Neighbor News
Plymouth Recognizes Police Officer for Crisis Negotiation Efforts
Plymouth Township Council also recognized its Public Works department.
A standoff with an armed man could have resulted in injuries and possibly fatalities had it not been for a Plymouth Township police officer’s “calm and resilient” demeanor during a 90-minute crisis negotiation.
The Plymouth Township Council on Monday unanimously approved a commendation of merit for Officer Holly Donohue for her successful handling of a March 16 incident involving a man who barricaded himself inside a Woodbrook Lane residence, threatening suicide, and harm to residents.
Officer Donohue, a hostage negotiator with the Montgomery County SWAT team, contacted the gunman and continued a dialogue, eventually convincing the man to surrender without inflicting harm on himself or others.
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“We applaud Officer Holly Donohue for her perseverance while negotiating with a barricaded gunman who threatened the safety and wellbeing of our residents,” Police Chief John Myrsiades said during the Council’s Zoom meeting.
Officer Donohue joined the Plymouth Township Police Department in 2014. She is assigned to the Patrol Division. In addition to her regular patrol duties, she serves as one of the department’s Field Training Officers.
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Prior to becoming a police officer, she worked as a behavior specialist, teaching children with autism and intellectual disabilities. She graduated from the University of Maryland, College Park, with a double major in criminology/criminal justice and psychology.
Council Chairman Chris Manero applauded Police Chief John Myrsiades for his dedication to community policing and encouraging his officers to interact with the community, which he said helps residents “trust your officers to work with them.”
Manero commended police for “putting smiles on people’s faces certainly when they need them the most.”
In other business, the Township Council voted unanimously to recognize the week of May 17 to May 23 as National Public Works Week.
Following the vote, Manero acknowledged the important role that the township’s Public Works employees play in daily life.
“A lot of things have stopped in our society,” Manero said, referring to changes in light of COVID-19. “The need for Public Works certainly has not.”
He commended the Public Works crew for working proudly, continuing to show up for work everyday and serving as a “beacon of light” for the community.