FALL RIVER, Mass. — In the face of unimaginable danger and chaos, true heroism is measured by how quickly one steps into the line of fire. Last year, during the tragic Gabriel House fire, 13 members of the Fall River Police Department did just that, acting without a moment’s hesitation to save lives at the risk of their own.
Now, their extraordinary courage has been formally recognized with one of the highest honors a Massachusetts law enforcement officer can receive: the George L. Hanna Memorial Award for Valor.
A Legacy of Courage
Named in memory of Massachusetts State Trooper George L. Hanna, who was killed in the line of duty in 1983, the prestigious award is reserved for officers who demonstrate exceptional bravery, selflessness, and extreme courage while placing themselves in significant personal peril.
During the Gabriel House fire, the conditions were hazardous and rapidly deteriorating. Confronted with a critical situation, these 13 officers placed the lives of others far above their own safety. While no award can erase the sorrow of the tragedy and the lives that were lost, this recognition honors the compassion, unwavering dedication, and professionalism displayed by the department’s finest in humanity’s darkest hours.
Honoring the 13 Recipients
The Fall River Police Department proudly announced the following members as recipients of the George L. Hanna Memorial Award for Valor:
- Sergeant Adam C. Talbot
- Sergeant Shane T. Galus
- Officer Mohammed Adelakun
- Officer Collin J. Almeida
- Officer Brandon Andrade
- Officer Taylor B. Carreiro
- Officer Tre’Quan S. Gardner
- Officer Nicholas J. Kennedy
- Officer Jeffrey P. Louis
- Officer Jimmie J. Page
- Officer Christopher Silvia
- Officer Jacob Swenson
- Officer Logan Arruda
A Community United in Gratitude
The department also extended its profound gratitude to the broader emergency response network—including firefighters, emergency medical personnel, dispatchers, and all first responders—whose coordinated teamwork and steadfast dedication during the crisis underscored the power of community commitment.
To the 13 recipients, this honor serves as a powerful reminder of the impact of selflessness. You have made your families, your department, and the entire City of Fall River deeply proud.
