16 Worcester County First Responders Honored For Frozen Lake Rescue

WORCESTER COUNTY, MA — Worcester County District Attorney Joseph D. Early Jr. honored multiple first responders who helped rescue two adults who fell through the ice on Queen Lake earlier this year.

A total of 16 first responders from the Phillipston Fire and EMS, the Phillipston Police Department, the Phillipston Highway Department, the Templeton Fire and Police Department, and the Athol Fire Departments were presented with the DA's Team Excellence and Merit Award. The award recognizes outstanding action and service by public safety personnel.

On Feb. 20, two people broke through the ice roughly 100 feet from shore. One of the victims called 911 using their smart watch.

Members of the Phillipston Fire Department wore ice rescue suits, tethered themselves to a vehicle on shore, and entered the water in a "banana boat." Both victims were safely removed within seven minutes.

Here is a complete list of first responders who received the TEAM award:

• Phillipston Police Department
  • Officer Jennifer Harding
• Phillipston Fire Department
  • Captain John Seamon, Jr.
  • FF/EMT Laurie Parker
  • FF/First Responder Cesar Franco-Uribe
• Templeton Police Department
  • Officer Noah Welch
• Templeton Fire Department
  • FF/Paramedic Kyle Daniels
  • FF/Paramedic Andrew Francis
• Athol Fire Department
  • Chief Jeffrey Parker
  • Captain Jamal Hamilton
  • Captain Andy Soltysik
  • FF/EMT Bruce Dubrule
  • FF/EMT Owen Anderholm
• Templeton Regional Dispatch
  • Dispatcher Ariana Deery
  • Dispatcher Eric Baker
• Phillipston Highway Department
  • Highway Superintendent Rick Tenney
• Highway Worker Scott Boutwell

“This rescue was a total team effort,” DA Early said. “From the 911 call to the rapid arrival of police, fire, and EMS, every part of the response worked exactly as it should. Their training, coordination, and courage prevented a tragedy that day.”

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