WORCESTER—Four Worcester Police officers were among 19 law enforcement members honored Wednesday at the 42nd annual George L. Hanna Memorial Awards for Bravery, held at Mechanics Hall. The event, hosted by the Healey-Driscoll Administration, recognized exceptional acts of courage by officers across Massachusetts.
Worcester Police Officers Duy Chau, Jose Lugo-Gardner and Sgt. Michael Spalatro received the Medal of Valor for their response to a violent incident on Colby Avenue in July 2023, when a man who had already shot his relatives opened fire on officers during a standoff. The officers engaged in a prolonged standoff before ultimately taking the suspect into custody.
Officer Daniel Dyson, also of the Worcester Police Department, received the Medal of Valor for his actions in October 2024, when he responded to a homicide scene on Heroult Road. According to a department summary, Dyson intervened when the armed suspect fled toward a highway and began attempting to enter vehicles. The suspect fired at Dyson, who returned fire while taking cover. The suspect later died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
The Hanna Awards, named in honor of Trooper George L. Hanna—who was killed in the line of duty in Auburn in 1983—represent the Commonwealth’s highest commendation for law enforcement bravery. Since their inception, 181 individuals have received the awards.
Governor Maura Healey said in the state’s announcement that the awards recognize those “who meet extreme danger head-on to protect others.” Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll called the honorees “the very best of law enforcement,” while Interim Public Safety and Security Secretary Susan Terrey said the ceremony served as a reminder of “the bravery this noble profession demands.”
This year’s recipients represented nine departments across the state, including Boston, Lexington, Lynnfield, Malden, North Andover, Wilbraham, and Worcester, as well as the Massachusetts State Police.
Trooper Hanna’s daughters, Deborah and Kimberly, participated in Wednesday’s ceremony, presenting awards alongside Governor Healey in tribute to their father’s legacy.
The Worcester Police Department shared photos from the ceremony and commended its officers for their “courage, discipline, and professionalism” in serving the city.
