val·or –Pronunciation: \?va-l?r\ : strength of mind or spirit that enables a person to encounter danger with firmness : personal bravery
About a year ago the Milton police were called to the scene of a domestic disturbance that was nothing short of volcanic. The response of the police was ample testament to their valor.
If you live here in Milton you are probably familiar with the story and the tragedy that befell a family, if not you can read about it
here.
In short, the police found themselves in a situation in which there was no time to think, there was no time to discuss or get a second opinion. There was only time to act. And act they did. In the blink of an eye they saved the life of a young girl. According to the report from the officer on duty no less than 6 minutes elapsed between the initial 911 call and the report that shots were fired and the suspect was down.
What the town has not known is who these individual officers are. Richard Wells, Chief of the Milton Police Department, recently identified them and commended them at a meeting of the Board of Selectmen. Chief Wells has nominated them for the Robert P. Dana Law Day Award in recognition of “extraordinary police action.” The officers are:
- Brendan Douglas
- Eric Choi
- Valter Pires
- Joe Fahey
Chief Wells had this to say in his letter of nomination for the Dana Award addressed to District Attorney William Keating:
“In recognizing the extraordinary actions of these officers the entire Milton Police Department is cognizant and respectful of the pain this brought to the victims’ family. As you know we have never disseminated any information or recordings specific to this case. Additionally, this nomination is the first public recognition of Officers Fahey, Douglas, Choi and Pires. They are a credit to the police profession and especially the Milton Police Department.
As Chief of Police one of the most significant roles is the recognition of officers for exemplary police work. This case warrants recognition for extraordinary police action and valor in the face of intense human atrocity. I am proud to nominate the four named Milton officers for the Robert P. Dana Law Day Award.
Law Day takes place May 5th at the Quincy District Court. We congratulate Officers Douglas, Choi, Pires & Fahey and are grateful to the entire force for their service to the town.
val·or –Pronunciation: \?va-l?r\ : strength of mind or spirit that enables a person to encounter danger with firmness : personal bravery