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Four police officers from the New Baltimore Police Department in Michigan were honored for their outstanding community service at a city council meeting held on June 26.
Police Chief Michael Mertens presented certificates of merit to officers Brian Chadwick, Howard DeHooghe, Michael Dolan and Joseph Monte for their outstanding work.
“Every day, my officers go out there, and they’re out there to protect and serve. Sometimes, it’s brought to my attention that they went above and beyond and put themselves into harm’s way,” Chief Mertens said.
According to the chief, on September 30, 2022, Officers Dolan and Monte were the first responders in a tragic vehicle-pedestrian crash at the intersection of Washington and Green streets.
A pickup truck had struck a 7-year-old girl and her grandmother as they were walking to school, resulting in serious life-threatening injuries.
Officer Monte immediately took action to assist the child, who was pinned under the vehicle.
“At that time, a Chesterfield officer rolled up on the scene and assisted him. The child was not doing well at all and was in and out of consciousness,” Chief Mertens recalled.
With the arrival of the ambulance approximately 10 minutes away, the officers decided to drive the injured girl to meet the medical team, who then rushed her to a nearby hospital. Thanks to their quick-thinking and decisive actions, the child miraculously recovered and is currently doing well.
Meanwhile, Officer Dolan tended to the 57-year-old grandmother, who was found unconscious at the accident scene. Chief Mertens commended Officer Dolan.
“He did a fantastic job taking care of her,” the chief said.
Officers Chadwick and DeHooghe were also honored for their actions in separate incident on December 17, 2022.
The officers were dispatched to an apartment complex in the city after receiving reports of a suicidal male locked inside his apartment.
Upon entering the premises, they discovered that the individual was armed with a handgun and threatening to take his own life.
Officer Chadwick was able to establish a rapport with the distressed individual, initiating negotiations and urging him to relinquish the weapon.
Simultaneously, Officer DeHooghe promptly called for backup and maintained a vigilant watch, ensuring the safety of the responding officers. After a tense hour, the man finally surrendered the weapon and was subsequently taken to an area hospital for a mental evaluation and further assistance.
Chief Mertens commended the officers’ bravery and professionalism that day.
“Both of them put themselves in harm’s way, did a great job negotiating it, and everyone walked away safe.”
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