Montgomery Chief Stephen P. Frye (Photo submitted)
WORCESTER – Governor Charles Baker and Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito joined State Fire Marshal Peter J. Ostroskey and other dignitaries at Mechanics Hall in Worcester last Tuesday to present Firefighter of the Year awards to 13 Massachusetts fire departments and 91 individuals for heroic acts of bravery.
The Medal of Honor award was presented posthumously to Montgomery Fire Chief Stephen P. Frye who succumbed while fighting a fire on Dec. 6, 2017. Chief Frye served the Montgomery Fire Department for 24 years, becoming deputy fire chief in 1997 and fire chief in 1999.
On Dec. 6, 2017, the volunteer fire department responded to a chimney fire on New State Road in Montgomery that soon engulfed the 200 year old farm house. Mutual aid was called in from surrounding towns, while Chief Frye hauled more hose to the rear of the structure. He collapsed while fighting the fire alongside his son Matthew and then Deputy Fire Chief Chris Galipeau, who is now Montgomery Fire Chief. Chief Frye also left behind his wife Laurie and daughter Katelyn.
Fire department personnel from around the state attended Chief Frye’s funeral, and the sign at the Montgomery Fire station still marks his last bell on Dec. 6, 2017.
“We are incredibly proud to honor these courageous firefighters for their bravery and service to their local communities in times of danger,” said Governor Baker. “Massachusetts cities and towns are better places to live, work and raise a family because so many first responders selflessly answer the call to serve each and every day.”
“It is our privilege to honor the brave men and women who have all done something remarkable to earn this recognition,” said Lieutenant Governor Polito. “We also want to thank the families of Massachusetts firefighters for the daily sacrifices they make as their loved one serves to protect the community.”
A full list of those recognized can be found on the state’s web site, https://www.mass.gov/service-details/firefighter-of-the-year-awards
