Meritorious Awards Ceremony in Fall River

Fall River, Ma. On Friday October 16th Firefighters, family, and friends gathered at the Matthew J. Kuss auditorium to honor 47 members who responded to the deadly Gabriel House assisted living facility fire. On July 13th firefighters responded to a working fire at Gabriel House and were confronted with heavy fire and smoke showing from the two story structure. They faced numerous residents with mobility issues in need of immediate rescue. 53 residents were rescued, 27 over ground ladders and 26 carried from the building using the exterior stairs. Ten residents perished in the fire. Firefighters who battled the fire were presented with Medals of Valor, Medals of Honor, Medals of Courage, and Medals of Meritorious Service.