Woburn Police Officer Mark Gibbons Honored With Congressional Badge Of Bravery

BOSTON – United States Senators Elizabeth Warren and William M. Cowan, Congressman Edward Markey, United States Attorney Carmen M. Ortiz, and U.S. Marshal John Gibbons recognized Woburn Police Officer Mark Gibbons with the Congressional Badge of Bravery award during a ceremony at the U.S. Federal Courthouse today. Officer Gibbons was honored for his heroic acts following a jewelry store robbery in Woburn on Sept. 6, 2011.

"Throughout this Commonwealth and across the country, the men and women of law enforcement put themselves at risk to serve and protect their communities," said Senator Warren. "Today we thank them all for their service by recognizing one of their very best. Officer Gibbons, for your courage in the face of a serious threat, fortitude in a moment of uncertainty, and action in defense of the public, I am proud we can honor you today with the Congressional Badge of Bravery."

“In the face of danger, Officer Gibbons showed a tremendous amount of bravery and sense of duty. It’s moments like this that we’re reminded how our law enforcement officials put their lives on the line every day to keep our communities safe, and they deserve our gratitude. I want to thank him for his extraordinary service, dedication and commitment to the City of Woburn and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts,” said Senator Cowan.

“Officer Gibbons exemplifies what it means to be a police officer and protector of the public. His incredible bravery helped save lives, and I am proud to join the people of Woburn in honoring this hometown hero,” said Congressman Markey.

“It is only during crisis that we are reminded how very dangerous the job of a police officer can be,” said U.S. Attorney Carmen M. Ortiz. “Local law enforcement is committed to serving the public and keeping our communities safe. The actions of Officer Gibbons on Sept. 6, 2011 exemplify that dedication. On behalf of Attorney General Holder, I thank Officer Gibbons for his brave actions in the line of duty.”

On Sept. 6, 2011, the Woburn Police Department was dispatched to a jewelry store for a take-over style robbery which resulted in injuries to Woburn Police Officer Robert DeNapoli. Following the shooting of Officer DeNapoli, Officer Gibbons responded to the area of the suspect’s last known location. The suspect fired at Officer Gibbons multiple times, putting three rounds into the driver’s side of his cruiser.

Officer Gibbons was able to strike the suspect multiple times and then disengage temporarily. He exited his cruiser and took up a tactical position. More gunfire was exchanged and Officer Gibbons was ultimately able to neutralize the suspect. Officer Gibbons radioed in his position and maintained cover over the wounded suspect, issuing verbal commands, and ultimately taking him into custody. (For the full description, please visit https://badgeofbravery.ncjrs.gov/winners.html .)

To honor law enforcement officers’ acts of bravery, Congress created the Federal Law Enforcement Congressional Badge of Bravery and the State and Local Law Enforcement Congressional Badge of Bravery. A member of Congress may present a Law Enforcement Congressional Badge of Bravery to federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement officers who are recommended by either the Federal or the State and Local Law Enforcement Congressional Badge of Bravery Board.

To contact Senator Elizabeth Warren’s Office: Lacey Janet Rose, 202-263-9747
To contact Senator William M. Cowan’s Office: Maura Hogan, 202-224-4159
To contact Congressman Edward Markey’s Office: Joseph Wender, 202-225-2836
To contact U.S. Attorney Carmen Ortiz’s Office: Christina DiIorio-Sterling, 617-748-3256