Jesse Winocour : “Firefighter Hero Saves Toddler from Blaze”

In a heart-stopping act of heroism, two Department of Public Works employees in Everett, Massachusetts, are being hailed as saviours after they sprang into action upon seeing smoke billowing from a building on Wednesday. Their quick thinking and courage saved the lives of several residents, including a young girl who was trapped inside.

When Everett firefighters arrived at the scene on Hancock Street, they were met with challenging conditions, but it was the DPW workers who were the first to respond. Jesse Winocour and Jason Papa, the two city employees, wasted no time in rushing into the burning building to help those in need.

Describing the harrowing experience, Winocour recounted, “I told him, ‘Stop the truck.’ He stopped the truck and we both ran out, ran into the building, kicked in the doors and dragged everyone out.”

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Despite their valiant efforts, Winocour and Papa were unable to reach the third floor where they learned a toddler girl was trapped. The thick smoke and intense flames prevented them from going any further.

Despite the danger, the DPW workers’ actions did not go unnoticed. Mayor Carlo DeMaria identified the firefighter who ultimately rescued the girl as Captain Jay Lewis, a 26-year veteran of the department. Lewis had to call a mayday due to the hazardous conditions he faced while trying to locate and save the trapped child.

When Lewis emerged from the building with the unconscious girl in his arms, the gravity of the situation was palpable. Neighbour Connie Garcia, who witnessed the rescue, expressed her relief, saying, “She was unconscious, so she apparently wasn’t breathing. I was so scared to see her. He couldn’t do anything else. He just dropped his body to the floor.”

For Winocour and Papa, the emotional toll of the rescue was evident. Papa, a father of six, was particularly affected by the sight of the young girl being carried out of the building. The duo’s heroic efforts not only saved lives but also prevented a tragedy from unfolding.

The residents of the building, more than a dozen of whom have been displaced, are grateful for the selfless actions of the DPW employees and the firefighter. Sue Decarney, one of the displaced residents, remarked, “Thank Christ he did because otherwise, it would be a tragedy.”

While Winocour and Papa are being hailed as heroes for their bravery, they remain humble, giving credit to the firefighter who risked his life to save the young girl. First responders were able to revive the girl, who was taken to the hospital along with the firefighter, both with non-life-threatening injuries.

As investigations into the cause of the fire continue, the actions of these courageous individuals serve as a reminder of the selflessness and bravery exhibited by emergency responders in the face of danger.