Westborough Firefighters Honored at Massachusetts Firefighter of the Year Awards Ceremony

WESTBOROUGH — Chief Patrick Purcell and the Westborough Fire Department are proud to report that five department members were honored by Gov. Maura Healey, State Fire Marshal Jon Davine, Secretary of Public Safety and Security Terrence Reidy and others Monday at the 35th Annual Massachusetts Firefighter of the Year Awards. 

Westborough Lieutenant Christopher Dubois, Firefighter Sean Doherty, Lieutenant David Dutton, Firefighter Patrick Sheridan and Firefighter Chris Weinwurm were honored with a Group Citation for Meritorious Conduct for rescuing two residents from a two-alarm fire at their home in June.

On Sunday, June 2, at approximately 1:55 a.m., the Westborough Fire Department was called to 22-26 South St., for a report of a structure fire.

Firefighters arrived to find heavy fire showing from the rear of the building with two people trapped on the building’s roof while trying to escape the fire.

Firefighters rescued the two residents using ground ladders, safely extracting them off the room, and then made an aggressive attack on the fire. The fire was brought under control by about 2:40 a.m. There were no reported injuries. 

The Westborough firefighters were among 139 firefighters from 22 communities across Massachusetts who were recognized for outstanding acts of bravery, heroism and service at a ceremony in Worcester on Monday.

“I am extremely proud of the hard work and dedication that the members of the department perform every day for the community. This same hard work and dedication is what proved to be imperative in the successful efforts of all five firefighters in the early morning hours of June 1,” said Chief Purcell. “The overall performance, and certainly the outcome, are rightfully commended. I could not be more proud.”

Gov. Healey, State Fire Marshal Davine, and Secretary Reidy led the awards ceremony at Mechanics Hall in Worcester.

“Over the past several weeks, Massachusetts residents have seen firefighters heroically working to protect their communities from an unprecedented wildfire season,” Gov. Healey said. “But the truth is that our firefighters demonstrate brave action, selfless compassion and deep commitment to their cities and towns every single day. The Firefighter of the Year Awards are a way to celebrate the heroes who never hesitate to answer a call for help.”

The firefighters recognized at the 35th annual ceremony represent the Amesbury Fire Department, Attleboro Fire Department, Barnstable Fire Department, Brockton Fire Department, Chicopee Fire Department, Cotuit Fire Department, Dartmouth Fire District 1, Falmouth Fire Department, Hyannis Fire Department, Lawrence Fire Department, Lowell Fire Department, New Bedford Fire Department, Newton Fire Department, North Attleboro Fire Department, Orange Fire Department, Plymouth Fire Department, Salisbury Fire Department, Springfield Fire Department, Westborough Fire Department, Whitman Fire Department, Woburn Fire Department, and Worcester Fire Department.

“Being a firefighter isn’t just a job — it’s a calling,” State Fire Marshal Davine said. “It takes us to classrooms and senior centers. It puts us on ladders, ropes, hose lines, and rescue boats. The dozens of scenarios behind this year’s awards reflect the depth and variety of the fire service mission. And the recipients all reflect extraordinary courage and determination to serve others regardless of the danger to themselves.”