Connecticut State Police Trooper Gregory Smith was recognized for his role in an investigation in Middlefield earlier this year during a Nov. 2 ceremony at the Connecticut State Police Training Academy in Meriden.
Tfc. Smith received the Meritorious Service Medal, which is awarded to those who render service with a high degree of alertness, perseverance and superior judgment in the performance of a difficult task resulting in the protection of life, recovery of property, the prevention of – or solving of – a major crime or the apprehension of an armed or dangerous person
On May 10, 2012, Trooper Smith responded to a disturbance between a mother and her 23-year-old son at a home in Middlefield. Upon arrival, Trooper Smith was met by the distraught mother who advised the Trooper that her son was in the house, had not taken his prescribed medications and was highly agitated. Trooper Smith instructed the mother to stay outside.
Trooper Smith located a young man standing in a corner of the kitchen, holding a large knife with the cutting edge pressed up against his throat. The man stated: “I’ll kill myself!”
Trooper Smith engaged the man in conversation in hopes of calming him down, but the man repeatedly shouted “I’ll kill myself! Go ahead and shoot me!”
Trooper Smith utilized all his negotiating skills to keep him engaged in positive conversation. After some time, Trooper Smith convinced the man to lower the knife from his throat and place it on the kitchen counter. Trooper Smith immediately handcuffed the man and summoned emergency medical services.
