Massachusetts Officers Honored for Burning Building Rescue

WORCESTER, MA—Shortly after 1 on a February morning, two police officers rushed into a burning building and helped rescue an 89-year-old woman from the flames.

At a ceremony at the police station Monday, Officer Timothy Foley and Officer Daniel Pennellatore were recognized for their actions, and given the Team Excellence and Merit (TEAM) award by District Attorney Joseph D. Early Jr.

No one was seriously injured in the blaze at 73 Chilmark St. Feb. 27.

"Officer Foley and Pennellatore exemplified courage, bravery and a commitment to protect others at all costs," Early said at the ceremony. "These are the things that make the city of Worcester such a safe community."

The woman lived alone in a first-floor apartment. When officers arrived, two young men were carrying the woman in a smoke-filled hallway. The officers took it from there.

Both officers credited the pair.

"If it wasn't for those kids, it would've been a whole different turnout," Foley said. He's checked in on the woman a few times since the incident and said she is doing well in a care facility.

Being recognized is good but Officer Pennellatore believes he did nothing different from any of his fellow officers, and Foley felt similarly.

"We knew there were people stuck inside and you just go do what you do. It's second nature, and if it's not, you're in the wrong job," said Foley.

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