OAKHAM — Over 60 law enforcement officers and civilian search team members involved in the search and rescue of a 5-year-old autistic boy earlier this year were recognized by Worcester County District Attorney Joseph D. Early Jr. earlier today.
Members of the following departments were presented with the District Attorney’s Team Excellence and Merit – TEAM Award – for their synchronized, quick response in locating the missing 5-year-old autistic boy on Feb. 20: Massachusetts State Police, Oakham Police Department, Oakham Fire Department, North Brookfield Police Department, Massachusetts Environmental Police, Rutland Fire Department, Rutland Police Department, Fitchburg Police Department, Rutland Regional Emergency Communications Center, Barre Police Department, Central Massachusetts Search and Rescue Team and the Hampden County Sheriff’s Department were all presented with the District Attorney’s Team Excellence and Merit – TEAM Award – for their efforts and actions during the Feb. 20 search and rescue.
On the morning of Feb. 20, 2023, Owen, who is both autistic and non-verbal, left his family’s Edson Road Home in Oakham, with the family dog, Tika. Owen’s older sister informed their parents that he left just before 9:30 a.m., which happened to be just before the home’s alarm had been set.
Owen’s family immediately searched the woods that surrounded their residence. When they couldn’t find Owen, they called 911.
“It was incredible how fast they responded. Within a half hour, there were drones and within an hour, police lined the roads. They were amazing,” said Samantha Kendall, Owen’s mother.
As the search progressed, more law enforcement officials, first responders and civilian search team members joined the effort until Owen and the family dog were located three hours into the search.
“A sense of peace came over me. For that time, him being missing was a part of me missing. The relief was 1,000 pounds coming off my shoulders,” Samantha Kendall said.
A second TEAM Award was given to Oakham Police Officer Lucas Wise for saving a family from a house fire on Feb. 16, 2023.
After finishing his shift at about 11 p.m., Officer Wise was heading to his second job at Clark University’s Police Department when he saw smoke coming from a Rutland home.
The officer – who was familiar with the residents because they waved at him as he patrolled passed their home while on duty – ran into the burning home, returning the husband and wife to safety.
“It is fitting that everyone here is receiving the TEAM Award because the teamwork displayed by every agency during this rescue is the epitome of team,” Oakham Police Chief Frederick Gehring said. “Our community is a close-knit town, and we care for one another. I am extremely proud of all my officers.”
The TEAM Award was created by Mr. Early in 2019 to recognize public safety employees who go above and beyond the call of duty. Contact the Worcester County District Attorney’s Office at (508) 755-8601 to nominate someone for this award.
