Millbury Police Department in Massachusetts is Defining Success with BolaWrap
Officers Mike O’Leary and Timothy Dean have been recognized for their exceptional use of the BolaWrap device. In a recent series of incidents, Officer O’Leary and Officer Dean demonstrated remarkable initiative and a commitment to the safety of their community. These officers responded to distress calls that required a new approach to resolve potentially life-threatening situations. In both cases, traditional verbal commands failed to yield desired results, prompting the officers to turn to the BolaWrap as a non-lethal alternative.
These exemplary actions have not gone unnoticed within the department. Chief Brian Lewos has officially recognized Officer O’Leary and Officer Dean for their outstanding use of the BolaWrap device, which played a pivotal role in achieving safer outcomes during these critical incidents. Chief Lewos commended their dedication through the BolaWrap Recognition Program presenting them with a challenge coin and certificate as a symbol of their commitment to safety and well being within their community. The Millbury Police Department’s recognition of Officers O’Leary and Dean serves as a testament to their unwavering commitment to the department’s mission of safeguarding the community to proactively address critical incidents, reduce risks, and ensure the safety of both officers and residents.
On Feb 24, 2023, Officer Mike O’Leary responded to a report stating that there is a female subject inside a house with a knife. The report stated that the female subject had cut herself with said knife. Prior to Officer O’Leary’s arrival, the female subject fled into the woods on foot. Officer O’Leary tracked the female subject’s footsteps in the snow and found her in the woods. Officer O’Leary gave verbal commands to the female subject to stop. Verbal commands were ignored prompting Officer O’Leary to deploy the BolaWrap. “The Kevlar tethered cord was wrapped around the female subject’s legs, and she was immediately placed into handcuffs.” She was transported safely to the hospital.
On Mar 7, 2023, Officer Timothy Dean responded to a report from a father stating that his son, following an argument, jumped out of a moving vehicle. The son was making serious threats of retrieving a firearm and “ending it all.” Officer Dean responded to the scene, and upon arrival he found the subject walking away. After repeated verbal commands were ignored, Officer Dean communicated to the subject that if he did not stop he was going to be restrained by the BolaWrap. The subject responded “Do it!” at which point Officer Dean yelled “Bola Bola Bola” and deployed the BolaWrap. “It had its desired effect, and the officers were able to end the encounter peacefully.” The subject was then transported safely to the hospital.
