Police thanked for efforts in New Year's altercation.

Byline: Craig S. Semon

STURBRIDGE - Selectmen wished Police Officer Daniel P. Hemingway a speedy recovery and thanked neighboring police departments for their mutual aid efforts during an underage drinking party on New Year's Eve at 57 Allen Road.

Sturbridge Police Officer Daniel P. Hemingway was seriously injured in an altercation in an upstairs bedroom after he and Officer Joseph D. Lombardi attempted to put Gideon J. Docimo, 21, of 12 Richardson Road, West Brookfield, in protective custody, according to court records.

Mr. Docimo was arraigned Jan. 3 in Dudley District Court on charges of aggravated assault and battery, assault and battery on a police officer, resisting arrest, disturbing the peace and selling alcohol to a minor. A not-guilty plea was entered on his behalf.

Police charged 18 others, including a juvenile, with disturbing the peace, disorderly conduct and being minors in possession of alcohol.

"On behalf of the Board of Selectmen, I extend our thoughts and prayers to Officer Dan Hemingway, who was injured in the line of duty while providing much valued service to the citizens of this community. We wish him a full and speedy recovery," Thomas R. Creamer, chairman of the board of selectmen, said at the beginning of this week's board meeting.

"Equally, we extend our thanks to the entire Sturbridge Police Department, the Massachusetts State Police and the communities of Brookfield and Charlton for their assistance in helping to contain an extremely volatile situation. We are grateful for the valor and the professionalism they exercised while addressing this situation."

On a 4-0 vote, the selectmen will send letters of appreciation to the Brookfield and Charlton police departments, as well as the state police.

In other business:

To reduce interest costs, selectmen authorized the town treasurer to provide for the sale and issuance of refunding bonds for

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