Special to the Times
Governor Maura Healey, Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll, and Public Safety and Security Secretary Terrence Reidy honored the bravery and sacrifice of Massachusetts law enforcement officers at the 41st Annual Trooper George L. Hanna Memorial Awards for Bravery. Held at the State House, the ceremony recognizes exceptional acts of courage by law enforcement and commemorates the legacy of Trooper George Hanna, who was killed in the line of duty in 1983. Included among the honorees was Officer Matthew J.T. Flynn, who received a Medal of Honor . Flynn is at the Massachusetts Port Authority Police Department
Since the award’s inception in 1983, 177 individuals have received the Hanna Award Medal of Honor, the highest commendation for law enforcement officers in the Commonwealth. This year’s honorees include 11 members of law enforcement from the Acushnet, Berlin, Oxford, Lakeville, and Boston Police Departments, as well as the Massachusetts State Police and the Massachusetts Port Authority, whose actions demonstrated extraordinary valor in the face of extreme danger.
“Massachusetts’ most prestigious law enforcement award honors the remarkable courage and dedication demonstrated by our law enforcement officers statewide, who selflessly put their lives on the line to protect our communities,” said Governor Healey. “Today’s recipients reflect the enduring legacy of Trooper George Hanna, whose life and service continue to inspire us all. Their stories remind us of the immense bravery required in this profession and the sacrifices officers and their families make to keep our communities safe.”
“Hanna Award recipients exemplify the exceptional dedication, training, and bravery that define the very best of law enforcement,” said Lieutenant Governor Driscoll. “As we honor these heroes, we also extend heartfelt gratitude to their families, whose love and support makes their service possible. We acknowledge the significant sacrifices made by the families of first responders and the emotional burden of awaiting their loved one’s safe return after each shift.”
“Every day, law enforcement officers across Massachusetts confront life-threatening situations with remarkable courage and selflessness,” said Public Safety and Security Secretary Reidy. “Today’s honorees embody the heroic legacy of Trooper George Hanna, serving as a powerful reminder of the risks and dangers law enforcement officers face each day and with every call.”
The ceremony also featured members of the Hanna Award Selection Committee and the family of Trooper George Hanna. Trooper Hanna’s daughters, Deborah and Kimberly, participated in the program by presenting awards alongside Governor Healey, ensuring their father’s legacy continues to inspire future generations of law enforcement.
Each year, state and local agencies submit nominations for the Hanna Awards, which are reviewed by a selection committee of public safety and law enforcement leaders. Upon selecting individuals or teams as recipients, the committee considers the facts of each nomination to classify the award as either a medal of honor or valor. The Medal of Honor is the highest award for those who demonstrate extraordinary bravery and courage in the face of extreme risk and certain and imminent danger to life or limb. Valor is awarded to those whose valor in a single incident goes above and beyond the call of duty, and who demonstrate selfless bravery despite the potential for danger to themselves.
The awards are named in memory of Trooper George L. Hanna, who tragically lost his life in the line of duty on February 26, 1983. While conducting a routine motor vehicle stop in Auburn, Trooper Hanna was fatally shot by a suspect. He left behind his wife, Marilyn, and three children, Deborah, Kimberly, and Michael.
On Saturday, March 26, 2022, at approximately 8:00 p.m., Officer Matthew Flynn was conducting a foot patrol in Piers Park, East Boston, when he encountered a woman in severe emotional distress. The woman was perched on the outside railing threatening to jump into Boston Harbor. Flynn made several attempts to persuade the female to return to the inside of the railing, but she ultimately made the decision to jump into the water.
Recognizing the urgency of the situation, Officer Flynn immediately radioed his location and, without hesitation, made the courageous decision to dive into the freezing water to save her. Reaching the woman, he managed to grab hold of her and swim to the harbor wall. However, due to the height of the seawall and the tide, Officer Flynn was unable to exit the water. Instead, he clung to the wall, holding the woman afloat and ensuring her safety.
Responding officers provided flotation devices while awaiting the Massachusetts State Police Marine Unit. Upon their arrival, both Officer Flynn and the woman were pulled to safety. They were subsequently transported to Massachusetts General Hospital for evaluation and treatment.
Officer Flynn’s selfless actions, undertaken with complete disregard for his own safety, exemplify extraordinary bravery. By acting swiftly in the face of darkness, freezing water, and adverse weather conditions, Officer Flynn transformed what could have been a tragic recovery operation into a successful rescue, saving a life in the process.