- Massachusetts Sheriffs' Association
Thursday morning, Chief Financial Officer Chris Gelonese jumped into action while driving down Monastery Avenue in West Springfield to help a woman being attacked by two large dogs while attempting to walk her two small dogs.
The woman was pinned to the ground screaming for help, but no one was around. Without hesitation, he stopped, activated his emergency lights, and grabbed his baton to defend her until the dogs’ owner arrived. Gelonese then radioed for West Springfield Police and an ambulance, ensuring the woman received the care she needed at the hospital.
Sheriff Nick Cocchi commended Gelonese for helping the woman, saying how he was thankful for him being in the right place at the right time.
“Chris’s quick thinking and willingness to step in and help saved this woman from a much worse outcome. I couldn’t be prouder of how he responded in such a critical moment,” Sheriff Cocchi said.
Chris has been with the Hampden County Sheriff's Office since 1995, beginning his career as a part-time correctional officer. He served in various roles before being named Chief Financial Officer in 2017.
