Series: Patch Spotlights Police Award Winners

On March 8, 2012, Sgt. Mark Soneson, Officer Scott Calderone, and Officer Michael Silverio responded to an assault in progress at a residence on Peck St. The victim was outside of the residence and indicated that the suspect was still inside the residence.

The three officers made entry into the home and went room to room searching for the suspect. The officers cleared the residence and were going to enter the enclosed front porch to continue their search. Off. Silverio opened the door leading from the house to the porch while Sgt. Soneson and Officer Calderone provided cover.

When Officer Silverio opened the door he immediately called out to his fellow officers that the suspect was on the porch and had a firearm pointed in their direction. The suspect opened fire on the officers, getting off several rounds at close range. The officers retreated to cover and Sgt. Soneson returned fire, striking the suspect three times, incapacitating him. After securing the suspect, the officers immediately rendered medical aid. Officer Calderone and his vast medical training, attended to the suspect until he was relieved by arriving EMT’s.

In attempting to affect the arrest of the suspect, Sergeant Soneson and Officer’s Calderone and Silverio were ambushed by an armed assailant, intent on murdering a police officer. Their training and experience allowed them to take the actions necessary to save their lives and the lives of their brother officers, as well as the life of the suspect.

In recognition of their outstanding performance of duties in this case, Sergeant Mark Soneson, Officer Scott Calderone and Officer Michael Silverio are awarded the Valor Award.