For Immediate Release

Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2015

Contact: Captain Richard Flynn, PIO
Office: 781-316-3907
Cell: 781-844-1224
Email: rflynn@town.arlington.ma.us

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net

Three Arlington Police Officers Receive Massachusetts Police Association Life Saving Award

ARLINGTON — Chief Frederick Ryan and the Arlington Police Department are proud to report that three Arlington police officers were awarded the Massachusetts Police Association’s (MPA) Life Saving Award for their tremendous work during the devastating Arizona Terrace fire on May 5.

Sgt. Bryan Gallagher, Officer Steven Conroy and Officer Will Milner received the award at the 115th Annual MPA Conference in Hyannis. Richard Pedrini, APD Lieutenant and MPA Executive Board member, presented the award.

On May 5 at 4 a.m., Sgt. Gallagher, Officer Conroy and Officer Milner were dispatched to investigate a reported fire with possible entrapment at the Arizona Terrace apartment complex in Arlington.

In spite of extreme danger, as the entire side of the building was already fully engulfed in flames, all three officers worked independently on each side of the fire, kicking open doors to alert sleeping residents.

Their work and immediate response was critical due to the intensity of the fire and the fact that most residents were sleeping and unaware of the danger they faced. These three officers were able to evacuate the entire complex with the exception of one resident, who could not be reached due to the intensity of the flames.

“These three officers entered an extremely dangerous situation, putting their lives on the line to save dozens of others,” Chief Ryan said. “Their bravery and dedication deserve to be recognized and commended, and we are certainly proud to call them our own.”

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