Officer Brendan Ellis - 2006 Massachusetts State Police Medal of Valor Recipient

On July 27, 2006, at about 6:30pm., Trooper George S. Demos pulled over a 1997 Nissan Maxima with a rejected inspection sticker on Route 27 in Stoughton. As Trooper Demos approached the Maxima, Trooper Gregory J. Keane arrived to back up Trooper Demos. Trooper Keane took post behind Trooper Demos' cruiser to observe all the occupants of the vehicle.

As Trooper Demos asked the operator for his license and registration, he noted the smell of what he believed to be burnt marijuana. During questioning, the occupants admitted to smoking marijuana in the vehicle. After asking the front seat passenger for identification, Trooper Demos asked that he remove himself from the vehicle, to which he eventually complied. After noticing a bulge in his waistband, Trooper Demos lifted the passenger's shirt and observed a fully loaded .380 Beretta handgun. Trooper Demos secured the gun and alerted Trooper Keane to this discovery. He then ordered the suspect to the ground.

As Trooper Keane moved up to assist, the rear passenger got out of the car and ran across Route 27. As Trooper Keane held the two other suspects at gunpoint, Trooper Demos immediately began to purse this suspect on foot while repeatedly yelling at the suspect to "stop". At the opposite curb, the fleeing suspect stopped, turned and pointed a handgun a Trooper Demos. At that point, Trooper Demos yelled, "stop or I'll shoot". The suspect refused to drop the gun and was shot by Trooper Demos. The suspect then fell to the ground. Trooper Demos approached with caution, kicked the gun away, then handcuffed the suspect and called for emergency medical services.

Officer Brendan L. Ellis of the Ashland Police Department, who was off-duty and at a nearby establishment, ran across Route 27 identifying himself as an Ashland Police Officer. He offered assistance to Trooper Keane, who had been holding the other two suspects at gunpoint. Officer Ellis then removed the third suspect from the vehicle, held him on the ground and then subsequently handcuffed him, using handcuffs supplied by Trooper Keane. Trooper Keane was then able to handcuff the other suspect.

A further search found a number of pills, later learned to be the drug "Ecstasy". All three were charged with illegal possession of firearms and ammunition. The driver was also charged with possession with intent to distribute and the rear passenger with assault with intent to murder. Also, it was later learned that the firearms that was brandished at Trooper Demos was a Colt handgun, loaded with 8 rounds of ammunition.

For their valor, their immediate and decisive actions while assisting a fellow officer in a life or death situation, Trooper Gregory J. Keane and Ashland Police Officer Brendan L. Ellis are hereby commended in Personnel Orders and awarded the Massachusetts State Police Medal of Valor.