Officer Gabrielle Cotto Receives Life Saving Award

Yale Police Officer Gabrielle Cotto, along with three officers from Protective Services at Yale New Haven Hospital (YNHH), received the prestigious Life Saving Award on Oct. 20. The ceremony, facilitated by Nicholas Proto, director of the Department of Protective Services, recognized officers for their immediate response and without concern for their safety when shots were fired outside of the emergency room at YNHH.

“Officer Cotto and Protective Services officers were able to minimize the risk of shooting victims and any additional property damage,” said Proto. “They showed tremendous restraint, not returning fire toward the shooter. They also provided the New Haven Police Department with immediate information on the fleeing car while detaining the other car’s occupants.”

“I felt honored to be given this award by YNHH Protective Services for my actions that day. I am so grateful to be recognized for something that I know all police officers do every day without recognition or praise. It was so special to receive this award in front of my family, especially my sons. I love being able to make my boys proud,” Cotto said.