TEWKSBURY — Chief Ryan Columbus reports that a Tewksbury Police officer responded to a house fire on Friday morning and helped residents safely exit the burning building before firefighters arrived.
On Friday, Jan. 3, at approximately 5:40 a.m., Tewksbury Police and Fire were dispatched to 36 Mohawk Drive for a report of a house fire, which was called in by a neighbor.
Officer Dennis Kelleher was on a nearby street when the fire was called in. He quickly arrived at the home before the firefighters. On arrival, he observed heavy smoke and flames coming from the living room and was waved down by a neighbor who notified him that residents were still inside.
Officer Kelleher attempted to kick the front door in, but it was deadbolted. He proceeded to run to the back of the home and eventually found an open door.
Despite feeling the heat from the fire and seeing smoke coming from inside the home, Officer Kelleher courageously entered the building and alerted occupants that the house was on fire. His actions awoke the three residents who were sleeping and unaware that their home was on fire.
The residents were able to exit safely without any injuries, and firefighters extinguished the flames shortly after.
“This is one of the most intimidating situations a police officer can be put in,” Tewksbury Police Lt. Colin Trelegan said in a commendation letter. “We train extensively and have equipment to handle most of the dangerous situations we face. However, in this situation, even though Officer Kelleher didn’t have firefighting equipment, he didn’t hesitate to put himself in harm for the lives of three Tewksbury residents.”
“I commend Officer Dennis Kelleher for his bravery and his ability to think quickly during a critical emergency,” Chief Columbus said. “I am incredibly proud of his continued commitment to keeping our community safe no matter the situation, and remain grateful that the residents could exit their home safely. Lastly, I’d like to thank the Tewksbury Fire Department for their quick response and action.”
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