Seekonk Public Safety Personnel Honored

Seekonk Fire Lieutenant Timothy Goodwin and Police Officer Nicholas Viveiros were honored for their response to a fire in a multi-unit apartment building on Springhouse Trail last January.

Goodwin and Viveiros were presented with the Medal of Merit by Fire Chief Shaun Whalen at the July 23 Select Board meeting.

Whalen said Goodwin and Viveiros “undertook aggressive evacuation and rescue efforts despite rapidly deteriorating conditions.”

Under heavy smoke, Goodwin and Viveiros located and removed two residents who had been trapped by the fire.

Goodwin and Viveiros were injured, suffering smoke inhalation, smoke exposure, and a leg injury.

“Their swift action and selfless commitment directly contributed to preventing further injury and loss of life,” Whalen added. “Thanks to their courage, all residents were safely evacuated, the fire was brought under control quickly, and the building was able to be reoccupied without further incident.”