WORCESTER — Worcester police officers and firefighters received the District Attorney’s Team Excellence and Merit (TEAM) Award for their roles in two simultaneous fires on April 14, including the rooftop rescue of a father and daughter from a burning apartment building.
District Attorney Joseph D. Early Jr. presented the awards during a May 29 ceremony at the Worcester County Courthouse. The TEAM Award honors outstanding service by public safety professionals who go above and beyond the call of duty.
“At two simultaneous fires, these first responders acted without hesitation to assist residents and ensure their safety,” Worcester County District Attorney Joe Early said. “As they always do, all involved showed a great regard for the safety of others rather than themselves as they worked to safely evacuate residents. Thanks to the actions of Officer Waleed and those at these two scenes, all residents got out safely, including a little girl. We are very lucky to have the great Police Department and Fire Department that protect us each and every day.”
On April 14, Worcester police, fire, and EMS units were dispatched to a structure fire at 66 Vernon Street. Upon arrival, they learned a father and daughter were trapped on the roof of a deli on the building’s second floor, surrounded by heavy flames. Officer Abdulla Waleed positioned himself approximately 12 feet below the rooftop and “was able to catch the toddler and quickly ensure she was unharmed,” the district attorney’s office reported.
Worcester Firefighters Juan Lopez and Sean Davis quickly deployed a ladder to assist the father, while Firefighter Seamus Shanley climbed onto the roof to confirm no other occupants remained inside. Both the father and daughter were assessed by emergency personnel on scene and did not require hospital transport.
On the same afternoon, Worcester police and Worcester Fire Department Group 4 responded to a fire at 16 Harlow Street. When they arrived, the building was fully engulfed in flames and heavy black smoke. “First responders worked quickly to make sure no residents remained in the building and to extinguish the flames,” the Worcester County District Attorney’s Office said in its release. One female resident was transported to the hospital and has since recovered. Officers Nicholas Kalili, Johnny Nunez, and Randy Rodriguez were treated for smoke inhalation.
“Each day, the men and women of the Worcester Police Department face dangerous and unpredictable situations,” said Worcester Police Chief Paul Saucier. “We are proud to honor these officers who put themselves in harm’s way to keep members of our community safe.”
Worcester County District Attorney Joe Early created the TEAM Award 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.
Award Recipients
Harlow Street Rescue – Worcester Police Department:
• Officer Christopher Fazah
• Officer Johnny Nunez
• Officer Nicholas Kalili
• Officer Randy Rodriguez
• Worcester Fire Department Group 4
Vernon Street Rescue – Worcester Police Department:
• Officer Abdulla Waleed
• Officer Michael Casey
• Sergeant Joseph Welch
Vernon Street Rescue – Worcester Fire Department:
• Firefighter Seamus Shanley
• Firefighter Juan Lopez
• Firefighter Sean Davis
