By DAN TOMASELLO
WORCESTER —Lynnfield Police Officer Gianfranco M. Pisano was presented with a Medal of Valor during the 42nd annual Trooper George L. Hanna Memorial Awards for Bravery at Mechanics Hall in Worcester on Oct. 15.
The George L. Hanna Memorial Awards for Bravery is an annual ceremony that publicly recognizes and honors law enforcement officers’ bravery. The ceremony is named after Massachusetts State Police Trooper George Hanna, who was shot and killed during a traffic stop in Auburn on Feb. 26, 1983. The three assailants were sentenced to life in prison.
Lynnfield Police Chief Nick Secatore nominated Pisano for the George L. Hanna Memorial Medal of Valor for the heroism he displayed following a violent home invasion late last year. The Medal of Valor is the second highest award a police officer can receive during the George L. Hanna Memorial Awards for Bravery.
“On Dec. 29, 2024, at approximately 10:07 p.m., the Lynnfield Police Department received a 911 call reporting a violent home invasion in progress,” stated Secatore. “Three masked men dressed in black forced their way into a residence, holding a man and woman hostage. The victims were bound with zip ties, and the male occupant was pistol-whipped and beaten.”
Secatore stated that the, “responding officers arrived within moments of one another.”
“Upon exiting his cruiser, Officer Gianfranco Pisano spotted the suspects fleeing into a dark, wooded area behind the home,” stated Secatore. “Without hesitation, he issued commands for them to stop and sprinted toward the wood line in pursuit. Acting instinctively and without regard for his own safety, Officer Pisano closed the distance — leaping fences and crossing backyards — until he caught one suspect, tackled him to the ground and took him into custody.”
Secatore said, “The suspect, dressed entirely in black and wearing a ski mask, was secured in a police vehicle.”
“Minutes later, officers searching the area located a loaded Glock 22 handgun lying beside the suspect’s shoe —confirming that he had been armed during his flight,” stated Secatore. “Video surveillance from the home captured the assault and showed the suspect exiting the house holding the firearm. Inside, officers found the victims still restrained and injured, but alive — thanks to the officers’ rapid response.”
Secatore praised the heroism Pisano displayed following the violent home invasion.
“Officer Pisano’s decisive action and fearless pursuit of armed, violent offenders through darkness and difficult terrain exemplify extraordinary courage and dedication to duty,” stated Secatore. “His swift response helped end a brutal home invasion and prevented further harm to the victims.”
The Select Board and Secatore congratulated Pisano on receiving the Medal of Valor Award during the Trooper George L. Hanna Memorial Awards for Bravery in a joint statement posted on the Town of Lynnfield Facebook page.
“Officer Pisano’s heroism and selflessness is fully deserving of this top honor and he represents the professionalism and public service on display daily by the entire Lynnfield Police Department,” the Select Board and Secatore stated.
Pisano was one of 19 police officers who were recognized during the 42nd annual Trooper George L. Hanna Memorial Awards for Bravery. Hanna’s daughters, Deborah and Kimberly, along with Gov. Maura Healey presented the awards to Pisano and the other 18 police officers.
“Massachusetts’ highest law enforcement award is bestowed on those who meet extreme danger head-on to protect others,” said Healey in a statement. “(Oct. 15’s) recipients and their harrowing stories of closed-door ambushes and rescues under a barrage of fire remind us of the bravery this noble profession demands and reflects the enduring legacy of Trooper George Hanna, whose life and service continues to inspire.”
Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll agreed.
“Hanna Award recipients exemplify the exceptional dedication, training and bravery that define the very best of law enforcement,” said Driscoll in a statement. “Today’s heroes embody Trooper George Hanna’s legacy and underscore the profound sacrifice made by officers and their families.”
Interim Public Safety and Security Secretary Susan W. Terrey concurred with Healey and Driscoll’s viewpoints.
“The Hanna Awards offer us a meaningful moment to unequivocally say: Thank you. To the officers who met chaos with discipline and fear with service, and to the families we support as you support your loved ones who serve, we honor you,” said Terrey in a statement. “The incidents we hear about today make clear what policing demands, and the investments needed to save lives, including training, wellness and equipment. By carrying every lesson forward and standing with those who stand between danger and the community, we will never forget.”