Police officer crawled through burning Lowell building to rescue family, officials say Share Updated: 11:10 AM EST Feb 11, 2021 Lowell fire Share Updated: 11:10 AM EST Feb 11, 2021 Lowell police officers rescued several people, including a baby who was dropped from the second floor to safety, from a fire Wednesday that claimed the life of a man.Police officers were the first to arrive at the burning home at 98 Westford St. Heavy smoke and flames were coming from the building. Officer Walter Varey rushed into the building when he heard screaming from the second floor. Forced to crawl because of the suffocating smoke, Varey found a man, a woman and their child. The officer carried the child downstairs to safety and returned to the second floor where the heavy smoke was matched with intense heat. Although he was only able to see about six inches ahead, Varey was able to get the man and woman out of the building before having to be assisted out by t
Fleeing fire, mother drops baby into the arms of Lowell police officers
By Emily Sweeney and Travis Andersen Globe Staff,Updated February 11, 2021, 5:32 p.m.
Email to a Friend
Julie Collentro, 20, of Lowell, and her 2-year-old daughter, Kehlani. They both escaped from a house fire by going out a second floor window.Julie Collentro
Julie Collentroâs building in Lowell was on fire early Wednesday, and she held her baby close as she tried to figure out a way to escape. They were on the second floor, and thick smoke was filling up the home. She went over to the window and looked down, and was relieved to see a police officer standing outside on the ground below.