Officer Donald Delaney, 36, is a seven-year veteran of the Braintree Police Department. Mayor Joseph Sullivan described the officer who was shot in the face Friday night as “an excellent police officer.
“He has performed, on a regular basis, in a very admirable way,” Sullivan said of Delaney the morning after he was shot at Motel 6 serving a warrant.
Delaney, who is expected to make a full recovery after being released from the hospital Sunday, is a veteran of the United States and served as a part-time officer in Hull before coming to Braintree in 2010.
Delaney has also been the recipient of two life-saving awards since joining the Braintree Police Department.
One of those awards came in 2014, when Delaney was among eight Braintree officers recognized for lifesaving first-responder action for his work in administering aid to an unconscious 21-year-old woman.
Delaney was also commended for his role in drug arrests in 2014, when he stopped a car at 12:56 a.m. on March 26 for an inspection sticker violation.
That vehicle stop led to the seizure of nearly 3 grams of cocaine, approximately $480 and a mobile phone belonging to the operator.
As a result, two passengers were arrested on drug charges and a third passenger was arrested on warrants out of Brockton.
Sgt. Michael Want brought Delaney’s actions in that traffic stop to the attention of former Braintree Police Chief Russell Jenkins.
“I concur with Sergeant Want that this is a fine example of proactive police work,” Jenkins stated. “I commend officer Delaney for his diligence. His actions reflect favorably on himself and the Braintree Police Department and I hereby award him four hours of time owed.”
Dealney is also a community volunteer, according to published reports.
“He found himself in a difficult situation and responded well,” Sullivan said about Delaney’s reaction to Friday’s shooting. “I know him very well.”
Sullivan said he has received calls of support for Delaney from Gov. Charlie Baker, Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito, U.S. Sens. Elizabeth Warren and Edward Markey, U.S. Rep. Stephen Lynch, and Attorney General Maura Healey.
How to show your support
This Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., residents are encouraged to go to Braintree Town Hall for a “Shine Braintree Blue” event, that will collect cards and well-wishes for Delaney.
Blue lightbulbs will be available in exchange for donations to the Braintree Police Patrolman fund, intended to assist the officers involved in the Motel 6 incident.
The event will be held rain-or-shine and, in the event rain falls, attendees should look for the gathering in the town hall auditorium.
Follow Bradford Randall on Twitter @randalljourno. Fred Hanson, of The Patriot Ledger contributed to this repor t.
