This is the second in a series of posts that recognize officers of the Milton Police Department who have been officially commended for their service over the past couple of years. You can find the first post here.

There are three levels of commendation that may be conferred on officers by the Chief of Police. They are Excellence in Police Service, Diligence to Duty, and Extraordinary Police Action. We acknowledged three officers in the previous post. With respect and admiration, here are three more:

Officer Dan Brown received a department commendation for “Diligence to Duty” on November 21, 2007.  He was instrumental in the apprehension of an individual dealing heroin the Cunningham Park area. This individual was also the target of an inquiry  by the Boston Police Drug Control Unit for illegal narcotic distribution in the Dorchester area. His commendation, signed by Chief Wells, reads in part:

“Officer Brown’s diligence and keen perception resulted in the arrest of a s serious offender. The suspect in this case was convicted and the vehicle and assets seized.”

Patrol Officer Eric Choi received a department commendation for “Diligence to Duty” on July 24, 2008. Officer Choi was called to the scene of a large altercation occurring at Kelly Field. When marked units arrived at the scene, several males fled on foot. Two others were detained for questioning. Evidently, they had left a car in drive which subsequently rolled forward into a chain link fence. Officer Choi performed a cursory search of the vehicle and located a pistol grip shotgun. One of the subjects admitted to placing the gun in the car. His commendation, signed by Chief Wells, reads in part:

“The diligence and attention to duty displayed by Officer Eric Choi resulted in the discovery of a stolen loaded shotgun. This weapon could easily have been used to take the life of an innocent victim or any of the police officers present.”

Patrol Officer Matthew Mercer received a department commendation for “Diligence to Duty” on July 24, 2008. While off-duty early one morning Officer Mercer came upon a man going through the contents of a pickup. The officer happened to know the owner of the vehicle and that was not the person occupying the vehicle. He questioned the man who fled on foot. The subject was apprehended  while hiding behind a shed on Houston Ave. While performing a booking search of the subject additional property items belonging to Milton residents were found. His commendation signed by Chief Wells reads in part:

“Officer Mercer’s attention to duty and significant effort, especially given that he was off duty, alone in the early morning, is commendable.”

Congratulations on your commendations and thanks —  to you and all the officers of the department for their service to the town.