SUTTON – Worcester County District Attorney Joseph D. Early Jr. today honored the Sutton Fire Chief, a Sutton police officer and an environmental police officer for their heroic life-saving efforts in separate incidents this summer.
Chief Matthew Belsito, Sutton Police Officer Matthew Pepin and Massachusetts Environmental Police Officer Donald Spaulding were presented the District Attorney’s Team Excellence and Merit — TEAM — Award, which recognizes outstanding service by those in public safety.
“I want to thank Officer Pepin and Chief Belsito for what they did this summer and for what they do every day to help others and make our communities safer,” Mr. Early said. “They are heroes and are what our award is all about.”
While off duty and relaxing on a Cape Cod beach on July 8, Chief Belsito and others in his party sprang into action after hearing about a father and son in distress and in danger of being swept out to sea.
Chief Belsito’s quick response led to the rescue of the frightened father and son, who were found clinging to an inner tube.
On July 22, Officer Pepin rescued a distressed man armed with a gun at Lake Manchaug. The officer’s actions were called “brave” and selfless” in a Sutton PD press release. Officer Spaulding assisted Officer Pepin in this incident.
Mr. Early created the TEAM Award 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.