Massachusetts Honors DPW Workers With Madeline Amy Sweeney Award for Civilian Bravery
- On July 3, 2024, two Everett Department of Public Works employees rushed into a burning triple-decker building on Hancock Street in Everett, Massachusetts.
- Shortly before 8 a.m., Winocour spotted smoke pouring from the multi-family structure while driving a department truck with Papa.
- Sueli Decarney, a first-floor resident, reported waking up to loud banging on her door as the workers moved floor-to-floor to alert people.
On July 3, 2024, two Everett Department of Public Works employees rushed into a burning triple-decker building on Hancock Street in Everett, Massachusetts. Jesse Winocour and Jason Papa kicked in doors and evacuated sleeping residents before a toddler was saved by firefighters, according to local accounts and state records. The two men were later nominated for the Sweeney Award for Civilian Bravery by Massachusetts State Senator Sal DiDomenico and State Representative Joseph McGonagle.
DPW Workers Storm Burning Everett Building
Morning Patrol Turns Into Emergency Rescue
Shortly before 8 a.m., Winocour spotted smoke pouring from the multi-family structure while driving a department truck with Papa. “I told him ‘Stop the truck, stop the truck!'” Winocour stated. Both men abandoned the vehicle, forced entry into the building, and began rousing occupants.
Sueli Decarney, a first-floor resident, reported waking up to loud banging on her door as the workers moved floor-to-floor to alert people. Approximately twenty residents were displaced by the multi-alarm fire but escaped uninjured.
Driven Back by Smoke and Heat
When the workers discovered a small girl remained trapped on the third floor, they attempted a rescue inside the intensifying blaze. Winocour and Papa pushed up the stairs until heat and smoke drove them back.
“We couldn’t make it all the way in. Too much smoke, too much fire. We tried,” Winocour said. Papa added that he could not breathe and that his eyes burned from the smoke.
Fire Captain Reaches Trapped Toddler
Captain Jay Lewis of the Everett Fire Department arrived as the municipal workers descended the stairs and directed him toward the stranded three-year-old. Lewis located the child on the third floor, carried her down through the smoke-filled stairwell, and handed her to other firefighters before collapsing.
Firefighters successfully revived the limp child, who was subsequently hospitalized, treated, and released. Lewis sustained non-life-threatening injuries during the rescue.
State Leaders Honor Heroic Actions
Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll praised the two workers for their quick intervention.
“Today, we honor two individuals who truly embody the spirit of selflessness and courage,” Driscoll said. Driscoll noted that Winocour and Papa acted without hesitation during life-threatening danger, connecting their actions to the bravery demonstrated by Madeline Sweeney during the September 11 attacks.