Special to the Times-Free Press
The Suffolk County Sheriff’s Department joined the Massachusetts Sheriffs’ Association (MSA) in proud celebration of the outstanding achievements and unwavering commitment of law enforcement and corrections professionals at the 2025 Law Enforcement & Corrections Awards Ceremony on Thursday, November 13, 2025. The event, held at The Great Hall in the Massachusetts State House, honored recipients in 10 award categories for their exceptional dedication and service.
The awards ceremony highlighted stories of heroism, commitment, and innovation within the law enforcement and corrections communities across the Commonwealth.
“It is a privilege to celebrate the remarkable contributions of law enforcement and corrections professionals who go above and beyond in service to others,” said Hampshire County Sheriff Patrick Cahillane, President of the Massachusetts Sheriffs’ Association. “Their courage, innovation, and leadership make our correctional facilities and communities stronger and safer every day.”
The Massachusetts Sheriffs’ Association commended these exemplary individuals for their service, including the actions of Suffolk County Sheriff’s Department Captain Mel Reed. Captain Reed and his colleagues’ efforts continue to inspire positive change, improving outcomes for those individuals returning to our communities, and making the Commonwealth a more resilient state.
Captain Reed was recognized for his extraordinary courage, swift action, and unwavering commitment to public safety when he risked his own life to rescue an unconscious driver from a burning vehicle, demonstrating exceptional leadership, composure, and the highest ideals of the law enforcement profession.
“Captain Mel Reed’s courage represents the very best of the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Department,” said Mark Lawhorne, Special Sheriff for the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Department. “His swift, selfless actions in pulling an unconscious man from a burning vehicle saved a life and exemplifies the honor, bravery, and professionalism we strive for every day in our institutions and in our community. We are proud to see him recognized as the MSA 2025 Deputy of the Year.”
In addition to Suffolk County’s Captain Reed, other award recipients from across the Commonwealth were honored for their service and professionalism : Officer John Ballerino (Norfolk County) and Officer Nicholas Wojnar (Worcester County) were named Correctional Officers of the Year. Deputy Nicholas Fitzpatrick (Barnstable County) and Lieutenant Benjamin Goody (Franklin County) received the Deputy Sheriff of the Year award. The awards ceremony also recognized Employee of the Year recipients Elizabeth Stetzel (Hampshire County) and Alyssa Perley (Bristol County), along with Supervisor of the Year recipients Lieutenant Scott Bishop (Barnstable County) and Captain Sam Rapoza (Bristol County). Other awards went to Training Officers Sergeant Christopher Cochran (Barnstable County) and Sergeant Charles Ober (Essex County), Jail Administrators Barbara Clarkson (Barnstable County) and Superintendent Antone Moniz (Plymouth County), the Older Adult Reentry Unit and the Family Support Services Unit (both Middlesex Sheriff’s Office) for Innovation and Program of the Year, and the LEO Support Foundation/S.M.A.C. (Plymouth County) as Strategic Partner of the Year. The Sheriff Michael J. Ashe Award was presented to Stephen Amos (Chief of the Jails Division, National Institute of Corrections).