For Immediate Release
Contact: Julia Keane 508-368-7226 or 774-530-1207
PHILLIPSTON – Today, Worcester County District Attorney Joseph D. Early Jr. recognized first responders whose swift and coordinated actions led to the successful rescue of two adults who fell through the ice on Queen Lake earlier this year.
Members of the responding agencies – including Phillipston Fire and EMS, Phillipston Police Department, the Phillipston Highway Department, Templeton Fire and Police Department, and Athol Fire Department– were presented with the District Attorney’s Team Excellence and Merit (TEAM) Award, which recognizes outstanding action and service by those in public safety.
On February 20, 2025, Phillipston Fire and EMS were dispatched to Queen Lake near Lambs Cove after two individuals broke through the ice roughly 100 feet from shore. One of the victims managed to call 911 using their smartwatch, reporting that both were partially atop the ice but unable to move due to rapidly deteriorating conditions.
The responding Phillipston police officer arrived on scene and confirmed visual contact with both victims, who were conscious and alert but still trapped. Within minutes, Phillipston Fire personnel arrived with the department’s ice rescue sled and boat. Two firefighters donned ice rescue suits, tethered themselves to a vehicle on shore, and entered the water with the department’s “banana boat.” Rescuers reached the first victim, pulling them onto solid ice, before moving to the second victim, removing their snowshoes, and securing them onto the rescue sled. Both individuals were safely extricated within seven minutes, with assistance from mutual aid arriving on scene. Templeton Fire paramedics evaluated the victims, who declined transport to the hospital.
“This rescue was a total team effort,” Mr. Early said. “From the 911 call to the rapid arrival of police, fire, and EMS, every part of the response worked exactly as it should. Their training, coordination, and courage prevented a tragedy that day.”
Mr. Early commended all agencies involved, noting that their professionalism and teamwork embody the spirit of the TEAM Award.
“This rescue was a great team effort between all the responding personnel on that cold winter day. They quickly used ice and rope rescue skills to successfully rescue these two individuals within just seven minutes of being on scene,” said Phillipston Police Chief William Chapman and Phillipston/Athol Fire Department Chief Jeffrey Parker.
The TEAM Award was created by Mr. Early in 2019 to recognize public safety employees who go above and beyond the call of duty. Contact the Worcester County District Attorney’s Office at (508) 755-8601 to nominate someone for this award.
The TEAM Award was presented to:
Phillipston Police Department
Officer Jennifer Harding
Phillipston Fire Department
Captain John Seamon, Jr.
FF/EMT Laurie Parker
FF/First Responder Cesar Franco-Uribe
Templeton Police Department
Officer Noah Welch
Templeton Fire Department
FF/Paramedic Kyle Daniels
FF/Paramedic Andrew Francis
Athol Fire Department
Chief Jeffrey Parker
Captain Jamal Hamilton
Captain Andy Soltysik
FF/EMT Bruce Dubrule
FF/EMT Owen Anderholm
Templeton Regional Dispatch
Dispatcher Ariana Deery
Dispatcher Eric Baker
Phillipston Highway Department
Highway Superintendent Rick Tenney
Highway Worker Scott Boutwell
