Tewksbury Officer Commended For Saving Residents From Burning Home

TEWKSBURY, MA — A Tewksbury police officer is being lauded for helping residents safely evacuate a burning building before firefighters arrived Friday morning.

Police and fire were dispatched to 36 Mohawk Drive on a report of a house fire called in by a neighbor at 5:40 a.m.

Officer Dennis Kelleher was on a nearby street at the time. He quickly arrived at the home before firefighters and spotted heavy smoke and flames coming from the living room, according to a police statement.

A neighbor waved him down and told him that residents were still inside.

Kelleher attempted to kick the front door in, but it was deadbolted. He then ran to the back of the home and eventually found an open door.

Kelleher then entered the home despite the heat of the fire and smoke. Kelleher alerted the three people asleep in the house, who were unaware the house was on fire.

The residents exited safely, and firefighters extinguished the flames shortly after.

"This is one of the most intimidating situations a police officer can be put in," Tewksbury Police Lt. Colin Trelegan said in a commendation letter. "We train extensively and have equipment to handle most of the dangerous situations we face. However, in this situation, even though Officer Kelleher didn't have firefighting equipment, he didn't hesitate to put himself in harm for the lives of three Tewksbury residents."

Chief Ryan Columbus said in a statement: "I commend Officer Dennis Kelleher for his bravery and his ability to think quickly during a critical emergency. I am incredibly proud of his continued commitment to keeping our community safe no matter the situation, and remain grateful that the residents could exit their home safely. Lastly, I'd like to thank the Tewksbury Fire Department for their quick response and action."