THOMASTON – “Officer Leonardi displayed the kind of heroism we read about in comic books,” said a recently-presented letter of commendation. “Yet, the only thing he asked for in return was a new tourniquet so he’d be prepared to help another citizen in need.”

That request, mentioned in the letter read aloud Monday, Sept. 26, 2022 by Thomaston Police Sgt. Chris Hansen to Select Board members, family, and townspeople, drew a chuckle from the room. The chuckle returned again when it was noted that Officer Jarrod Leonardi’s actions would have gone completely unknown had the chief not received an email the next day from Leonardi, matter-of-factually requesting another tourniquet, since he’d used his the night before.

Because of that tourniquet usage, Leonardi will now wear an additional pin on his uniform, representing Thomaston PD’s life-saving award.

On Monday, Sept. 5, at approximately 11:45 p.m., Leonardi responded to a Beechwood Street home, in Warren, following a report of a fight involving two men. Initial reports indicated that there might have been a gun and/or a bat involved.

“Officer Leonardi undauntedly charged into the home, where he found a man bleeding with what appeared to be a severed artery,” said the commendation, which was signed by Thomaston Police Chief Tim Hoppe and Town Manager Kara George.

According to Leonardi after the ceremony, the Criminal Justice Academy provides classes in first aid. Thomaston police officers then go out into the field carrying a commercial, medical-grade tourniquet among their supplies.

“While an officer’s daily actions may ultimately result in an increased safety to the public, there are some circumstances where officers encounter situations where their actions have an undeniable and direct effect to save a life,” said the letter.

Upon seeing the critically injured man, Leonardi called dispatch to advise them of the severity of the injury and that he’d be applying the apparatus. He did so, and then informed dispatch that the tourniquet was in place.

“I saw the amount of blood coming from his arm,” he said. “I know I’m not an EMT, but I had to stop it somehow. Based on the way he was holding it, it kind of looked as if his elbow was sticking out. And there was just a whole lot of blood just pouring out. I said the only thing I had that was going to help him was a tourniquet, so I put it on there. Applied it. It worked.”

While waiting for Warren EMS – a volunteer department – that arrived about 10-15 minutes later, he went about searching the home for the perpetrator. Once found, Leonardi detained the suspect until deputies arrived.

“This is the quality of our police force,” said Selectman Peter Lammert. “And I really appreciate all the work they do.”

The incident continues to be investigated.

Reach Sarah Thompson at news@penbaypilot.com