The Vernon Police Department on Wednesday presented Officer Lucas Gallant with the Officer of the Year Award and also recognized several civilians for their acts of goodwill.
Here is a summery of the honors:
• Officer of the Year: Lucas Gallant. Chief James Kenny said that Gallant earned the award for his "exceptional dedication to duty, superior performance, motivation and a positive attitude in the service of the department and the community." Gallant works extensively with the town's youth and provides departmental medical training, Kenny said.
• Chief's Citation: Wesley Gidding. He is a 4-year-old whose grandmother was having a medical emergency. Using the telephone for the first time, he called his mother, who in turn called 911.
• Outstanding Citizen Award: Karen Johnson and Christine Warren. Both stopped to render aid to a woman who fell into a roadway. Several other motorists passed the woman after she fell, Kenny said. Warren said she counted six cars go by herself.
• Chief's Letter of Appreciation: American Legion Post 14, Maple Grove Club. Both organizations bring holiday turkey dinners to the Police Department.
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