UMPD’s Bianca Dixon Receives Prestigious Medal of Valor from American Legion Department of Massachusetts

UMass Police Officer Bianca Dixon received a Medal of Valor Award from The American Legion Department of Massachusetts Law and Order Committee during a June 8 ceremony held at the Best Western Royal Plaza Hotel in Marlboro.

Dixon was selected for the award for her actions on January 25 when, while still a cadet at the Holyoke Police Academy, Dixon and seven fellow recruits encountered a serious motor vehicle crash in the Holyoke area while heading to an off-site training location. The crash victims had suffered significant injuries requiring immediate medical attention and needed to be extricated from the vehicle. As the academy student officers approached the cars involved, they observed deployed airbags, extensive vehicle damage and one car in flames. Dixon and the other quick-thinking student officers jumped into action, contacting local emergency services, immediately rendering aid and making every effort to stabilize the crash scene until first responders arrived.

Dixon joined UMPD in October 2023 and completed her training at academy in March.