Groton City Police Officer Awarded Meritorious Service Honor

That October morning in 2010, key city, fire and police officials were engaged in a Federal Emergency Management Agency exercise when the alarm went off.  For a moment, some believed it was part of the training.

It wasn’t.

The apartments at Avery Heights on Brandegee Avenue are home to elderly and disabled residents, and as City of Groton Police Chief Bruno Giulini explained, a fire could have proved tragic, if not for the quick thinking and swift action of first responders.

Groton City Police Officer Mark A. Tourville was first on the scene, just before 11 a.m., minutes after the police department received a report of an apartment fire at the complex. He discovered thick black smoke rushing from the second story at the southern end of the building.

Entering the building, Tourville quickly found the second floor hallway filling with smoke pouring from the open door to the apartment where the fire had begun. He advised police headquarters and began going door to door, warning residents of the dangers and ordering those that could, to evacuate.

The police shift supervisor arrived and ordered Tourville out of the building. He did, but not before assisting two elderly women down the stairs and outside to safety.

Firefighters arrived and soon got the fire under control as all available police officers worked to help residents.  Rescuers were able to get everyone out, and there were no injuries. All 110 residents of the Avery Heights Apartments were safe.

Officials later determined a burning cigarette set a chair cushion ablaze, which spread and engulfed the apartment.

Police Chief Giulini awarded the Meritorious Service Medal to Tourville for his actions during the fire, as well as Unit Citations to Lieutenant Thomas W. Forbes, Sergeants Harry M. Merritt and Jad C. Bickford, Corporal Donald J. Comstock, Officer Ronald E. Jenkins and Support Services Assistant Lorenzo (Larry) Musella at a recent Groton City Council meeting.

“There are many things you do that go unsung,” said Deputy Mayor Marian Galbraith. “I want to thank you for all you do.”

Mayor Dennis Popp said that in addition to seeing lives saved, representatives from FEMA “saw how we all work as a team.”

Giulini said he was proud of the officers and also praised firefighters and emergency personnel.

“Congratulations …and thank you,” he said.