Harwich Officers Honored For Bravery After Fiery Accident

 HARWICH– Harwich police officers have been recognized for distinguished and meritorious service for their quick action in rescuing two victims seriously injured in a single-vehicle rollover accident on Queen Anne Road on Nov. 18. 

Police Chief Kevin Considine made the presentations before the select board on Nov. 25. Considine also presented a Harwich Police Department Shift Commendation in recognition of the staff on duty at the time of the accident. 

Police officer Thomas G. Griffiths was presented with a Department Medal for Distinguished Service for extraordinary efforts and bravery in the rescue that took place on Nov. 18, and officer Jessica Ferreira was presented with a Department Medal of Meritorious Service for her role in the rescues.

 Officers Ferreira and Griffiths were in separate cruisers along Queen Anne Road when a 2017 BMW passed Ferreira at an estimated speed of 70 miles per hour. Ferreira issued a radio report on the vehicle and Griffiths was further up Queen Anne Road at the time and heard the vehicle accelerating as it passed him. Griffiths lost sight of the vehicle as he began his pursuit, but came upon the vehicle off the side of the road in flames after rolling over several times. 

  Considine said Griffiths observed the vehicle on fire and retrieved his fire extinguisher. Four victims were outside the

vehicle, and Griffiths was alerted that there was one victim trapped in the back seat. Without hesitation, the officer knocked down enough flames to allow him to reach the victim.

 “Disregarding significant risk to yourself, you reached into the back seat and freed the trapped victim and pulled her out of the vehicle. As the vehicle became fully engulfed, you moved the victim away from the vehicle to safety. Due to severe injuries, you were able to use your high-level of training to apply a tourniquet to the victim’s leg,” Considine said.

 “Due to your decisive actions, you saved the life of another. You demonstrated the true meaning of bravery and dedication to duty. For this, you are awarded with the Harwich Police Department Distinguished Service Medal,” Considine announced.

 The police chief said this is a medal seldom given out; the last time a distinguished service medal was awarded in the department was 13 years ago. 

 “T.G.(Griffths) did save the life of this young girl,” Considine said. 

 Considine said a short time later, officer Ferreira arrived and she immediately ran toward the burning vehicle and observed four victims outside the vehicle and offered aid to all of them. Ferreira helped pull one victim away from the wreck and then was alerted that there was one additional victim on the other side of the vehicle, face down and requiring immediate attention. 

“Without hesitation, and disregarding significant risk to yourself, you pulled the victim away from the burning vehicle fearing it was going to explode,” said Considine.

 “Due to your decisive actions, both seriously injured victims will recover. Your actions involving operational risk in which extraordinary efforts were used are consistent with the principals, values, and mission of the Harwich Police Department. For this, you are awarded with the Harwich Police Department Meritorious Service Medal,” said Considine.

 Considine also praised the responses to the staff on duty that night. He cited Officer in Charge Mark Holmes, officer  Griffiths, officer Ferreira, officer Scott McFarland and telecommunicator Diane Nicholson. The staff of the evening shift

acted in an efficient and effective manner to provide aid to multiple victims of the crash along with the crash investigation.

 “The officers and dispatcher of the evening shift all displayed outstanding teamwork and great communication. Their efforts are consistent with the principles, values, and mission of the Harwich Police Department,” Considine said when issuing the Staff Commendation.

 Considine also praised the response  and teamwork of the fire department in that response, citing the great cooperation that is shared between the two departments. 

 On that evening, the two girls, ages 15 and 17, were airlifted to Boston hospitals with serious injuries and the three young men were taken to Cape Cod Hospital with non-life threatening injuries. Considine said he has spoken to the mothers of the girls from the hospitals in Boston and both are “grateful” for the response of Harwich public safety personnel. The girls have a long road to recovery, Considine added.

 “Two young lives are still here on this planet thanks to these two officers,” Select Board Chair Julie Kavanagh said at the conclusion of the presentation.