Lawrence Exchange Club, Police Chief Award Patrolman Carl Farrington Police Officer of the Year

Farrington

 

Last week Lawrence Police Officer Carl Farrington was awarded the Lawrence Exchange Club Police Officer of the year and was presented his award by Police Chief Fitzpatrick. 

Chief Fitzpatrick took to the microphone to explain why Farrington was this years recipeient. The annual event takes place at the Wyndham Hotel in Andover in a room fo more than 300 police officers. firefighters and EMTs from Lawrence, Andover and North Andover. 

“On Monday, January 27, 2014 at approximately 8:11pm, Lawrence Police Officer Carl Farrington responded to 17 Worsock Terrace to assist the Lawrence Fire Departmet who was responding to a working fire at that location.

Upon arrival, Officer Farrington encountered an elderly gentleman who informed him that his son was on the second floor of the residence. Officer Farrington instructed the elderly gentleman to evacuate the dwelling and proceeded to the second floor.

When reaching the second floor of the swelling Officer Farrington encountered thick black smoke. Shortly thereafter, he located the elderly gentleman’s son, who was later identified as Thomas Doyle, age 54. Officer Farrington Instructed Mr. Doyle to follow him down the stairs, at which point Mr. Doyle appeared to be confused and frightened, stopping in place and grasping the handrail of the staircase.

In an attempt to remove the man from the house, Officer Farrington pulled Mr. Dole to the ground and proceeded to carry him down the smoke filled staircase on his back.

When reaching the bottom of  the stairs, Officer Farrington was met by Deputy Fire Chief John McIinnis , along with other members of the Lawrence Fire Department who assisted in pulling Mr. Doyle to safety.

Deputy McInnis later credited Officer Farrington with saving the life of Mr. Doyle. Officer Farrington was transported to Lawrence General Hospital where we was treated for smoke inhalation and released.

Mr. Doyle was transported to Lawrence General and then airlifted to Massachusetts General Hospital.

Upon recovering, Mr. Doyle  came to the police station and personally thanked Officer Farrington for saving his life.

The actions of Officer Farrington are in accordance with the finest traditions of the Lawrence Police Department, and it is my pleasure to award him with the Lawrence Exchange Club Police Office of the Year.”