MIDDLETOWN – The Middletown City Police Department will award its Medal of Valor to three officers and the Medal of Distinction to two officers.

The ceremony will take place on Tuesday, May 13 at Police Headquarters.

Police Officers Jamie Johnson, Patrick Cunningham and Frank Speranza will receive the Medal of Valor from Police Chief Matthew Byrne. The officers are being recognized for their actions in connection with the shooting of Police Officer Christopher Dolan on July 24, 2007. Dolan will also be honored by being awarded the “Police Purple Heart” award.

The Medal of Valor is awarded to department members for conspicuous gallantry while acting in the line of duty.  It is presented to officers for acts of exceptional bravery performed at very high risk to their own lives with full awareness of the danger involved. 

Detective Jason Jennings and Police Officer Alberto Lopez will receive the “Medal of Distinction” also for their actions on July 24, 2007.

The Medal of Distinction is awarded to department members who distinguish themselves in the line of duty by acts of personal bravery not falling within the guidelines for the Medal of Valor.

The Officers responded to a domestic dispute at 317 Wawayanda Avenue. After arriving on the scene the officers were shot at by Raymond Zayas. Officer Dolan was struck three times by the gunfire. Zayas has since been convicted in Orange County Court.

This is the first time in the history of the Middletown Police Department, which was formed in 1888, that these awards are being given.