Community News

Two HPD officers up for national RISE Award

Sgt. Alan Bonanno and Officer Joreeca Dinnall are nominated for the RISE Award.

By Lightning Reports, Published: September 8, 2021

Risking his own life, Sgt. Alan Bonanno struggled to subdue a mentally ill man who had broken into an elderly man's apartment, eventually taking him into custody.

A situation that deteriorated into a violent scuffle could have resulted in lethal use of force by the officer; instead, Bonanno fought off the violent attacker until a backup officer who arrived at the dwelling was able to use his Taser to subdue him.

A School Resource Officer at Hendersonville High School, Joreeca Dinnall went far and above what is expected of an officer when she stepped in on her day off to help a student she knew who was having a mental health issue and destroying property. Driving her own car from her home in South Carolina, she drove the student to a facility where he could get help, staying with him and updating the family throughout the crisis.

For their extraordinary actions, Bonanno and Dinnall have each been nominated for a national award that will honor three officers from across the country who have saved a life or shown exemplary performance in the field. It is sponsored by Axon, an Arizona technology that developed the Taser.

“We have an amazing team at the Hendersonville Police Department,” said Police Chief Blair Myhand. “Sgt. Bonanno was nominated for his heroism and for de-escalating a situation that could have resulted in the use of deadly force. Officer Dinnall was nominated for assisting a juvenile experiencing a mental health crisis. Both of these law enforcement officers went above and beyond, and we want to shine a light on the positive difference they make in our city each and every shift.”

"Sgt. Bonanno deserves this recognition for his heroism and life-saving efforts," the RISE nomination said. "He worked to de-escalate a situation because he suspected it might result in force because of his experience with the suspect previously."

"Officer Dinnall comes from a broken home," her nominator said. "She spent much of her childhood at the Hendersonville Boys and Girls Club, where she volunteers much of her time today. She is new to law enforcement having spent several years working in the fast-food industry. She is compassionate and empathetic to people struggling with the complications of life. She is easy going and mild mannered."

Community members, friends and family may each vote once per day until Sept. 17 by clicking on one of the links below.

Click here to read the nomination and vote for Sgt. Bonanno.

Click here to read the nomination and vote for Officer Dinnall.

The top 10 finalists with the most votes in each category will then be reviewed by a panel of judges. Winners will receive an all-expense paid trip to the Axon Accelerate Law Enforcement Conference in Phoenix, Arizona, Nov. 1-3.