Brookline Firefighter Honored By Celtics For Saving Lives

BROOKLINE, MA — When off duty Brookline fire-fighter Brian Mulkern went out to dinner on his way to night classes in Charlestown this past November, he never expected to save someone’s life. But he did, and now the Boston Celtics have honored him as a Boston Celtics Hero Among Us.

While at a waterfront restaurant, Mulkern heard the loud crash as a couple accidentally drive their car off the pier, leaving them hanging over the icy water below. As the car dangled over the edge, Mulkern ordered bystanders to stabilize the car while he ran raced to the couple trapped inside. With no regard for his own safety, he hung off the dock, swinging himself out over the water and pulled the couple out of the car, saving their lives.

For his quick thinking and bravery, Mulkern will be honored as a Hero Among Us at the Jan. 23 Celtics vs the Cleveland Cavaliers game.

Since it was established in 1997 by the Boston Celtics, The Heroes Among Us program has recognized outstanding individuals who have made exceptional and lasting contributions to their communities. The award is presented at every Celtics home game and is an effort to pay tribute to the heroic achievements of outstanding citizens.

"I'm just glad they're OK and everything worked out," Mulkern told Patch after the incident.

RELATED: Brookline Firefighter Saves Couple After Car Drives Off Pier

• Read more: 2 Survive After Car Drives Off Charlestown Pier

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Photo courtesy Boston Celtics and Hero Among Us