Haverhill Police Honor Graham as Officer of the Year

Justin Graham (center, flanked by James Keenan and Alan R. DeNaro) was named Officer of the Year by Haverhill Police at the department's annual Police Ball. (Courtesy photograph/Ryan Connolly)

Justin Graham (center, flanked by James Keenan and Alan R. DeNaro) was named Officer of the Year by Haverhill Police at the department’s annual Police Ball. (Courtesy photograph/Ryan Connolly)

The Haverhill Police Department came together over the weekend to honor their own for jobs well done. Police Chief Alan R. DeNaro joined his command staff to celebrate the efforts of several officers, including Officer Justin Graham, who was named Officer of the Year for his actions during a police-involved shooting in Haverhill’s Acre neighborhood.

A two-time recipient of the department’s “Officer of the Quarter” award, Graham was on patrol on Nichols Street in April alongside former Haverhill officer Tom Shinners when the pair came into contact with two suspects who fired at police before leading authorities on a multi-state chase that ended in Windham, N.H.

“Officer Graham’s continued pursuit in those suspects being apprehended in New Hampshire with no loss of life or injury,” Officer James Keenan, the president of Haverhill’s Police Relief Association, told WHAV of Graham, who was also given a Medal of Valor at Friday’s Police Ball.

Detective Sean Harrison and Officer Michael Tortorise were also awarded medals of valor, Keenan said.

Local community group the Haverhill Highlands Association were named Citizens of the Year by the department, with Lynda Brown accepting on behalf of her neighbors.