Healey Honors 18 Officers for Bravery, Adds New Flag Policy

Gov. Maura Healey presented bravery awards to 18 Massachusetts police officers on October 14 at a ceremony recognizing acts that placed the officers at personal risk, the Boston Herald reported.

The honorees came from the police departments in Burlington, Boston, Fall River, Everett and Holyoke. Among them were five Fall River officers credited with helping move more than 50 residents out of the Gabriel House assisted living facility during a fire in July 2025, and an Everett detective who pulled a driver to safety during an armed confrontation. Others were cited for responding to calls where lives were in danger.

Healey said the group's actions reflected "the very best of public service."

At the same ceremony, the governor announced a line-of-duty flag policy covering public safety personnel and National Guard members killed while serving. Under the policy, the state will give a Commonwealth flag to the families of those who qualify.

The honor dates to 1983 and carries the name of state trooper George L. Hanna, who was shot and killed on Feb. 26, 1983, during a traffic stop in Auburn. Hanna left behind his wife, Marilyn, and three children. With the latest class, 200 officers have received the award.

This story was first reported by Boston Herald.