Celebrating Local Hero: 

By the 413 Insider Staff Worcester, MA – November 25, 2025

In a ceremony brimming with stories of courage and commitment, Captain Katie Collins-Kalbaugh of the Chicopee Fire Department was recognized for her outstanding contributions to public safety, receiving the Norman Knight Award for Excellence in Community Service at the 36th Annual Firefighter of the Year Awards.

The event, held Monday evening at Mechanics Hall in Worcester, celebrated 170 firefighters from across Massachusetts for acts of heroism and service between June 20, 2024, and June 30, 2025.

Emceed by WCVB-TV anchor Doug Meehan, the evening opened with honor guards from the Worcester, Brockton, and Chelsea Fire Departments, a performance of the national anthem by Todd Angelie, and an invocation by Reverend Bruce Arbor, Chief Chaplain of the Massachusetts Corps of Fire Chaplains.

Meehan shared a personal connection to the fire service through his family, underscoring the often-unseen tales of firefighters' perseverance.

Public Safety and Security Secretary Gina K. Kwon addressed the audience, praising the Department of Fire Services for its training and support amid challenges like the Gabriel House fire and recent trench collapse rescues. She stressed the ongoing need for resources to equip these essential responders.

A moment of silence honored two firefighters who perished in the line of duty over the past year:
Brockton’s Jeffrey Albanese and North Andover’s Jeffrey Dashens.

The awards highlighted exceptional bravery, with Governor's Group Citations for Meritorious Conduct going to teams from departments including Stonham, Canton, Framingham, Everett, Lowell, Pittsfield, New Bedford, Fitchburg, and Yarmouth for rescues ranging from structure fires and vehicle collisions to ice emergencies and cardiac arrests.
Medals of Valor were bestowed upon individuals such as Firefighters Ralph Ketchupia and Matthew Lupacella from Marlborough, Firefighter Tom Henderson from Rockland, and Firefighter Ukites Barona from Chelsea for daring entries into burning buildings and navigating hazards like live power lines.

Amid these accolades, Captain Collins-Kalbaugh's award stood out for its focus on proactive community impact. Presented by State Fire Marshal Jon M. Davine, the Norman Knight Award recognized her as a longtime fire safety and prevention advocate, embodying the department's dedication to educating and protecting residents before emergencies arise.

Governor Maura Healey and Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll closed the event with thanks to the honorees and their families, emphasizing support for first responders—particularly timely as the holiday season begins.

The Chicopee Fire Department's Facebook post captured the local pride: "Today marked the 36th Annual Firefighter of the Year Awards Ceremony at Mechanics Hall in Worcester. Congratulations to Captain Katie Collins-Kalbaugh, who was honored with the Norman Knight Award for Excellence in Community Service." Comments poured in, with one resident noting, "We are blessed to have you in our City. Wishing you always the best!"

For the 413 region, this honor reinforces the vital role of leaders like Captain Collins-Kalbaugh in fostering safer communities. As Chicopee navigates its blend of urban and rural needs, her advocacy sets a standard for prevention that saves lives daily.

The 36th Annual Firefighter of the Year Awards not only commemorated past heroics but reaffirmed the collective strength of Massachusetts firefighters.

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