On November 19, Chief William Miller and the Hopkinton Fire Department proudly announced that Lt. Scott Jurasek has been recognized at the state’s 33rd Annual Firefighter of the Year Awards, for spending approximately 40 minutes conversing with a distraught individual on a building’s roof.
Lt. Scott Jurasek was awarded a Citation for Meritorious Conduct by Gov. Charlie Baker, Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito, Secretary Terrence M. Reidy, and State Fire Marshal Peter J. Ostroskey at the 33rd Annual Firefighter of the Year Awards on Friday, Nov. 18 at Mechanics Hall in Worcester. The ceremony was hosted by WCVB-TV Anchor Doug Meehan.
Gov. Baker said it is an honor to recognize the awardees for their bravery and commitment to the safety of the Commonwealth. He added that he is proud of the men and women in fire services for their devotion to helping their communities in times of need, and especially in life-threatening situations during which they put the safety of others first.
On May 15, 2022, the Hopkinton Fire Department was dispatched to assist in an evaluation. Upon arrival, firefighters, including Lt. Jurasek, located a young man on the roof of the residence who appeared to be distraught. Initial efforts to convince him to come down were unsuccessful, and mutual aid was called to assist.
While Hopkinton Police and Fire continued to monitor the young man and attempted to establish contact, Lt. Jurasek entered the home and went to the second floor. Lt. Jurasek exited through a bedroom window, and maneuvered across the steeply pitched roof so that he could speak to the young man face-to-face.
Lt. Jurasek spoke with the young man for about 40 minutes, calming him and gaining his trust. The young man eventually agreed to assistance, and was removed safely by Ashland Fire’s tower truck.
“Lt. Jurasek displayed incredible calm and compassion during this call, and I am proud of his dedication to the safety of others,” said Chief Miller. “If it were not for his quick thinking, the outcome could have been very different. As a Department we are proud that Lt. Jurasek is being recognized for the professionalism he demonstrates every day.”
Also receiving an award was Hopkinton firefighter / paramedic Shayne (Cook) Ward, who received her award while working as a call firefighter for Bolton.
