SOMERVILLE POLICE

Life Saving Medal

On June 22, 2021, at 1:20 am, E-911 dispatched units to a house fire at 17 Bond Street. Within minutes, Officers arrived on location and observed heavy flames coming from the front porch of the dwelling.  Officer T. Lambert quickly forced entry into the front door, followed by Officers S. Garcia, J. Brown and S. Costa to search for inhabitants of the building.  

Officers quickly searched all levels of this three-family dwelling and assisted a number of stranded occupants towards the front door.    As officers were nearing this exit, Sergeant John Marino alerted them that this entrance was now engulfed in flames, not safe, and to use the rear exit to escape the burning flames. Sergeant Marino also stood by outside to keep onlookers safe from fallen electrical lines. Ultimately, there were no serious injuries caused by this fire that eventually displaced nine residents.

Officers Thomas Lambert, Sergio Garcia, Justin Brown and Sergio Costa acted without fear for their own safety when they entered this burning dwelling.   These officers placed their own lives at risk in order to save others. Sergeant Marino, managed to not only protect innocent onlookers from harm’s way, but warned the officers and those being rescued that the front entrance was not safe to exit, causing them to use the rear exit to safety. 

The actions of the above referenced officers exemplify the long history of courage and professionalism within the Somerville Police Department.  I take great pride in awarding each of these Officers with the Somerville Police Department’s Life Saving Award.

Presented on the 5th day of August in the year 2021

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Charles Femino, Chief of Police

(Photo Left to Right: Deputy Christopher Ward, Sgt. Marino, Officer Sergio Costa, Officer Justin Brown, Officer Sergio Garcia, Officer Thomas Lambert)