HOPKINTON — Seven firefighters, including Interim Fire Chief Gary Daugherty, were honored this week for their brave efforts in battling a two-alarm fire on Hayward Street on Easter morning. The firefighters were recognized during the 34th Annual Massachusetts Firefighter of the Year Awards.
The ceremony, held at Mechanics Hall in Worcester, saw Daugherty, Hopkinton fire Lt. John Sheridan, and Hopkinton firefighters Jim Gosselin, Maxwell Hoadley, Douglas R. Lewis III, Jarrod Taranto, and Ashland fire Lt. Tony Duca receive the Governor’s Citation for Meritorious Conduct.
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Daugherty, who was deputy fire chief at the time of the fire, expressed his gratitude for the training, teamwork, and support from mutual aid departments that made their successful response possible.
The fire broke out at 69 Hayward St. in the early hours of April 9. Ladder 1 and Engine 2 from the Hopkinton Fire Department arrived to find flames engulfing the 1.5-story home. Despite live power lines down in the front yard, the firefighters quickly entered the building after learning that two residents were still inside.
Sheridan called for a second alarm, and Daugherty joined him in an aggressive search of the home. They located one resident near a bathroom and carried them out to awaiting EMS crews. Daugherty and Sheridan re-entered the smoke-filled home to find a second victim in a rear bedroom. With the assistance of Duca, they carried the second resident to safety.
Sadly, both residents, Judith and Seldon MacNeill, later succumbed to their injuries, along with a dog that also perished in the fire. However, the firefighters’ quick actions and teamwork provided the victims with a chance at survival.
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The ceremony, led by Gov. Maura Healey and State Fire Marshal Marshal Davine, honored 130 firefighters from 22 departments across the state. Healey praised the bravery and heroism of the recipients, stating that they represent the finest traditions of Massachusetts firefighters.
Fire officials noted that the tragic incident highlighted the importance of working smoke alarms in homes.
