York officer wins ‘Heroism Award’ for saving child. Police dog, two citizens honored, too.

YORK, Maine — A York police officer was recognized by the Maine Association of Police for his part in responding to two standoffs, including one that involved rescuing a child from an armed suspect.

Sgt. Jonathan Rogers on Jan. 28 received the Heroism Award and the Meritorious Service Award, the latter of which he shared with his police dog partner Gunther. He and Gunther were awarded alongside two civilians associated with the department — Diane Bishop, a longtime communications specialist who is passionate about the elderly, and Jack Lowe, a towing service operator who helped Rogers avoid being struck by a drunken driver on the roadside.

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Police said Rogers entered a residence on Sewalls Pasture Road Dec. 29 where an armed man had allegedly assaulted a woman and locked her out of the home with a child still inside. Rogers entered the home where the small child was “in a potentially dangerous situation” and brought him to safety, according to police.

“Sgt. Rogers’ selfless act speaks to his character as well as the caliber of officer that the York Police Department employs,” York police said in a statement on the award this week. The award is given to individuals who "under adverse conditions, prevents a death or serious injury."

The incident, a domestic disturbance, included a response from the Southern Maine Special Response Team, the York County EMA Drone Team and the York County Crisis Negotiation Response Team due to the severity of the alleged crime and the suspect’s prior history, according to York police.

After the child was brought to safety, police attempted to apprehend the suspect but stopped due to safety concerns, they said. They returned the next day to find the suspect deceased, the death ultimately deemed a suicide, according to York police Lt. Luke Ernenwein.

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Ernenwein said Rogers’ willingness to go into the home in the face of an armed suspect demonstrated commendable bravery.

“It’s something that he did that takes courage,” Ernenwein said. “And also, it takes knowledge of the law and what legally the police can do in a rapidly evolving situation.”

K9 Gunther, who was stabbed in standoff, recognized

The Meritorious Service Award given to Rogers and Gunther stemmed from a Nov. 17 standoff in Cornish, Maine, where police say a homicidal suspect attempted to assault his neighbor. Police say the 66-year-old suspect drove a tractor into the side of his neighbor’s house and slashed the neighbor’s tires. They said he did so with a handgun tucked in his waistband, and when police arrived he barricaded himself in his home.

The Southern Maine Special Response Team was called to the scene where a standoff lasted for 24 hours. Gunther and Rogers were on hand to assist with apprehending the suspect, and at one point Gunther was sent to subdue him. At that point, police said the suspect appeared to be unarmed, but, had access to a knife.

'He’s ready to go'York police K9 Gunther back on all four paws after being stabbed

The suspect struck Gunther with a garbage can lid, then stabbed Gunther once, slashing through both legs, according to police. Gunther was bleeding profusely, they said, and Rogers immediately brought him back to the cruiser to dress his wound, after which he was rushed to an emergency veterinary hospital. The suspect was apprehended when he left the house with what was later determined to be a replica firearm, police said.Gunther has since recovered from his wounds and is back with the force.

“Gunther had a mission to apprehend and protect his fellow officers and did so selflessly and without hesitation,” wrote Sgt. Nikolaos Piskopanis in Gunther’s nomination. “Despite almost losing his life, he was able to fully recover and return to work amongst his brothers and sisters who felt his pain but understood his sacrifice.”

Officer’s life saved thanks to Jack’s Towing Service owner

Rogers was on the other end of a life-saving situation in the award given to Lowe, who as the owner of Jack’s Towing Service has worked on roadsides with police for years. Ernenwein said it was Lowe’s quick thinking that ensured a drunken driver did not strike Rogers at a traffic stop when he was facing the other way. Lowe was given the Durant Civilian Award for alerting Rogers with just moments to spare.

The traffic stop took place Oct. 23, 2021, when Lowe was on scene to tow a car in the far-right southbound lane of US Route 1 at about 1:15 a.m. The suspect was charged with operating under the influence.

Ernenwein said Jack’s Towing has helped York police in numerous situations, including pulling vehicles that are found deep in the woods and turned upside down. He said it was thanks to the Lowe that Rogers was not seriously injured or killed.

“That was a close call,” Ernenwein said.

Diane Bishop honored for longtime service

Bishop also received the Durant Civilian Recognition Award for her commitment to public service through the department’s communications department, according to York police. As a communications specialist, she has answered countless 911 calls and has developed a strong sense of how to meet the needs of York’s elderly population, they said.

Bishop has been a communication specialist for 27 years, starting her career in 1996 with the town of Ogunquit. She also has volunteered with the York Village Fire Department for 43 years.

York police say she has shown over the past three decades she is committed to public service and helping those in need. They said she is passionate about the numerous elders of the community and has referred many to the community outreach officer for check-ins and follow-ups. She has also made sure the elderly have warm holiday meals.

“Diane has always gone above and beyond,” wrote Piskopanis in her nomination, “Both as a member of our Police Department and as a citizen of York, to take care of those individuals who needed it the most.”

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: York ME officer wins ‘Heroism Award’ for saving child in standoff