YARMOUTH – From Yarmouth Police: Yarmouth Police held their award ceremony of the year for 2019 on Friday.
THE OFFICER OF THE YEAR AWARD
The Men and Women of the Yarmouth Police Department
LETTER OF APPRECIATION UPON RETIREMENT
Police Mechanic John Gomsey
LETTER OF APPRECIATION
The Yarmouth Police Department Volunteers in Police Services Program
LONGEVITY SERVICE AWARD
Sergeant Gerry Britt – 30 Years
Lieutenant Kevin Lennon – 25 Years
Lieutenant Michael Bryant – 25 Years
Detective Scott Lundegren – 15 Years
ARMED FORCES SERVICE AWARD
Patrol Officer Jeffrey Rivett – US Coast Guard
Patrol Officer Matthew Mangano – US Army
Patrol Officer Ryan Golden – US Army
Patrol Officer Eric Rondina – US Army
Patrol Officer Michael Chueng – US Marines
COMMUNITY POLICE SERVICE AWARD
Patrol Officer Mark Noone
For his work with Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Cape Cod
Deputy Chief Steven G. Xiarhos
For his dedication to Flag Fridays at Marguerite E. Small School
HONORABLE INVESTIGATION AWARD
Detective Michael Wells
On Friday, January 12, 2018, numerous officers and detectives responded to a Lower Brook Rd residence for a report of an armed robbery involving a firearm. Through investigation, it was determined that a female and three large males armed with a handgun had robbed the victim of his cell phone. The involved parties then fled in a dark colored sedan. A statewide alert was sent out to be on the lookout for the suspects and vehicle. A short time later, the female was located in New Bedford and was in possession of a 9mm handgun. Through continued investigative efforts, Detective Wells identified the female’s husband as a co-conspirator in the home invasion. A joint operation by Yarmouth Police Detectives, Massachusetts State Police, and New Bedford Police, coordinated by Detective Wells, located the suspect in New Bedford. The distinctive accomplishments of Detective Wells reflect great credit upon himself, the Yarmouth Police Department, and the Profession of Law Enforcement.
EXCELLENT POLICE SERVICE AWARD
Patrol Officer Richard Aprea
Patrol Officer Ryan Brule
Officer Chris Capobianco
K9 Officer Michael Kramer
Sergeant Brian Carchedi
Sergeant George Tsoukalas
On Sunday, June 3, 2018, Yarmouth Police received an emergency call reporting a female had been assaulted by her boyfriend at an address on Seaview Avenue. Officers arrived on scene to discover a woman suffering from serious bodily injury. Her injuries were so severe that her face was swollen and her eyes were almost completely shut. Further investigation determined the female was cut and stabbed in the face with a box cutter, had household bleach poured into her mouth and face, and was also strangled. The male suspect was inside the house and disregarded commands to exit. Yarmouth Police Crisis Negotiators, SWAT members, and command staff arrived on scene and established a plan of action to make contact with the suspect. After attempts to contact and negotiate with the suspect to come out, a Yarmouth Police K9 Officer Unit made entry and the suspect was secured. The female was transported to Cape Cod Hospital for treatment and care. The combined effort, along with prompt and decisive actions brought great credit to the Yarmouth Police Department and the Profession of Law Enforcement.
EXCELLENT POLICE SERVICE AWARD
Patrol Officer Andrew Coville
Patrol Officer and United States Marine Corps Combat Veteran Andrew Coville distinguished himself by meritorious service assigned to the Yarmouth Police Department Patrol Division. Officer Coville’s dedication and shown initiative to serving the Yarmouth community is exceptional. Officer Coville identified a need for a Veteran’s Outreach Program within the department. Based on his own military experience and completion of a 40-hour Crisis Intervention training course, he drafted a proposal for the Yarmouth Police Veterans Outreach Program. This program was designed with specific goals and objectives that would provide assistance and support to veterans in the Yarmouth community. Officer Coville established a list of veterans with existing mental health issues and teamed up with members of the Mental Health Outreach Program to reach out to them. In addition, he established a plan to contact local and regional armed forces recruiters with the intent to compile a list of veterans who are leaving active duty, currently serving in a reserve component, or have separated from the military in the last few years. The program is also designed to inform other officers on current veteran related issues as well as educate them on how to deal with interactions with veterans in positive and negative interactions. The distinctive accomplishments of Officer Coville reflect great credit upon himself, the Yarmouth Police Department, and the Profession of Law Enforcement.
