Firefighters from Chicopee, Fitchburg given awards for search for missing children, rescue of woman from fire during Massachusetts Firefighter of the Year awards
Updated Mar 08, 2021;
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The ceremony, usually held with a live in-person audience, was virtual in 2021 amid the COVID pandemic.
“We’ve asked a lot of our public safety professionals over the last year, day after day, they showed up time and time again to do their jobs and keep us safe,” said Gov. Charlie Baker. “The brave men and women who run into burning buildings, jump into icy waters, pull people from burning cars and provide emergency medical help to those in need had their hands full in 2020.”
STOW Firefighters from Hanover, Hanson and Rockland were honored Monday, March 8 during the 31st annual Firefighter of the Year awards, which was held virtually this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Gov. Charlie Baker, Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito, Public Safety and Security Secretary Thomas Turco and State Fire Marshal Peter Ostroskey announced the awards, which honor Massachusetts fire departments whose acts of bravery and public service made a difference in their communities during fiscal year 2020.
“While the last year has been different in so many ways, one thing that hasn’t changed is the way firefighters have continued to respond to every call for help, regardless of any threat to their own health or safety,” Baker said. “We are proud to honor their bravery and sacrifice through these awards and to reflect on their unwavering service.”
Hometown: Weymouth
In the news: Tracy will be honored by the state for the second time after saving a woman from a burning housing complex.
Now you know: Tracy is known to be a prankster in the Rockland Fire Department.
His story: Rockland Firefighter Michael Tracy was honored by the state 15 years ago for saving a woman from a burning building, but he never thought much of it. He thought of it as his duty, just another day at the office.
But this time, he plans to accept the honor with pride. I m actually embracing it this time, Tracy said. The first time I got it I was just like Yeah, whatever. This is what I m supposed to do. But I don t think enough of us recognize it enough, that when we actually do get in a situation that needs to be recognized that we should be proud of it. And we should accept it for what it is an honor.
ROCKLAND Three Rockland firefighters will be honored by the state for their role in saving a woman from a burning three-story housing complex last January.
Rockland Fire Chief Scott Duffey said he nominated Capt. Jason Fricker and firefighters Richard Furlong Sr. and Michael Tracy for the state s Firefighter of the Year, normally awarded in November.
Duffey said he was notified the three firefighters he nominated will receive awards but when, is unknown until the awards ceremony is scheduled.
Duffey said the firemen are being honored for what happened on Jan. 2, 2020, just after midnight, when they received a call for a fire at 20 East Water St.