Four members of the New Bedford Fire Department were honored today at the 36th Annual Firefighter of the Year Awards in Worcester. Governor Maura Healey, Secretary of Public Safety and Security Gina K. Kwon, and State Fire Marshal Jon M. Davine joined the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services to commemorate firefighters from across the Commonwealth for acts of bravery and service.

On January 20, 2025, firefighters Paul Britto, Renald Russo III, Captain Michael Dillon, and Lieutenant Kyle Martin were recognized for their efforts during a building fire. Crews arrived to find a two-story residence with inhabitants trapped. Working under intense heat and smoke conditions, firefighters deployed a ground ladder to rescue a woman from a second-floor window and conducted interior searches while coordinating with oncoming units.

Department leadership highlighted that having four personnel on the responding company allowed Captain Dillon to split the crew and carry out search and rescue actions at the same time, supporting a robust and coordinated operation. The New Bedford Fire Department congratulates Captain Dillon, Lieutenant Martin, Firefighter Britto, and Firefighter Russo for their commitment to life safety and their service to the community and the Commonwealth.