For Immediate Release:
12/8/2014 3:30 pm
Worcester, MA (December 8, 2014) - The Massachusetts Department of Fire Services, along with the Worcester Fire Department's Public Education Division, recently recognized Susan Vancellete for her quick action during an oven fire in her neighbor's apartment. She was presented the State's Golden Hero Award at Illyrian Gardens, 545 Salisbury Street. This award is given to a senior citizen in Massachusetts who performs a brave act during an emergency.
Susan saved many lives one day in September. She learned what to do in one of the fire safety seminars provided by the WFD's Public Education Division, led by Firefighter Jeffrey Spring.
After noticing black smoke coming from a neighbor's apartment, Susan ran in and discovered the oven door partially open with flames bursting from inside. Remembering what she learned in the fire safety seminar, Susan quickly closed the door to the oven, shut it off and helped her neighbor leave. She pulled the fire alarm and called 911, then helped additional neighbors out and move away from building until the Fire Department arrived.
The apartment complex houses 72 units. With flames in the oven, had she not known to close the door, damage or injuries could have been way worse. Instead, the apartment saw only smoke damage - "nothing a little cleaning and fresh paint couldn’t fix." Susan averted what really could have been a disaster, with elderly and disabled residents living in the building.
"If not for the Fire Department's safety class, I would not have reacted properly or as quick," said Ms. Vancellete. She is confident the class made all the difference and said she was grateful to Firefighter Jeffrey Spring.
