Six New Bedford Firefighters Honored In Worcester Ceremony

A half-dozen New Bedford firefighters were honored Friday at the 33rd Annual Firefighters of the Year Awards Ceremony in Worcester.

The New Bedford delegation was among dozens of firefighters from around the state being recognized.

New Bedford Fire Captain Brandon Silva and Firefighter Neal Costa were awarded a Medal of Valor for their eforts in rescuing an older adult from a burning, cluttered  second-floor apartment  on December 6, 2021.

The 65-year old man was unconscious and in cardiac arrest when firefighters transported him out of the building. Tragicaly, despite valiant efforts by firefighters and paramedics, the man died later than morning at an area hospital.

Citations for Meritorious Conduct were awarded to Lt. Charles Bailey Jr., and Firefighters Richard McCue, Anthony Resendes and Kevin Sweet for their courage and compassion in responding to a fire in a three-family home on September 19, 2021.

Firefighters spotted a woman and a small child peering from a window calling for help.  Firefighters entered the building to battle the fire, but the woman wanted to drop the child to firefighters on the ground.

Lt. Bailey and Firefighter Resendes climbed a ladder and rescued the woman and child through the window.The child was autistic, but Lt Bailey was able to comunicate with the child using sign language.

Both victims suffered second-degree burns, and the mother was on a ventilator for a week, but both made complete recoveries.

Lt. Bailey and Firefighter Resendes were awarded Medals of Valor for their actions.

Governor Charlie Baker attended the ceremony and said, "Over and over again, we see firefighters putting themselves in harm’s way or even life-threatening danger to rescue strangers from harm. These awards reflect selfless acts of courage, compassion, and service by truly remarkable public servants.”