By Cindy Zomar, Contributing Writer
Photo/submitted
Marlborough – Each year on Labor Day, the Marlborough Chief of Police recognizes officers for outstanding achievements throughout the year, for going above and beyond in the areas of bravery, heroic actions, and professionalism. For the first time, a Citizen’s Award was added this year at the suggestion of Officer Ken MacKenzie. The award was presented to Marlborough resident Fernando Teodoro for his heroic actions in April when he pulled a neighbor from a fire on Lakeshore Drive.
“On April 2, 2019 police, fire and medical personnel responded to 24 Lakeshore Drive for a report of a ‘male on fire,’” said Chief David Giorgi. “Reportedly, the male had fallen into a fire while burning refuse in his yard and he was actively burning. As the victim screamed for help, his neighbor, Fernando Teodoro, rushed from his own yard to try to help. Most people may have frozen and not known what to do, but Mr. Teodoro immediately grabbed onto the victim and helped pull him from the flames. Mr. Teodoro then tried to extinguish the fire on the victim’s body. The victim suffered extensive burns to a large percent of his body and barely survived the incident.”
Teodoro was surprised when he heard that he was to be honored and remembered the day well. “I got off work earlier than usual and was pulling in with my daughter when I saw my neighbor walking toward his burn barrel. As I got out, I heard someone say ‘Help,’ but it really didn’t register with me… Then, as I went to take my 5-year-old daughter out of the truck, she looked up at me and said ‘Help, Daddy?’”
Teodoro looked around and saw that his neighbor had fallen, and the fire was already covering his legs.
“I ran over and grabbed the back of his collar to pull him out, then took off my jacket to beat the flames out. A neighbor called the police and they were there so quickly, I am sure that is what saved him,” he explained.
Officer MacKenzie was first on scene and immediately called for Life Flight.
“My daughter, she said ‘Daddy, you’re a hero!’ but I told her that she was the hero because she pushed me into action.”
Giorgi praised Teodoro’s efforts while presenting the award.
“As officers, we receive training and may have experience when presented with horrific situations which most citizens may never encounter,” he said. “However, Mr. Teodoro did not hesitate when presented with an unimaginable event. He disregarded his own safety and worked to help save the life of his neighbor. For his bravery and his selflessness, Mr. Teodoro is the 2019 recipient of the Marlborough Police Department Citizen’s Award.”
