As our first featured officer, we are pleased to present Officer Steven Kelly.

Officer Kelly is a past recipient of the Hanna Award, the highest award for bravery available to any Massachusetts law enforcement officer, for his role in apprehending a suspect who committed a murder in Quincy, led police on a high-speed pursuit, and was then killed in a shootout with police in Dorchester. Officer Kelly is also a two-time recipient of the Dana Award, once for the Dorchester incident, the other for saving an elderly woman from her burning home.

On November 11, 2005, Officer Kelly responded to a radio call of an Armed Robbery at the Friendly's Restaurant at 699 Hancock Street in the Wollaston section of Quincy. After receiving a description of the suspects, Officer Kelly started searching the immediate area, especially the area of the Wollaston MBTA station. While on Newport Avenue near the Wollaston station, Officer Kelly observed two individuals who fit the description of the suspects. Officer Kelly stopped & detained these people. After other officers arrived, the Wollaston MBTA station was also searched. A third suspect who fit the description of the robbers was found on the platform of the MBTA station, and also detained. The Manager of Friendly's positively identified all three suspects, and several incriminating items, including toy guns, were found on their person. All three were placed under arrest for charges that included Armed & Masked Robbery.

Was Officer Kelly commended for his excellent police work? He was, but only by the Friendly's Corporation;

Was he, in any way, recognized by the Chief of Police? Of course not!

What did Officer Kelly receive for his exemplary police work, which resulted in the capture of three dangerous armed robbers? Because he was involved in a very, very, minor motor vehicle accident (scuffed bumpers) while responding to the call, Chief Robert Crowley has decided to "bench" him.

Officer Kelly can no longer operate any Quincy Police vehicle, until he attends a remedial driving school, allegedly sometime in January. Officer Kelly, as good a police officer as you'll ever find, is restricted to walking beats, or working inside the station. The citizens of Quincy are being denied the services of an outstanding police officer, due to the whims of a Chief that refuses to put any of his arbitrary decisions into writing.

Hey Chief, you benched someone who has forgotten more about real police work than you'll ever know. Congratulations!