GEORGETOWN — Police Chief David Sedgwick and Fire Chief Matt McKay have announced that members of the Georgetown Police and Fire Departments were recognized during an award ceremony for their lifesaving efforts during a four-alarm fire last month.
Georgetown Police, Fire, and Dispatch members were awarded letters of commendation during the Georgetown Select Board meeting held on Monday, July 22. Awards were given to members for their efforts during a four-alarm fatal fire that occurred on June 22.
On June 22 at approximately 10:49 p.m., Georgetown Police and Fire responded to 238 East Main St. for a report of a large house fire.
Upon arrival, first responders located heavy smoke and flames coming from the home. Firefighter/EMT Nolan Godfrey, one of only two firefighters on the first responding engine, jumped into action, striking a second alarm upon arrival before entering the home to begin a search for the victim.
Firefighters were notified that three residents were able to safely evacuate with the help of Georgetown Police Sergeant Phil Klibansky, Office Jacob Fitzgerald, and Officer Adam Elmore, however, a woman was still trapped inside.
Georgetown Fire struck a third and fourth alarm as the fire grew to bring mutual aid from surrounding communities to the scene. Georgetown Dispatcher Gabe Ricker, who took the 911 call, assisted in coordinating the response of police, fire, EMS, and mutual aid companies. The woman was removed from the home and transported to a local hospital where she later died from her injuries.
The cause of the fire was determined to be accidental, and the home was deemed a total loss.
During the ceremony on Monday, members were recognized for their efforts and roles in the incident. Firefighter/EMT Godfrey was honored for his quick actions in striking a second alarm at the scene before entering the home in an attempt to locate the victim. Sgt. Kilbansky, and Officers Fitzgerald, and Elmore were recognized for safely evacuating three residents, and Dispatcher Ricker for effectively coordinating the response of police, fire, EMS, and mutual aid companies.
Members of the Rowley Fire Department, Captain Cooper Carifio, and Firefighters James Chadbourne, Robert O’Leary, Dylan Merrill, and Andrew Krajesk were also recognized during the award ceremony in Georgetown for their mutual aid response and efforts in locating the victim and removing her from the home during the incident.
“The efforts of our officers and members embody the department’s commitment to the life and safety of the residents and community of Georgetown,” said Chief Sedgwick. “Through the collaboration of our departments, we were able to maintain a professional and effective scene, while prioritizing the safety of our community. This is another example of our continued teamwork with Georgetown Fire, and I am honored to award and recognize our members.”
“Our members, with the assistance of Georgetown Police, truly went above and beyond, risking their safety during a rescue attempt last month,” said Chief McKay. “Their actions are reflective of what we strive to do every day: keep our community safe. While we presented commendations to specific members, the rescue and extinguishment of the fire was a team effort in collaboration with 15 local communities. I thank them for their continued assistance and support.”
