Selectmen Commend Officers & Dispatchers For Handling Dangerous Situation Without Loss

Groton Police Chief Donald Palma asked the Board of Selectmen to recognize the commendations given to three police officers and two dispatchers for their outstanding work in capturing a fleeing suspect, wanted on at least eight warrants out of Massachusetts and New Hampshire for allegedly committing violent felonies including from armed robbery, stolen car, and attempting to run down a police officer, among others.

On Nov. 24, around 9 p.m., Groton police dispatchers received a BOLO - Be On the Look Out - for the car and suspect. Sgt. Jason Goodwin observed the vehicle traveling on Hollis St. Goodwin, along with Officer Kevin Henehan and Officer Omar Connor gave chase down Main Street, turning down Lovers Lane toward the Country Club, where the fleeing car went immediately behind the County Club function hall--barely missing the newly installed retaining wall.

Officer Henehan put out the stop stick and the fleeing car went over a lawn to avoid them. The chase ended back on Rte. 119 where the car struck a utility pole and the suspect fled on foot.

With many members of the department present along with the families of the officers receiving the commendations, Chief Palma praised his department. "Our officers acted with the truly high standards of the Groton Police Department. They handled this extremely well in a dangerous situation without any loss."

And saving the "best for last," the Chief said they could not be at this meeting without the dispatchers who "handled the situation calmly, coolly and collectedly...It was phenomenal." He cited Dispatchers Sam Welch and Cathy Myers for excellent work.

"We are fortunate that we have such talented people," the Chief said, adding, "We couldn't ask for better people."