EXCELLENT POLICE SERVICE AWARD
Patrol Officer Paulo Cruz
On Tuesday July 10, 2018 the Yarmouth Police Department responded to a 911 report of a crash involving a motor vehicle and a motorcycle in the area of Buck Island Road and Townbrook Road in West Yarmouth. Yarmouth Police Officers arrived on scene and immediately secured the area and diverted the heavy summertime traffic. Tragically, the motorcycle operator was found deceased at the scene. The operator of the motor vehicle was cooperative and was interviewed at Yarmouth Police Department Headquarters. A Preliminary investigation indicated that the motorcycle was traveling eastbound on Buck Island Road and the motor vehicle operating northbound on Townbrook Road. Preliminary reports indicated that the car stopped at the stop sign and then proceeded straight across when the collision occurred. Following the crash, Officer Paulo Cruz, assigned as the Crash Reconstruction Investigator, conducted a complete and thorough investigation into the crash. Officer Cruz spent countless hours reconstructing the scene, revisiting the location during the exact time of the crash and taking multiple, multi-angle photographs to develop a comprehensive report outlining the circumstances of the crash. The dedicated, undaunted efforts of Patrol Officer Paulo Cruz reflect great credit upon himself, the Yarmouth Police Department, and the profession of Law Enforcement.
EXCELLENT POLICE SERVICE AWARD
Patrol Officer Marc Thibeault
K9 Officer Michael Kramer
Patrol Officers Marc Thibeault and Michael Kramer distinguished themselves by meritorious service assigned to the Yarmouth Police Department Patrol Division. On April 12, 2018, Yarmouth Police K9 Nero was wounded in the line of duty. Since the moment he was rescued from the home, a team of Police Officers led by Yarmouth Police Officers Michael Kramer and Marc Thibeault, never left his side. Following successful surgery, over a six-day period, these officers took turns staying inside the kennel with K9 Nero during recovery. Additionally, these officers supported retired Yarmouth Police K9 Officer McClelland as he took K9 Nero home and handled the aftercare, which including giving many medications, following a strict feeding schedule, limiting K9 Nero’s movements to ensure proper healing, gradually increasing exercise, and multiple follow up veterinarian visits. The distinctive accomplishments of these Officers reflect great credit upon themselves, the Yarmouth Police Department, and the Profession of Law Enforcement.
EXCEPTIONAL POLICE SERVICE AWARD
Patrol Officer Diana Wells
Patrol Officer Diana Wells distinguished herself assigned to the Yarmouth Police Department Patrol Division. While in this capacity, Officer Wells went above and beyond to help an elderly woman who initially reported fraud. After going into her home, Officer Wells discovered many concerns. She spent six weeks working with the woman, her family, and Elder Services to ensure she was safe. Eventually the woman was able to move into a senior living facility where she will be safe and well cared for. The dedication and perseverance exhibited by Officer Wells reflect great credit upon herself, the Yarmouth Police Department, and the Profession of Law Enforcement.
EXCEPTIONAL POLICE SERVICE AWARD
Court Liaison Officer Chris Capobianco
Court Liaison Officer Chris Capobianco distinguished himself by devotion to duty, dedicated work ethic, and a high degree of professionalism while assigned to this position. Officer Capobianco has streamlined the court prosecuting process within the Yarmouth Police Department and created a system that is undoubtedly a great asset to the department. In addition, Officer Capobianco always lends a helping hand when needed in the Records Division. His extensive knowledge has proven effective in solving many issues that arise. The dedication and perseverance exhibited by Officer Capobianco reflect great credit upon himself, the Yarmouth Police Department, and the Profession of Law Enforcement.
EXCEPTIONAL POLICE SERVICE AWAR
Records Officer Nicholas Giammarco
Officer Giammarco always goes beyond the call of duty to accomplish and achieve his daily work duties and a variety of special projects such as this extra special annual Awards Ceremony. He is always willing to help out and is a pro-active supervisor in his Records Unit.
In just the short time he has taken the role of Records and Evidence Officer, he has reformed the Firearms Licenses Process and has made it more efficient to apply and to renew on a timelier basis.
In addition to all of this, Officer Giammarco continues to serve our Department as a Military Support Liaison Officer and our Nation as a Senior Master Sergeant in the United States Air Force.
Records Officer Giammarco distinguished himself by devotion to duty, dedicated work ethic, and a high degree of professionalism while assigned to this position and is a third generation full-time Yarmouth Police Officer following the footsteps of his proud Grandfather and Father.
The dedication and perseverance exhibited by Officer Giammarco reflect great credit upon himself, the Yarmouth Police Department, and the Profession of Law Enforcement.
