Including Heroism Medals for Sgt. Balutis and Patrolman Michienzi
Eleven members of the Norwood Police Department received official commendations last night for their bravery during the September 6 apprehension of two armed suspects charged with robbing the Needham National Bank branch on Route 1.
Heroism Medals and Bank Gratitude
During a special ceremony, Selectmen Chairman Joseph W. Wall presented town seals to the 11 officers, declaring, “We are especially honored to have men who have served the town as well as you have.” Police Chief James F. Curran—who was among those commended—praised his force for exemplary performance, stating, “Every officer went beyond the call of duty to capture the robbers.”
The board awarded high-honor heroism medals to Sgt. Valentine Balutis and Patrolman Thomas J. Michienzi for their direct role in the apprehension. Sgt. Balutis sustained a gunshot wound during the dramatic morning vehicle chase through town on September 6, during which Balutis and Patrolman Michienzi exchanged gunfire with the fleeing suspects.
In a gesture of appreciation for recovering more than $10,000 in stolen currency during the takedown, Needham National Bank President Robert J. Kettlety presented the Norwood Police Association with a financial contribution of $1,500.
Complete Roster of Honored Officers
Alongside Chief Curran, Sgt. Balutis, and Patrolman Michienzi, the full list of commended officers includes:
- Detective Sergeant Arthur J. Groh
- Detective Patrolman Robert J. Lawrie
- Patrolman J. P. Flaherty
- Patrolman Nicolino J. Destito
- Patrolman James A. Michienzi
- Patrolman Anthony J. Yelapi
- Patrolman Frank L. Walsh
- Patrolman William J. Wall
Archival Note: This article has been dynamically reconstructed from the original public record print archives of the Patriot Ledger
More Norwood Police Stories
-
Sergeant Curran Helps To Capture Slick Safecracker Hiding In Town-This Day in Norwood History-July 14, 1939
This Day in Norwood History-July 14, 1939-Sergeant Curran Helps To Capture Slick Safecracker Hiding In Town
-
Norwood Officer Captures Two Men From Murder Car-This Day in Norwood History-October 22, 1923
Norwood Officer Captures Two Men From Murder Car-This Day in Norwood History-October 22, 1923
-
PATROLMAN DONNELL HAS FINE RECORD AS OFFICER-This Day in Norwood History-October 22, 1923
Wrestler and All-Around Athlete, in Perfect Shape Despite 230 Pounds Has Many Important Captures to His Credit Already Patrolman Charles R. Donnell who early this morning captured Jeremiah J. Horgan and Henry T. Keefe, who later were held in connection with the killing of orccer Gonya of the Boston force, is 36 years old and…
-
Norwood Police Catch Thieves-This Day In Norwood History-July 21, 1913
GOT THIEVES AT GARAGE Norwood Policeman Caught Two Single handed— Alleged Companions Arrested After Flight to Boston Large Quantities of Tires, Tubes And Accessories Had Been Taken. Chief of Police Jarmes W. Lavers and patrolman Cornelius C. Murphy of Norwood had a lively time early today with four men whom they charge with looting a…
-
Murphys of Norwood Have Done Their Share In the Interest of Law and Order-October 5, 1912
Murphys of Norwood Have Done Their Share In the Interest of Law and Order-This Day in Norwood History-October 5, 1912
Discover more from Norwood Historical Society
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.