Heroes Who Serve: 5 First Responders Keeping Massachusetts Safe

Massachusetts is home to dedicated first responders who go above and beyond to keep their communities safe. That’s why Patch and T-Mobile have teamed up to spotlight EMTs, firefighters and police officers who are making a difference every day.

Check out five outstanding Massachusetts first responders who are making an impact. And if you know a hero who deserves recognition, we want to hear about them! Click here to nominate a first responder for a chance to be featured in our Heroes Who Serve series on Patch!

Officer Nick Wasczcuk (North Andover) — In February 2022, Officer Wasczcuk of the North Andover Police Department conducted a routine traffic stop that quickly escalated into a high-risk situation. After learning the vehicle had been reported stolen, he arrested the driver and noticed a concealed firearm. Backup officers arrived, and together, they recovered four firearms, loaded magazines and illegal drugs while also apprehending individuals with outstanding warrants. Wasczcuk’s vigilance and decisive action prevented a potentially dangerous situation, earning him the Police/Firefighter/EMT of the Year Award in 2023. Read more here.

Sergeant Melanie Rooney (Newton) — When Sergeant Melanie Rooney saw a need for better community policing in Newton, she didn’t just step up — she built a solution. As the founder of the Newton Police Department’s Problem-Oriented Policing Unit, she’s tackled public safety issues head-on while leading crisis intervention efforts alongside the department’s Jail Diversion Clinician. In just six months, she co-responded to over 50 emergency calls and followed up on 200 more, ensuring people in crisis got the help they needed. Her leadership, compassion and drive to improve law enforcement earned her the 2023 Leadership Award from the Massachusetts Association of Women in Law Enforcement for her outstanding contributions to public safety and crisis intervention. Read more here.

Firefighter/EMT Nolan Godfrey (Georgetown) — A raging house fire on June 22, 2024, put Firefighter/EMT Nolan Godfrey’s bravery to the test. Arriving to find flames consuming the home, he immediately called for backup and ran inside to search for a trapped resident. As police officers worked quickly to evacuate three others and dispatch coordinated emergency crews, Godfrey pushed through thick smoke and intense heat, determined to reach the victim. For his quick actions in striking a second alarm and risking his life in the search, he was awarded a commendation during a ceremony recognizing the heroic efforts of first responders. Read more here.

Officers Max Szteliga and Dominik Sullivan-Souza (Dartmouth) — In June of 2024, Officers Szteliga and Sullivan-Souza of the Dartmouth Police Department saved the life of Robert Dembitzki after finding him unresponsive in his car without a pulse. Acting swiftly, they performed CPR and used an AED, successfully reviving him before emergency personnel arrived. Dembitzki later regained consciousness and has since recovered. Their decisive actions earned them the department’s Life Saving Award, recognizing their quick thinking and dedication to protecting the community. Read more here.

Dispatcher Robert Burke, Officer Jeffrey Donovan and Officer Chris Guillaume (Avon) — When a frantic 911 call came in about an unresponsive person, Dispatcher Robert Burke wasted no time, calmly guiding the caller through life-saving steps while help rushed to the scene. Officers Jeffrey Donovan and Chris Guillaume arrived moments later, finding the victim without a pulse. Without hesitation, they began CPR and administered NARCAN, refusing to give up. Their relentless efforts kept the victim stable until firefighters and EMS took over — ultimately bringing the person back to life. Read more here.

We’re fortunate in Massachusetts to have first responders like these working tirelessly to keep us safe. If you know a local hero who deserves recognition, we want to hear about them! Click here to nominate them to be featured on Patch!