BOSTON - Two Cohasset Police Officers were among the 19 law enforcement officers honored today by Attorney General William P. Barr for distinguished service in policing.
Officers Aaron Bates and Alexander Stotik, of the Cohasset Police Department, were honored at the Third Annual Attorney General’s Award for Distinguished Service in Policing for their courageous actions that saved the life of a woman who was being brutally attacked.
The officers were dispatched to a home where neighbors complained of loud noises and a fight. After investigating, the officers heard a muffled scream, kicked in a locked door, and saw what they described as an “attempted murder in progress." After a heated struggle, the officers were able to subdue the suspect, place him under arrest, and get medical attention for the victim. The officers exhibited extraordinary valor, bravery, courage, and professionalism in the face of extreme danger that would no doubt have resulted in the murder of the victim.
“Officers Bates and Stotik represent the very best of the law enforcement officers who protect and serve the people of Massachusetts every day," said United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling. “Their commitment to protecting the lives of others - at great personal risk - should be a model for the rest of us. I congratulate Officers Bates and Stotik on this tremendous honor."
“Honoring and supporting the work of law enforcement officers and deputies is a top priority for the Trump Administration, and today is an opportunity for me to personally express my gratitude and commitment to those who risk their lives daily to protect our communities," said Attorney General Barr. “The Attorney General’s Award for Distinguished Service in Policing honors exceptional police officers and the vital public service they provide. The brave men and women in law enforcement are engaged in an unrelenting and often unacknowledged fight to keep our communities safe each and every day. It is an honor to thank them for their service."
The Attorney General’s Award recognizes individual state, local, and tribal sworn rank-and-file police officers and deputies for exceptional efforts in policing. The awarded officers and deputies have demonstrated active engagement with the community in one of three areas: criminal investigations, field operations or innovations in community policing. The Department received 199 nominations for 414 individuals ranging from state police departments, to local police, to campus public safety agencies. This award highlights the work that troopers, officers and deputies do to prevent, intervene in, and respond to crime and public safety issues.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
