Somerville Police Officer Honored for Heartwarming Act of Kindness

Somerville police officer Ashley Catatao was honored Tuesday for a heartwarming act of kindness after she pulled over a crying woman who was speeding to see her sick mother.

On the morning of Wednesday, Nov. 4, Catatao was working a traffic detail on Alewife Brook Parkway when she noticed a vehicle traveling at 40 mph in a 30 mph zone. Catatao then stopped the vehicle.

Because it was not a major speeding case, and the driver was not operating recklessly, Catatao was only planning to give the driver a warning. When she went to issue the citation, the driver, Robin Sutherland, was crying and visibly upset.

Catatao engaged her in conversation and learned that the driver was on her way to see her sick mother, and that the family just got news that she was coming home on end-of-life hospice care. Before sending Sutherland on her way, Catatao offered Sutherland some words of comfort.

Later that day, Catatao looked up Sutherland’s address and learned she was a resident of Winchester. Catatao then called a local florist to have a bouquet of flowers and a kind note delivered.

Sutherland returned home to find the flowers and a note which read, “I’m very sorry to hear about your mother,” Catatao’s note read. “I hope you find comfort in knowing she lived a long life and will continue to live on in your heart and in your memories.”

Somerville Police Chief David Fallon praised Catatao for her empathy and professionalism. She was honored with the “Beyond the Call of Duty” award, which commemorates outstanding dedication and effort.

“I still have my mother, and I am a mother, and my heart goes out to that family for what they are going through,” Catatao said following her touching gesture.