SUPERIOR INVESTIGATION AWARD
Detective Eric Nuss
Detective Eric Nuss distinguished himself through superior investigation while assigned to the Yarmouth Police Detective Division. Between the dates of November 12, 2018 through November 17, 2018, the Town of Yarmouth experienced numerous incidents of motor vehicle breaking and entering’s, some resulting in larcenies. These incidents took place on two separate nights. The first rash of breaks were reported on November 13, 2018 and the second were reported on November 17, 2018. In total, 25 victims came forward to report these crimes. Additionally, through the course of the investigation it was revealed that the suspects had committed similar crimes in six other Cape Cod towns and multiple towns off Cape. Through a finger print identification, Detective Nuss was able to identify a possible suspect and establish enough probable cause to obtain a GPS warrant for the suspect vehicle. Subsequently, Detective Nuss was able to apprehend the suspects as they were committing car breaks in the town of Eastham. In total the two suspects were charged with 41 separate counts of breaking and entering and larceny for the crimes committed in Yarmouth. The dedication and perseverance exhibited during the investigation and the distinctive accomplishments of Detective Nuss reflect great credit upon himself, the Yarmouth Police Department and the Profession of Law Enforcement.
SUPERIOR INVESTIGATION AWARD
Detective Michael Zontini
Detective Michael Zontini, assigned as Lead Sexual Assault Investigator for the Yarmouth Police Detective Division, completed a 3½ year investigation into multiple sexual assault offenses committed in Southeastern Massachusetts. During the Thanksgiving/Christmas holidays of 2015, Kevin Cahoon was accused of a sexual assault on an intellectually and developmentally delayed person in Yarmouth. During his arrest for this crime, Cahoon attacked and injured Yarmouth Police Officers and fired a marine flare gun at them. Following the arrest, two people with ties to the New Bedford area saw Cahoon’ s image on a news story and recognized him as the man who had dated their mother between 1985 and 1990. During this time, he sexually assaulted and raped the child numerous times. Some of these rapes occurred simultaneously while both victims were approximately age 11 or 12. Detective Zontini traveled to Bristol County to interview one victim while reaching out by phone to the other. An additional investigation was launched and he worked together with the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office investigators to complete the case. On Wednesday, February 20, 2019 Kevin F. Cahoon, pled guilty to two counts of Statutory Rape of a Child and received a five to seven year State Prison sentence. The distinctive accomplishments of Detective Michael Zontini reflect great credit upon himself, the Yarmouth Police Department, and the Profession of Law Enforcement.
LIFE SAVING AWARD
Sergeant John Fallon
On August 14, 2018 Yarmouth Police Sergeant John Fallon was requested to the scene of a despondent suicidal male in the town of Barnstable. The male party had climbed high atop a tall tree and tied a noose around his neck, threatening to commit suicide. Based on the height of the tree and composition of the noose, if the male had jumped it would have almost certainly resulted in his death. Several Barnstable Police Officers responded and attempted to talk the male down with no success. The Cape Cod Regional Crisis Negotiation Team was activated and two negotiators arrived on location a short time later. They attempted to negotiate the male out of the tree for several hours to no avail. A decision was made to request Sergeant Fallon to the scene to assist. Upon his arrival, Sergeant Fallon took over as the primary negotiator and established a dialog with the despondent male. He continued to use his expertise in negotiation to develop a positive rapport with the male and within a relatively short period of time he was able to convince the male to remove the noose from his neck and climb down from the tree to safety. The male was unharmed and subsequently transported to Cape Cod Hospital. The incredible communication skills of Sergeant Fallon led to a successful resolution of a highly volatile situation and saving of a life bringing great credit to himself, the Yarmouth Police Department, and the Profession of Law Enforcement.
UNIT COMMENDATION AWARD
The Yarmouth Policed Department Detective and SWAT Units
For their heroic actions on April 12, 2018, Yarmouth Police Department members assigned to the Detective Division as well as members of the Cape Cod Regional SWAT Team are recognized for their diligent, tireless efforts throughout one of the most difficult situations that any officer could ever face. The extraordinary dedication to service is commendable and these officers responded to the call to duty without hesitation. Due to their efforts, officers are authorized the wear of the Unit Commendation Award.
MERITORIOUS SERVICE AWARD
The Barnstable Police Department
COMM Fire Department For their heroic actions on April 12, 2018
MERITORIOUS SERVICE AWARD
Retired K9 Officer Peter McClelland
K-9 Officer and United States Marine Corps Veteran Peter McClelland distinguished himself by meritorious service to the Yarmouth Police Department and the Gannon Family. Following the tragic incident that took place on April 12, 2018, Nero remained trapped for nearly four hours. Officer McClelland responded to the location and was instrumental in recovering Nero, remaining with him during transport to Cape Cod Veterinary Care in Dennis, and stayed throughout the night. The following day, Nero was transported to Cape Cod Veterinary Care in Buzzards Bay for surgery. During this time, Officer McClelland remained within six feet of Nero without leaving his side. Following the surgery, McClelland stayed with Nero for over 30 hours. Over the next six days, until K9 Nero was discharged from the Veterinary Hospital, Officer McClelland averaged about 20 hours a day with him, rarely leaving his side. Once released from the care of CCVC, Officer McClelland took Nero home and handled all of the aftercare, which including giving many medications, following a strict feeding schedule, limiting his movements to ensure proper healing gradually increasing exercise, and multiple follow up veterinarian visits. For the next five months, Officer McClelland put his life on hold to take care of Nero around the clock. Officer McClelland continued to care for Nero until he was fully recovered and was finally able to return home to Dara Gannon and her family. Yarmouth Police Department K9 Officer Peter B. McClelland is an American hero and his actions have directly led to the saving of an innocent animal’s life and the return home to his loving and devoted family. The extraordinary dedication, service, and perseverance exhibited by Officer McClelland reflect great credit upon himself, the Yarmouth Police Department, and the Profession of Law Enforcement.
