Two IBPO Members Win Hanna Awards for Bravery
November 3, 2009
Two patrol officers from IBPO Local 364 in Springfield, Massachusetts were among those honored at a State House ceremony recognizing bravery among law enforcement officers.
Officer Kevin Fitzgerald was given the medal of honor at the annual George L. Hanna Memorial Awards on November 2 after he survived a near-fatal stabbing by a 14-year-old boy suffering from mental health issues. Liebel received the medal of valor for his quick action in subduing and handcuffing the suspect in the same incident.
"We are all very proud of Officers Fitzgerald and Liebel for demonstrating bravery and professionalism in what could have been a heartbreaking tragedy," David J. Holway, IBPO national president.
According to news reports, the two were responding to a call in February 2008 about an unruly teenager when they discovered the suspect covered in a blanket in a bedroom of the dwelling. When they approached him, the suspect reportedly flailed at the officers with a knife and stabbed Fitzgerald once in the chest, near the heart. Fitzgerald and Liebel struggled with the suspect and Liebel subdued him.
Fitzgerald spent two days in the hospital and has since returned to duty.
The George L. Hanna Memorial Awards recognize bravery in the line of duty among members of the Massachusetts law enforcement community every year in honor of George Hanna, a state trooper who was shot and killed in a traffic stop in 1983.