Dover man cited for heroism in helping officer

From left, Purnell Ross, Officer Brynn Dunne and Dover Police Chief Colarusso. (Courtesy photo)

DOVER, N.H. - A Dover resident was awarded the Dover Police Department's Citizen's Service Award recently for helping an officer who was struggling with an emotionally disturbed woman.

Chief Anthony F. Colarusso, Jr. made the presentation to Purnell F. Ross. The award may be presented to any member of the civilian community who distinguishes themselves in an act of heroism or assistance to a law enforcement officer.

The award was given as a result of Ross' actions on Aug. when around 2:40 p.m. he saw a Dover Police Officer struggling with the woman on Littleworth Road.

The woman was resisting the officer and attempting to run into on-coming traffic. The struggle went on for several minutes and although several people had stopped to watch, only Ross stopped and got out of his vehicle to lend assistance to the officer.

Ross and the officer were forced to enter oncoming traffic and restrain the subject, and Ross continued to lend assistance by restraining the subject until other officers arrived on scene.

Ross' efforts not only assisted the officer, but also protected the subject they were dealing with from the danger of being struck by a motor vehicle, a Dover Police statement released today said, adding that Ross is being awarded the Citizen's Service Award for his selfless acts assisting the Dover Police in a time of need.