The ‘Officer of the Month’ award recognizes the efforts of an individual with the rank of patrol officer from Division or a Special Unit, who has demonstrated exceptional dedication in the performance of his/her duties during the previous month. I am very pleased to announce that our selection for this month’s LPD ‘Officer of the Month’ is Officer Benjamin Craven, who is assigned to the First Division.
This nomination was submitted by Captain David Brown and seconded by Captain William Sharpe and Lieutenant Kelly Tucker.
On November 25 at approximately 20:00 hours, Car 14 Officers Benjamin Craven and Anthony Nikolakakis responded to 120 Liberty Street for a person stabbed. Car 14 and other officers were on scene prior to Lynn Fire and any ambulance.
Officer Craven immediately located a male victim, lying in a large pool of his own blood, on the sidewalk by Washington Street, adjacent to the Speedway gas station. The victim had tried to control the bleeding by tying a belt around his right leg.
As noted in Capt. Brown’s written nomination, “Officer Craven quickly located the stab wound and applied a tourniquet. It appeared that the victim was bleeding out from the femoral artery. A second stab wound was located to the victim’s leg and a second torniquet was applied by a firefighter, as Officer Craven placed the finger of his gloved hand inside the stab wound, to help stop the bleeding.
During these tense and stressful moments, Officer Craven was able to provide high level medical attention, calm and initiate a discussion with the victim, inquiring as to who the suspect was. At some point, Officer Craven’s gloved hand became compromised and he was exposed to hepatitis. Officer Craven’s actions undoubtedly saved the victim’s life.”
Capt. Brown also added, “Officer Craven is a smart street cop, who is pro-active and consistently addresses the many problems around the Multi-Service Center, 103 Liberty Street and on his demanding route. Furthermore, Officer Craven is very patient and knowledgeable when training new officers and as an LPD Training Officer.”
Congratulations and thank you to Officer Craven for a job well done!