By Kate Gibson
The Boston Herald
Copyright 2006 Boston Herald Inc.
A group of Boston’s bravest — members of fire, rescue and emergency medical teams — were honored yesterday for “outstanding contributions to the citizens of Boston” after their heroics at the Big Dig tunnel collapse Monday.
Commissioner Kevin MacCurtain of the Boston Fire Department awarded Lt. William Donovan and his crew of Engine Company 39 and Lt. Jeffrey Price of Ladder Company 18 with Fire Commissioner’s Unit Citations.
Fire Lt. Sandy Lasa received a unit citation on behalf of Capt. James Welsh and his crew from Rescue Company 1. Greg MacCurtain of the Emergency Medical Services received a Commissioner’s Citation for himself and his partner, Michael Connolly.
Commissioner MacCurtain emphasized that the recovery operation was a team effort. “We are here today to show you that we’re prepared to handle any crisis that occurs by using a multi-agency approach,” he said. “The Boston Fire Department, Boston EMS, the state police and the Mass Turnpike Authority worked together to bring this tragedy to a conclusion.”
Boston Fire Service has a planning and training relationship with the Massachusetts Turnpike Authority that allowed the numerous rescuers on the scene to coordinate successfully, officials said. “Despite the tragedy, this working relationship contributed to the fact no one else was hurt in the recovery operation,” said Capt. Richard Parker of Boston Fire Service.
Having received the call telling only of a “motor vehicle accident with injuries,” Greg MacCurtain of Boston EMS arrived first on the scene. Risking his life, he entered the tunnel, where a 2-ton concrete slab hung from the ceiling.
The fire and rescue services then arrived and, working with the Mass Turnpike Authority and the state police, used the Turnpike’s loaders to remove some 6 tons of rubble from atop the Buick sedan.
They lassoed a slab hanging from the ceiling and pulled it aside, making the scene safe for the recovery to proceed. The body of Melina M. Del Valle, 38, of Jamaica Plain was recovered from the passenger side of the crushed car; her husband, Angel, who was driving, miraculously survived.
Greg MacCurtain of EMS downplayed his bravery. “If someone is in need of medical assistance certainly we’ll try our best to attend to our need.”
His father, Fire Commissioner MacCurtain, said he was very proud of his son. “He did what Boston EMS do everyday. There are many other incidents that go unrecognized every single day. It’s a great opportunity to show that this is what goes on all the time.”