Staff photo / Ed Runyan These are among the Youngstown police officers who earned the Firearm Reduction Award on Thursday for actions that took guns off of the streets of Youngstown. They are, from left, Zachary Scott, Carlo Eggleston Jr., Dontre Mastronarde, Ryan Patterson, Tyler Srbinovich and Adrian Meza. Giving out the awards was Youngstown police Chief Sharon Cole. In the white shirt is Youngstown police Lt. Brian Butler.

YOUNGSTOWN — The Youngstown Police Department honored its police officers with close to 50 awards at an event Thursday at St. Dominic Church who showed bravery and valor, performed duties in an exceptional manner, showed a high degree of initiative or skill, saved lives or took guns off the street.

Det. Sgt. George Anderson received the excellent duty award, given to an officer who shows “continual, evident, professional performance during the entire year.”

Police Chief Sharon Cole said in the last few years, Anderson was assigned nine homicide cases as lead detective. “He has solved every single one of those cases and received convictions for suspects in all of them,” she said.

Anderson’s performance over the years “has not only met the expectations of his position, it has exceeded them. Beyond his investigative capability, he exemplifies the core principles of our profession,” she said. He received the largest ovation that had been given to that point in the program.

After that award was an Award of Valor, “given to any employee who performs any single act of unusual bravery. It includes the saving of a life of another human being and the apprehension of a dangerous criminal or individual,” Cole said.

It went to a Youngstown police officer for his actions in a Sept. 10, 2024, incident in which he “responded to a violent incident inside a local store, where a woman was being attacked. Without hesitation (the officer) entered a chaotic and dangerous scene alongside another officer and quickly located the suspect actively assaulting the victim with a knife,” Cole said.

The officer “gave clear commands and intended to take the suspect into custody. When the suspect continued to pose a serious threat, (the officer) used decisive actions to stop the assault and bring the situation under control,” Cole said.

“After the suspect was neutralized (the officer) turned his attention to the victim, providing aid until medics arrived. Unfortunately, neither the victim or the suspect survived their injuries,” Cole said.

The officer’s “courage, quick decision making and commitment to protecting others reflect the highest standards of the Youngstown Police Department,” she said. The officer received loud applause.

Another Award of Valor went to several Youngstown police officers, including Elmer Gonzalez, Meghan Fiedler and Morris Lee, and one from the Howland Police Department for their actions during an encounter with an armed suspect who opened fire on officers, shooting one of them. The Youngstown officer, whom the Vindicator is not naming, survived.

Cole said that on Oct. 9, 2025, “officers responded to a call on Rush Boulevard and encountered an armed suspect who opened fire. In the face of that life-threatening situation, these officers acted without hesitation.”

The Youngstown officer “alerted his fellow officer and moved to address the threat. During the encounter (the officer) was struck by gunfire, sustaining serious injury. Despite this, he continued to act, demonstrating exceptional courage,” Cole said.

“Officer Gonzalez, faced with the same immediate danger, moved to assist. As he attempted to engage the suspect, his firearm malfunctioned, rendering it inoperable. Despite this setback, he attempted to clear his weapon while staying engaged in the situation,” Cole said.

Gonzalez “then assisted (the injured officer), ensuring he could receive urgent medical attention. As the situation unfolded, officer Fiedler and officer Lee responded without hesitation. Officer Fiedler provided life-saving medical aid on scene, while officer Lee quickly and safely transported (the officer) to the hospital,” Cole said.

“The bravery and teamwork displayed reflect the highest standards of the Youngstown Police Department,” Cole said.

The Howland officer, whom The Vindicator is not naming, was a member of the Mahoning Valley Crisis Response Team. He responded to the incident on Rush Boulevard in Youngstown after the other officer was shot. The Howland officer “was part of the team tasked with clearing the residence where the suspect was hiding,” Cole said.

After the first and second floors of the home were checked, officers found a small attic space accessible through a closet in a confined space “that severely limited the number of officers who could enter,” Cole said.

“Knowing the risk, the officer volunteered to clear (check) the attic,” she said. “Once inside, he noticed disturbed insulation and cautiously investigated further. The suspect immediately opened fire. (The officer’s) training, composure and courage under extreme pressure allowed him to return fire and neutralize the threat, bringing a dangerous ordeal to an end,” Cole said.

Cole thanked the Howland officer for his “selfless actions, extraordinary bravery and unwavering commitment to protecting others.” Many other awards were given.