Thomas MacMIllan Photo
Officer Juan Ingles, Detectives Craig Alston and Lynn Meekins, and Sgt. Al Vazquez.
Seven cops who helped save the life of a 14-year-old girl threatened by a knife-wielding home-invader were recognized as heroes by the Board of Aldermen.
City lawmakers issued official citations to the seven cops Monday night for their roles in a May 18 incident at the Farnam Courts housing project.
On that day, a fugitive gunman allegedly climbed into an apartment at the housing complex and tried to kill a 14-year-old girl with a kitchen knife. Some fast-acting cops made sure he didn’t succeed. (Read a step-by-step account of the dramatic rescue here.)
“This is our time to say we do appreciate them,” said Beaver HillsAlderwoman Claudette Robinson-Thorpe before presenting the official citation certificates Monday night.
Receiving certificates were Sgt. Al Vazquez, Sgt. Otonio Reyes, Detective Lynn Meekins, Detective Craig Alston, Detective Willam White Jr., Officer Jose Escobar, and Officer Juan Ingles.
“You are a hero and a positive force of good in the community, and the New Haven Board of Aldermen is proud to honor you for all that you do,” the certificates read, in part.
Det. Lynn Meekins listens as Chief Dean Esserman praises his cops.