Three Malden Firefighters Commended For Heroic Actions in Saugus

Courtesy Photo/(From left) Fire Chief Jack Colangeli, Firefighter Don Kelsey, Firefighter Gregory Jean, Lieutenant John Hall, Mayor Gary Christenson, Assistant Fire Chief Kevin Finn

MALDEN, MA - Three membrs of the Malden Fire Department received commendations Tuesday night from city officials at the council’s meeting for their recent heroic actions in the Town of Saugus.

Three firefighters from Saugus Engine 3 were stuck on the second floor with high heat, zero visibility, low air, and a hallway filled with the owner’s possessions and debris, according to Saugus Fire officials.

Malden Ladder 1 Lt. John Hall and Firefighters Don Kelsey and Gregory Jean were assisting Saugus in battling the inferno when the Saugus Fire Chief issued a mayday call ordering all firefighters out of the building. A roll call determined that three Saugus firefighters remained trapped inside. A Saugus Captain rescued two of the trapped firemen, but one remained. Working to ventilate the house, Firefighter Jean saw a hand in a window. He immediately smashed the glass and said “Brother, give me your hand.” Firefighter Jean pulled the Saugus Firefighter out of the window with the assistance of Lt. Hall and Firefighter Kelsey in the nick of time, according to fire officials.

The cause of the fire in Saugus is likely to remain undetermined, according to authorities.