Last Wednesday, the Healey-Driscoll Administration presented the 42nd Annual Trooper George L. Hanna Memorial Awards for Bravery to members of law enforcement. Included in the awards was Lynnfield’s own Gianfranco M. Pisano, who was awarded a Medal of Valor.
On Dec. 29, 2024, at approximately 10:07 p.m., the Lynnfield Police Department received a 911 call reporting a violent home invasion in progress. Three masked men dressed in black forced their way into a residence, holding a man and woman hostage. The victims were bound with zip ties, and the male occupant was pistol-whipped and beaten.
Responding officers arrived within moments of one another. Upon exiting his cruiser, Pisano spotted the suspects fleeing into a dark, wooded area behind the home. Without hesitation, he issued commands for them to stop and sprinted toward the wood line in pursuit. Acting instinctively and without regard for his own safety, Pisano closed the distance — leaping fences and crossing backyards — until he caught one suspect, tackled him to the ground, and took him into custody.
The suspect, dressed entirely in black and wearing a ski mask, was secured in a police vehicle. Minutes later, officers searching the area located a loaded Glock 22 handgun lying beside the suspect’s shoe — confirming that he had been armed during his flight.
Video surveillance from the home captured the assault and showed the suspect exiting the house holding the firearm. Inside, officers found the victims still restrained and injured, but alive — thanks to the officers’ rapid response.
Pisano’s decisive action and fearless pursuit of armed, violent offenders through darkness and difficult terrain exemplify extraordinary courage and dedication to duty. His swift response helped end a brutal home invasion and prevented further harm to the victims.
