Valley police chiefs honor 11 officers in 6 categories

By John W. Goodwin Jr.

The award ceremony takes place once a year.

YOUNGSTOWN — Police from the Mahoning Valley gathered Wednesday to honor 11 officers who have made great strides in law enforcement.

The Mahoning Valley Chiefs of Police Association had its annual awards banquet in Kilcawley Center on the Youngstown State University campus. Awards were given to officers in six categories: community policing, training experience, administrative excellence, distinguished service, investigative excellence and valor.

Austintown Police Chief Robert Gavalier, association chairman, said association members from various departments recommend officers worthy of recognition in one of the six categories. An awards committee then selects recipients from the list of recommendations.

“This is just our way to say thank you to all of these people for their contributions to these various organizations,” said Gavalier.

Warren officer Douglas Hipple received an award for valor after rushing into a burning group home for mentally disabled people April 27 on Bonnie Brae Avenue Northeast to save three women trapped inside. Hipple received burns to his body and lungs during his attempt. He spent considerable time in the Akron Children’s Hospital Burn Center.

Hipple, who recently returned to work after being off for recovery, said the physical injuries and mental anguish from the ordeal are not as devastating as they once were. He said he is happy to receive the award.

“Of course this is humbling,” Hipple said of the award. “I am looking forward to closing this chapter of the book and resuming a normal routine — less doctors and more living. It’s good to have a routine back again.”

Youngstown Police Department Bomb Squad members Detective Sergeant Joseph DeMatteo and officers Louis Ciavarella, Robert DiMaiolo and Greg Miller received an award for distinguished service for work performed throughout the year.

According to DeMatteo, the bomb squad worked extensively with the U.S. Secret Service in recent years on various issues including area checks before 18 campaign visits to the Valley. He said acknowledgement of the bomb squad’s work is greatly appreciated.

Ciavarella, before receiving the award, said acknowledgement of the contributions from himself and his fellow officers is wonderful.

“We have a great working relationship with the Secret Service, and it’s nice to be recognized for what we have done for a number of years,” he said.

The following officers also received awards:

UFather Nicholas Shori, chaplain, Springfield Township Police Department, for community policing.

UCapt. Frank Dillon, Howland Township Police Department, for training excellence.

UChief David Blystone, Canfield City Police Department, for administrative excellence.

UAgents Joe Chamberlain and Ken Van Horn, Ohio Investigative Unit, for distinguished service.

UTrooper William R. Bancroft, Ohio State Highway Patrol, for investigative excellence.

jgoodwin@vindy.com