Swansea Police Chief presents citations to officers for two life‑threatening responses

Joseph Gonzales, colonel and chief of the Swansea Police Department, presented police chief citations and a lifesaving award March 4 for two separate September 2024 incidents that, according to the chief, “could have resulted in death.”

The chief recognized Sergeant Nicholas Pacquin and Officer Jonathan Collins for responding Sept. 11, 2024, to a South Road residence where an adult male in mental crisis pointed a gun at officers. Pacquin and Collins retreated to safety, called for additional units, oversaw an evacuation of part of the house and established communications with the person in crisis; the individual was subdued and transported to a hospital, the chief said.

The department also honored Officer Kyle Titus, Sergeant Kevin Clark and Officer Tabitha Dorenzo for their work on a separate Sept. 14, 2024, stabbing on Summer Street. According to the chief’s account at the presentation, Officer Titus provided immediate first aid — retrieving gauze from his duty bag and applying pressure — actions the chief said directly contributed to the victim’s survival and subsequent medevac and recovery. Sergeant Clark led scene security and the search for the assailant, and Officer Dorenzo assisted in clearing the residence and preserving evidence; the chief presented citations to each officer for “exceptional courage and selflessness.”

The awards were presented publicly before a small audience and followed by an invitation for attendees to join a reception; the chief closed the presentation by thanking officers and families for their support.

The presentation text supplied to the meeting lists the dates of the incidents, the officers involved and the awards given; no disciplinary matters, arrests or pending charges were addressed at the presentation itself.