2 Members Of New London Police Department Awarded Medals Of Valor

NEW LONDON, CT — New London Police Lt. Cornelius Rodgers and Officer Seth Bolduc have been selected by the Connecticut Police Chiefs Association as recipients of the 2024 Medal of Valor award, the department announced.

The two were nominated by New London Police Chief Brian Wright for the prestigious award, which recognizes exceptional bravery and dedication to duty. From the department's announcement:

Officer Seth Bolduc

On August 14, 2023 at a 911 call involving a 17-year-old juvenile with a knife experiencing suicidal ideations. Upon Officer Seth Bolduc's arrival at the 17-year-old juvenile's residence, Officer Bolduc was directed by family to a bathroom where the 17-year-old victim was laying on the floor bleeding from the neck. The victim was suffering from a stab wound with an arterial bleed. Office Bolduc quickly grabbed a towel and began applying pressure to the victim's neck to prevent further blood loss. The victim began actively resisting Officer Bolduc's efforts and attempted to pull Officer Bolduc's hands away from the wound in an effort to take his own life. Despite the struggle, Officer Bolduc kept pressure on the wound. Officer Seth Bolduc's quick action, determination, and composure assisted in saving the victim's life. Officer Bolduc's action were noted by medical staff and medics as the major reason the 17-year-old victim survived.

Lieutenant Cornelius Rodgers

On Friday, 4/21/23, during the late morning, a tanker truck and car collided on the Gold Star Bridge 1-95 Southbound in Groton, resulting in an enormous firestorm. Lieutenant Cornelius Rodgers, who was off duty, driving across the bridge, immediately stopped his vehicle upon seeing the fiery crash and ran towards the fire without regard for his own safety. Rodgers pulled an injured occupant out of the passenger vehicle just before it became engulfed in flames from the explosive load of the tanker truck. Lt. Rodgers displayed extreme heroism, character, and a relentless life-saving commitment under enormously challenging conditions.

"Please join us in congratulating Officer Bolduc and Lt. Rodgers on this outstanding achievement," officials wrote on Facebook. "Their commitment to our community and exemplary service are a source of immense pride for our department. Thank you for your continued dedication and hard work."