NORTON - As a member of the State Police Violent Fugitive Apprehension Section, Trooper Curtis Cinelli is accustomed to danger when the long arm of the law closes in on wanted persons.

But last year, Cinelli, a local resident and former Mansfield police officer, developed a life-threatening infection after being exposed to bacteria in a Taunton apartment when police executed a search warrant.

Last week, Cinelli, a nine-year veteran trooper, received a commendation for superior investigative skills from Col. Mark Delaney, superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police.

State police cited the Taunton investigation in an announcement about Cinelli's award.

The investigation concerned the assault on a 17-year-old girl by three men who accosted and pulled her into the apartment where they attacked her. She was able to flee the following morning and was found traumatized by a passerby who called police. Taunton police requested Cinelli's help in the investigation and identification of the suspects, who were subsequently arrested.

The deplorable conditions in the apartment constituted a severe health hazard for police. Due to his exposure, Cinelli had to undergo several surgeries, followed by months of rehabilitation and continues to recover.

Before he was assigned to the Violent Fugitive Apprehension Section, Cinelli was assigned to the executive security section and barracks in Milton, Holden and Framingham.

He is a 1990 graduate of Mansfield High School and has a bachelor's degree in criminal justice from Newbury College.