WORCESTER—Worcester City Council and Mayor Joe Petty on Tuesday presented retired firefighter John Ushinski with the ceremonial Key to the City, honoring his actions in October when he ran into a burning home on his street and rescued a woman trapped inside.
Petty recognized Ushinski during the Dec. 16 City Council meeting, thanking him on behalf of the city for his quick response and bravery.
“A few months back, [he] went into a burning home — no shoes and no protection — and pulled a lady out of the fire and saved her life,” Petty said during the presentation.
According to details previously reported by WHDH-TV Channel 7 News, Ushinski smelled smoke coming from a nearby home on Oct. 24 and sprinted into the burning building without protective gear, rescuing the woman and bringing her to safety before firefighters arrived.
Ushinski was treated for smoke inhalation, and both he and the woman later recovered. The incident was also reported by the Worcester Telegram & Gazette, which noted Ushinski ran into the home wearing only socks.
At Tuesday’s meeting, the city formally recognized Ushinski’s service, citing both his actions during the October fire and his broader career in public safety.
“October 24 was no different,” Petty said, delivering the citation. “After smelling smoke coming from a home on your street, you jumped into action to save the life of a woman trapped inside. Even in retirement, your bravery and call to service persists as you continue to save lives and teach children about fire safety.”
Ushinski previously served as a lieutenant with the Worcester Fire Department and has worked in fire prevention and public education, teaching residents — particularly children — about fire safety.
City Councilor Jenny Pacillo, who along with Councilor Etel Haxhiaj and Evan Corrigan, assistant assessor of taxes in the city’s Assessing Division, recommended Ushinski for the recognition, said Worcester is fortunate to have him as part of the community. Pacillo and Corrigan are both neighbors of Ushinski’s.
“I’m really lucky to call him and his family friends and Worcester is really lucky to have him too,” Pacillo said.
Accepting the honor, Ushinski thanked the council and mayor and emphasized that his commitment to Worcester has not changed since retiring from the department.
“Whether or not I’m wearing a uniform, I will always do what I can to help the people around me,” Ushinski said. “That’s simply who we are in Worcester. We look out for one another.”
Ushinski also used the moment to stress the importance of fire safety education, noting that while firefighters train extensively for emergencies, most residents do not.
“My message has always been the same, and I’ll repeat it tonight,” he said. “If there is a fire, get out and stay out. That message saves lives all the time.”
He closed by thanking his family — and joking about the now-famous socks.
“Thank you to my wife and kids for never judging me for running down the street in my socks,” Ushinski said, drawing laughter from the council chamber.
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