FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Monday, May 7, 2018

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net

Melrose Police Detective Gregory Forestell Honored for Lifesaving Efforts After Motor Vehicle Crash in 2017

MELROSE — Chief Michael L. Lyle is pleased to report that a veteran member of the Melrose Police Department was honored this past weekend for saving the lives of several people after a major motor vehicle crash that occurred in Dracut last year.

Detective Gregory Forestell received the Irish American Police Officers Association of Massachusetts Lifesaving Award at an event on Saturday evening at the Malden Irish American Club.

Award Narrative:

On Saturday, September 16, 2017 at approximately 7 a.m., Melrose Police Detective Gregory Forestell was traveling home from a Melrose Police detail when he encountered a multiple vehicle crash in Dracut involving a dump truck that was rolled over on its side.

Detective Forestell exited his vehicle and asked a bystander to call 911 while he proceeded to the truck, which was now on fire. Along with another motorist, Detective Forestell was able to climb onto the truck and make contact with the operator who had several noticeable abrasions and cuts on his arms, and appeared confused. With the help of the other motorist, Detective Forestell was able to pulled the operator out of the truck and to safety away from the flames.

At this time, Detective Forestell retrieved a small fire extinguisher from his vehicle and attempted to put out the flames from the truck fire when he observed there was another vehicle involved in the crash with two injured passengers.

He proceeded to the other vehicle and with the help of other bystanders, attempted to treat a male passenger who was trapped in the front passenger seat and immobilized the man’s neck. At this time, Dracut Police and Fire arrived and took over the scene.

Thanks to  Detective Forestell’s quick actions and bravery, he was able to save multiple people from a dangerous situation, and is hereby awarded the Irish American Police Officers Association’s Lifesaving Award.

About the Irish American Police Officers Association Awards
Now in its 19th year, the IAPOA awards night recognizes heroism among law enforcement officers and the civilians who work every day to support the efforts of policing and corrections.

Membership in the Irish American Police Officers Association is open to all full-time law enforcement officers for just $20 per year. For more information, visit irishamericanpolice.org.

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