Press Release  Municipal Police Training Committee Honors Holyoke Academy Student Officers for Heroic Actions in Response to a Motor Vehicle Crash

HOLYOKE — Yesterday, the Municipal Police Training Committee (MPTC) Executive Director Robert Ferullo and Holyoke Academy Director Michele Lyons honored eight student officers during a ceremony recognizing their quick-thinking actions in aiding victims of a motor vehicle crash.

On January 25, 2024, student officers enroute to police academy training encountered a serious motor vehicle crash in the Holyoke area, involving a vehicle on fire and individuals entrapped. The victims of the crash suffered significant injuries requiring immediate medical attention and extrication from the vehicle. The severity of the collision was apparent when student officers approached the cars involved. They observed deployed airbags, extensive vehicle damage, and one car in flames.

Amid the stressful situation, quick-thinking student officers jumped into action, contacted local emergency services, immediately rendered aid, and made every effort to stabilize the crash scene until first responders arrived.

“The MPTC commends the courage, empathy and professionalism displayed by this group of student officers responding in a time of need,” said MPTC Executive Director Robert Ferullo (Ret. Police Chief). “Their actions and demonstrated leadership reflect the high standard demanded of MPTC student officers. We are incredibly proud to honor their efforts and express our appreciation.”

“These student officers didn’t hesitate to use lessons from their academy training, moving swiftly to remove a victim from their vehicle, extinguish flames, and mitigate for obvious hazards,” said MPTC Holyoke Academy Director Michele Lyons. “Their remarkable action and compassionate approach to victims during a life-threatening situation is truly exemplary.” 

In a ceremony held at the MPTC Holyoke Academy, student officers were recognized for their commendable efforts. The MPTC Holyoke Academy Student Officers honored are as follows:

• Bianca Dixon, University of Massachusetts Police Department
• Steven Fritscher, Ware Police Department
• Tyler Hosley, Barre Police Department
• Deven Kingman, Sturbridge Police Department
• Jacob Podmore, South Hadley Police Department
• Taina Rivera, Chicopee Police Department
• Connor Shea, Amherst Police Department
• Korey Therrien, Chicopee Police Department

MPTC Student officers receive over 800 hours of curriculum during the course of the academy, designed to prepare them to perform their duties safely and effectively. Student officers receive uniform training based on best practices related to essential modern-day policing needs, including CPR and first aid, effective communication skills, victim-centered and trauma-informed incident response, mental health-related emergency response, active shooter and hostile event response, patrol duties, and officer safety and wellness.

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