by Chief John Moore
6/18/2014

June 17, 2014                                                       

Mr. James McGowan

Holliston Fire Department

59 Central Street

Holliston, MA 01746

RE:  CIVILIAN PUBLIC SERVICE AWARD

Dear James,

I would like to express this department’s sincere gratitude for the actions you took on June 15, 2014 to assist this department, but more importantly to provide aid and comfort to three children under the age of ten. As you are aware, this situation involved a highly intoxicated man driving and eventually crashing his vehicle with his children in the car. You and your wife Jessica, who were in the vicinity to witness this event, did everything your training as an Emergency Medical Technician and your instincts as a parent told you to do. You assessed everyone’s physical condition, you called 911 to send our officers, you remained at the scene to ensure everyone’s safety, and you took the extra steps to reassure three very vulnerable and frightened children that they would be ok. 

This incident had the potential to be a much greater public safety issue, but with your calm and professional presence we can confidently say that three children are in a much better place and one reckless father will face legal consequences and hopefully be directed toward the assistance he needs to work towards this never happening again.

We are proud of the significant actions you took last Sunday, and this town and the residents that live here should be comforted by your dedication to duty and your compassion for those in need.

Respectfully Awarded to You,

Chief John J. Moore 

June 17, 2014

Ms. Jessica McGowan                                              

Holliston Fire Department

59 Central Street

Holliston, MA 01746

RE:  CIVILIAN PUBLIC SERVICE AWARD

Dear Jessica,

I would like to express this department’s sincere gratitude for the actions you took on June 15, 2014 to assist this department, but more importantly to provide aid and comfort to three children under the age of ten. As you are aware, this situation involved a highly intoxicated man driving and eventually crashing his vehicle with his children in the car. You and your husband James, who were in the vicinity to witness this event, did everything your training as an Emergency Medical Technician and your instincts as a parent told you to do. You assessed everyone’s physical condition, you called 911 to send our officers, you remained at the scene to ensure everyone’s safety, and you took the extra steps to reassure three very vulnerable and frightened children that they would be ok. 

This incident had the potential to be a much greater public safety issue, but with your calm and professional presence we can confidently say that three children are in a much better place and one reckless father will face legal consequences and hopefully be directed toward the assistance he needs to work towards this never happening again.

We are proud of the significant actions you took last Sunday, and this town and the residents that live here should be comforted by your dedication to duty and your compassion for those in need.

Respectfully Awarded to You,

Chief John J. Moore    

(photo by Fire Chief Michael Cassidy)