Honoring Heroic and Exceptional Service by Police and Fire Departments
Published on June 25, 2025
West Springfield, MA: The Town of West Springfield proudly honored members of its Police and Fire Departments during a recent ceremony recognizing acts of heroism, investigative excellence, and life-saving intervention. The awards celebrated the remarkable service and dedication of the Town’s first responders, whose actions have had a profound impact on public safety and community well-being. The ceremony was held on Wednesday, June 4 at the Dante Club.
Among those honored were Police Officers Jesse Brawsay and Michael Grillo, Detective Thomas Sudnick, and Special Officer Douglas Mellis, who received the Performance Excellence Award for their exceptional field interview skills during the service of a license-to-carry suspension notification. Their actions led to the discovery of approximately 88 firearms, two 3D printers, multiple rifles and shotguns, and four silencers. The intelligence gathered was critical to Detective Sudnick’s search warrant application.
Detective Eray Arslan received the Excellence in Investigation Award for his outstanding work in a major criminal case. Through hundreds of hours of investigation and multiple search warrants, Detective Arslan secured the arrest and conviction of a serial kidnapper and rapist. The case resulted in a 31-count indictment, and the individual is now serving a 22-year prison sentence.
A Life Saving Award was presented to Police Officers Joshua Bergeron, Brian Smith, John Monaghan, Fox Guajardo, and Sergeant Robert Wise for their courageous response to a barricaded suicidal male. Through calm de-escalation, verbal and distraction techniques, and coordinated action, the officers were able to gain entry into the vehicle and safely secure the individual, preventing a potential tragedy.
Another Life Saving Award was given to Officer Amanda Torres for her role in assisting the Springfield Police Department during a high-risk situation on July 17, 2024. Officer Torres intervened when a despondent woman threatened to jump from a bridge. After Springfield officers were unable to establish a dialogue, Officer Torres took the lead and was able to connect with the woman, ultimately helping to safely bring her back over the railing and ensuring she received needed medical attention.
The West Springfield Fire Department was equally recognized for its life-saving actions and dedication to the profession. Lieutenants Gerard Filip and Jake Thibault, and Firefighters Jeffrey Mutti, Keith O’Brien, Zachary Culver, Kevin Lee, Robert Brown, Gary Pierce, Christopher Battista, Justin Burchell, and Andrew Stepchuk were awarded a Life Saving Award for their response to a tragic incident on Route 5, where a mother and child were struck by a vehicle. Their rapid and expert care in the field played a critical role in the emergency response.
Firefighters Christopher Scott and Brandon Whitehead received the Meritorious Service Award in recognition of their leadership, coaching, and mentorship of the next generation of firefighters. Their dedication to training and professional development strengthens the Fire Department’s future and the safety of the community.
Additionally, Firefighter Justin Burchell was recognized with another Life Saving Award for actions taken while off duty. On his way back from the fire academy, Firefighter Burchell came upon a rollover accident on the highway. He immediately rendered lifesaving care, including CPR, and assisted with the extrication of the victim from a wooded area near the scene. His quick response and commitment to service were commended by the Department.
Mayor William Reichelt commended all honorees, stating, “These awards are a powerful reminder of the bravery, compassion, and professionalism our public safety personnel demonstrate every day. West Springfield is fortunate to have such dedicated individuals protecting and serving our community.”
###