MERITORIOUS SERVICE AWARD
Anti-Crime Officer Sean Geary
Proactive Anti-Crime Officer Sean Geary distinguished himself as a member of the Yarmouth Police Department from 2011 – 2018. Officer Geary began his Law Enforcement Career in 2011 as a member of the Yarmouth Police Department Patrol Force after successfully completing the 53rd Recruit Officer Class of the Municipal Police Training Committee at Plymouth. While serving with the Yarmouth Police Department, Anti-Crime Unit Officer Geary received numerous accolades from the public and his peers as well a variety of departmental awards including Educational Achievement, Community Policing, Superior Investigative, and Officer of the Year. Officer Geary was extremely driven to reduce crime in the Town of Yarmouth. His selfless dedication to reducing the impact of dangerous narcotics on the community was paramount during his time with the Yarmouth Police Department. Officer Geary left the department in September of 2018 and is now serving proudly as a member of the United States Drug Enforcement Administration. The dedication, extraordinary service, and perseverance exhibited by Officer Geary reflects great credit upon himself, the Yarmouth Police Department, and the Profession of Law Enforcement.
MERITORIOUS SERVICE AWARD
Detective Christopher VanNess
Detective Christopher VanNess distinguished himself as a member of the Yarmouth Police Department from 2005 – 2019. Detective VanNess began his Law Enforcement Career in 1996 as an Emergency Dispatcher and Reserve Police Officer with the Franklin Police Department. Following this service, he served as a Patrol Officer with the Harwich Police Department beginning in 2002 prior joining the Yarmouth Police Department in 2005.
Detective VanNess retired from service in December 2018.
During his time with the department, Detective VanNess earned numerous awards including the Red Cross Heroes Award, Lifesaving Awards, multiple Honorable and Superior Investigative Awards, Letters of Commendation, Officer of the Quarter, and Officer of the Year. Detective VanNess was extremely instrumental in reducing crime in the Town of Yarmouth through various positions throughout his career. Assigned to the Cape Cod Drug Task Force, the Proactive Anti-Crime Unit and the Detective Division, Detective VanNess was dedicated to reducing the impact of dangerous narcotics on the community. The dedication, extraordinary service, and perseverance exhibited by Detective VanNess reflect great credit upon himself, the Yarmouth Police Department, and the Profession of Law Enforcement.
MEDAL OF HONOR
Proactive Anti-Crime Unit Officer Sean Geary
For his heroic actions on April 12, 2018
MEDAL OF HONO
Detective Christopher VanNess
For his heroic actions on April 12, 2018
PURPLE HEART
K9 Nero
For his heroic actions on April 12, 2018
The remaining awards are presented posthumously…
MEDAL OF HONOR
PURPLE HEART
MERITORIOUS SERVICE AWARD
K9 Sergeant Sean M. Gannon
Prior to his tragic death in the line of duty on April 12, 2018, K-9 Sergeant Sean Gannon distinguished himself as a member of the Yarmouth Police Department from 2010 – 2018. Sergeant Gannon began his Law Enforcement career at Stonehill College in 2007 as a member of the Campus Police Force prior to joining the Yarmouth Police Department in 2010. During his service with the department, Sergeant Gannon was a member of the Emergency Management Unit, a part-time member of the Proactive Anti-Crime Team, and he was the first full-time K9 Narcotics Officer for Yarmouth Police Department with his devoted K9, Thor. While assigned with Thor, Gannon had many successful narcotics finds, minimizing the impact of drugs in our society. After retiring Thor, Sergeant Gannon acquired his beloved K9 patrol dog Nero and began training to learn new handling methods. He spent countless hours dedicated to learning as much as he could and training with Nero. Sergeant Gannon was not only devoted to duty, but devoted to the officers he worked with. His selfless dedication to reducing crime in the community was paramount during his time with the Yarmouth Police Department. The dedication, extraordinary service, and perseverance exhibited by Sergeant Gannon reflect great credit upon himself, the Yarmouth Police Department, and the Profession of Law Enforcement.
Rest in Peace Sean
