Chief Scott J. McNamara and the Methuen Police Department are proud to share that Officers Kevin Schiavone and James Keating were recognized for their bravery and professionalism while responding to a shooting in which approximately 100 people were on scene.
Officer Schiavone and Officer Keating both received the 2023 Tom Duggan Sr. Law Enforcement Award from Duggan’s son, Valley Patriot Founder Tom Duggan Jr., during a ceremony on March 31 at the Reliefs Inn, on Market Street in Lawrence.
The Tom Duggan Sr. Law Enforcement Award has been given annually since 2013 to a member or members of local law enforcement who have gone above and beyond the call of duty.
On July 23, 2022, Officers Kevin Schiavone and James Keating were working a detail at the Elixer Hookah Lounge on East Street in Methuen. As the officers were in the area, a shooting occurred with a half dozen or more shots being fired. Simultaneously, a large fight broke out during closing time at the Hookah Lounge, while the officers were present and within feet of the incident.
With approximately 100 people in the Elixer parking lot growing angry and agitated and trying to leave the area, gridlock ensued with crowd members honking horns and revving car engines.
As backup officers responded from Andover, Haverhill, Massachusetts State Police, Medford, Newbury, Lowell, Dracut, and Salem, N.H., Officers Schiavone and Keating maintained their composure and discovered a male who had been shot in the leg.
Officers Schiavone and Keating also located four individuals who were trying to leave the area and stopped the car they were trying to flee in. A firearm was discovered in the vehicle, and all four occupants were eventually arrested. Another firearm was recovered on scene as well.
“These two officers showed courage and the ability to work through a very stressful situation involving an unruly crowd of more than 100,” Sgt. Eric Deleon wrote in a nomination for Schiavone and Keating. “Although it is our job to face danger at times, these two officers remained composed and focused and in doing so kept others safe on scene. The officers secured a dangerous crime scene, rendered first aid, and conducted a thorough investigation.”
“The calm professionalism, bravery and competence showed by Officer Schiavone and Officer Keating during this incident lived up to the highest standards of law enforcement and the Methuen Police Department,” said Chief McNamara. “I am grateful for the job well done by these two officers, and grateful for Tom Duggan Jr. for his work to recognize law enforcement officers who go above and beyond.”