Selectmen Recognize Local Response to Spencer Shooting
The Feb. 3 incident involved two shootings less than a mile apart and ended at the Spencer Fair Plaza
AUBURN — Five local first responders were recognized Monday for their roles in responding to a February shooting and police standoff in Spencer.
The Board of Selectmen presented commendations to Deputy Police Chief Kenneth Charlton, officers Randy Hawley, Matthew Laskes and Brandyn Geldart, and firefighter/paramedic Scott Davis during its March 30 meeting.
Selectmen cited the group “for going above and beyond the call of duty and for acts of bravery during a live shooter incident” in Spencer.
Chairwoman Anne Cavanaugh said Charlton served as the Central Massachusetts Law Enforcement Council commander for what she described as “a rapidly evolving and high-risk operation.”
Hawley was part of the CEMLEC response, helping secure the rear of the building where the suspect had barricaded himself. Laskes was recognized for “exceptional technical skill and composure” in operating a robot that provided critical information about the building’s layout and allowed communication with the suspect.
Geldart assisted as part of the CEMLEC drone unit, while Davis was cited for providing advanced medical care in what officials described as a “hostile environment” during an “active threat.”
The recognitions stem from a Feb. 3 incident that began with a shooting outside a Main Street residence in Spencer, where authorities said Patrick Madison shot Sean Scannell, and escalated into a standoff at the Spencer Fair Plaza on Route 9.
According to the Worcester County District Attorney’s Office, the suspect, identified as 35-year-old Patrick Madison, shot a man before fleeing and later opening fire on responding officers.
The District Attorney’s Office said Madison barricaded himself inside a Family Dollar store, prompting a large-scale response that included the Central Massachusetts Law Enforcement Council, which deployed SWAT, negotiators, K9 and drone units, along with support from the Massachusetts State Police Air Wing.
During the standoff, Madison allegedly fired on officers, striking Sgt. Keith Gasco of the Millbury Police Department, who was assigned to the CEMLEC SWAT team, before officers returned fire, killing Madison.
Both Scannell and Gasco have since been reported to be actively recovering from their injuries.
State Sen. Michael Moore also presented commendations, praising the responders for their “extraordinary courage.”
“It’s always somewhere else that we see the tragedies happening,” Moore said. “When you see them you appreciate the work they do, but I don’t think you ever truly appreciate it until you have an incident like this that happens. You have my deepest appreciation and recognition.”