13 Fall River Police Officers Honored with State Award for Bravery During Gabriel House Fire

Massachusetts has honored 13 members of the Fall River Police Department for "extraordinary bravery." All 13 deserve the recognition.

At 9:38 p.m. on July 25, 2025, Fall River Police and the Fall River Fire Department responded to a report of a fire at the Gabriel House assisted living facility at 261 Oliver Street. They encountered a catastrophic five-alarm fire that was burning out of control.

Risking their lives, first responders rushed inside to rescue residents, as many were trapped inside.

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Governor Maura Healey honored the 13 Fall River police officers Wednesday at the Massachusetts State House with the George L. Hanna Memorial Award for Extraordinary Bravery.

Massachusetts Honors 13 Fall River Police Officers For Extraordinary Bravery

Heroic Action at Gabriel House

"Despite heavy smoke, intense flames, and rapidly deteriorating conditions, officers repeatedly entered the burning building to rescue residents, many of whom had medical and mobility issues," according to a statement from Healey's office. "Officers climbed fire escapes, carried residents down multiple flights of stairs, and improvised evacuation methods using blankets and emergency equipment."

"Working alongside fellow first responders, they helped evacuate more than 50 residents while putting their own lives at risk," the statement read.

Deadliest Massachusetts Fire in Over 40 Years

Ten Gabriel House residents were killed in the fire, making it the deadliest Massachusetts fire in more than 40 years. Another 30 residents were injured, many seriously. First responders rescued 53 residents.

Fall River firefighters led the rescue effort, guiding 27 elderly and disabled residents down ladders.

Massachusetts Honors 13 Fall River Police Officers For Extraordinary Bravery

Fall River Police Officers Honored for Bravery

The 13 Fall River police officers honored at the State House include Sergeant Shane Galus, Sergeant Adam Talbot, Officer Mohammed Adelakun, Officer Collin Almeida, Officer Brandon Andrade, Officer Logan Arruda, Officer Taylor Carreiro, Officer Tre'Quan Gardner, Officer Nicholas Kennedy, Officer Jeffrey Louis, Officer Jimmie J. Page, Officer Christopher Silvia, and Officer Jacob Swenson.

Healey presented the George L. Hanna Award to 18 police officers, including the 13 from Fall River.

The Fall River Fire Department plans a special ceremony this month to honor its members who risked their lives that night to save others.