County and beyond. She also serves as the department’s Social Media Coordinator.

“Jessica brings tremendous energy to the Arlington Police Department,” Chief Ryan said. “Public trust and confidence is vital to our success, and Jessica’s work with technology and social media has expanded our footprint and allowed the Department to reach a wider audience than ever before.”

A number of other officers were also recognized, including:

Top Gun Award: Sgt. David Martin

Excellence in Leadership Award: Officer Brandon Wenz

Certificates of Commendation:

• Sgt. Brian Fennelly
• Dispatcher Courtney Giannetti
• Officer Robert Smith
• Officer William Milner
• Sgt. Bryan Gallagher
• Officer Brett Blanciforti
• Sgt. Scott Paradis
• Inspector Gina Bassett
• Officer Neil Simard
• Sgt. Michael Flynn
• Inspector James Smith

Meritorious Service Ribbons:

• Officer Dennis Mahoney
• Officer Michael Hogan
• Officer Jennifer McGurl
• Sgt. James Kiernan
• Officer Paul Collins
• Sgt. Gregory Flavin
• Officer Scott Urquhart
• Officer Thomas Kelly
• Officer Brendan Flynn
• Officer Nicholas Stotik
• Officer Robert Smith

Life Saving Ribbons:

• Sgt. Bryan Gallagher
• Officer Scott Urquhart
• Officer Nicholas Stotik
• Sgt. David Martin
• Officer Thomas Kelly
• Officer Alexander Stotik
• Officer Michael Foley

The Arlington Police Department, which comprises approximately 90 civilian and sworn men and women strives to be a modern and progressive public safety agency. In recent years, the department has championed a number of community-based causes, including the Restorative Justice Model, Community Policing and the Arlington Police Opiate Outreach Program, which pairs police officers and public health workers seeking to provide resources and aid to those suffering from the disease of addiction.

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